Community / Church of Scotland keen to assist Hillswick kirk community group
THE CHURCH in Hillswick has been taken off the market temporarily to allow a community group to be formed for its possible purchase.
The Church of Scotland said it would be “very pleased to help the proposed community group in any way we can”.
A ‘Friends of the Hillswick Kirk’ Facebook group was launched last month after the 150-year-old church went on the market for offers over £40,000.
Local resident Tom Morton claimed there had been a lack of consultation with the general community, but the church said the kirk went on the market when it did because of its deteriorating condition.
The Facebook group aimed to bring the community together to formulate possible ideas for future uses.
It appears to have made some impact already, with the Church of Scotland taking down the ‘for sale’ signs and removing the listing from its website to allow time for a community bid to be mounted.
The next steps for the group would be to establish a formal community body.
The Hillswick kirk was one of 20 in Shetland which were earmarked for closure back in 2018.
A Church of Scotland spokesman said: “The former Presbytery of Shetland first announced their intention to sell Hillswick Church in October 2018, and since then have always been amenable to discussion with potential buyers.
“The Church of Scotland will be very pleased to help the proposed community group in any way we can.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.