Upgrade planned for Scalloway Kirk

THE CHURCH of Scotland is planning to upgrade the Scalloway Kirk to make it an accessible and flexible space which it says will be a “real asset to the community”.

The project is at the very early stages, and an open day is being held at the kirk on Saturday 27 April as part of a consultation exercise with the local community.

The drop-in event will run from 10am to 4pm, with a presentation from architects at 10.30am.

This will focus on how the church should look and function.

Known locally as the muckle or big kirk, the church was built in the 1840s.

A Church of Scotland spokesperson said: “The building needs disabled access, an accessible toilet, a new kitchen, more flexible sanctuary space and an upgrade to the heating system.

“This will result in changes to the look of the church, both inside and outside.

“During the open day, an architect will present several options in the morning and people can pop in and study the plans in more detail until 4pm.

“Moving forward, final plans and costings will be drawn up and permission for alterations to the building from the appropriate authorities will be sought when the time is right.”