Lamlash Community Hub considers its options as church purchase fails

The disused church, which dates back to the 1880s and is a category A-listed building, was on the market by its owners, Church of Scotland, for offers over £65,000.

Lamlash Community Hub made significant efforts, including securing purchasing funds and feasibility study grants from the Scottish Land Fund, to facilitate turning the church property into a community hub.

A spokesperson from Lamlash Community Hub told the Banner: “Lamlash Community Hub were disappointed to learn that we were unsuccessful in our bid to secure Lamlash Church and halls from the Church of Scotland with the purpose creating a vibrant community hub for the Island.

“Discussions which led to the setting up of Lamlash Community Hub as a limited company and registered charity began in August 2023, and the team of volunteers have worked hard to both raise significant funds and facilitate an attractive development plan for the site with the help of our architects Simpson and Brown of Edinburgh. Plans were in place to create valuable community space for local voluntary and charitable organisations, local businesses, and islanders alike - supported by the generous offer of purchase funding from the Scottish Land Fund.

“We remain deeply grateful to everyone in the community who contributed funds, support, and enthusiasm for this project. The level of backing we received demonstrated how much this site means to the people of Lamlash and beyond.

“While this outcome is not what we had hoped for, we recognise that strong feelings remain within the community. We will take time to reflect on the next steps and remain open to exploring any avenues that may arise to ensure that this historic building continues to serve islanders’ needs.”