COMMUNITY TAKES OWNERSHIP OF HISTORIC CHURCH BUILDINGS
Community Takes Ownership of Historic Church Buildings
December 11th 2025, Avich & Kilchrenan Community Heritables (AKCH) completed the landmark purchase of the Kilchrenan and Dalavich kirks, securing the future of two historic buildings for generations to come.
The transfer, supported by the Scottish Land Fund and a generous private donation, enables the creation of two new community heritage centres while ensuring the buildings continue to serve as places for worship, weddings, funerals, and key life events.
Following extensive community engagement, AKCH will now prepare detailed plans for each building’s future:
Kilchrenan Centre will showcase local history and host music, arts, storytelling, exhibitions, and cultural events celebrating both the area’s heritage and its creative future.
Dalavich Centre will exhibit linked local history and focus on gentle creative activity, intergenerational programming, and wellbeing events in a calm, welcoming setting.
Chris Goldsmith, Chair of AKCH, said:
“Today marks the beginning of something hopeful and exciting for our community. These buildings have shaped our past — now we’re opening them up to shape our future.”
Oscar Pearce, AKCH Youth Representative, said:
“It’s brilliant to see these buildings becoming spaces for all generations. They’ll attract new people to the area and open-up opportunities we’ve not had before.”
AKCH will now begin a three-year programme of transformation, starting with installing running water and toilets, followed by wider adaptations to support each centre’s purpose. The total project cost is £500,000, to be raised through a mix of community contributions and grant funding.
Those wishing to support or volunteer can contact rhona.knox@akchheritables.co.uk
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FAQ's
Yes, the kirks will be available for multi-faith worship, weddings, christenings, funerals and other important services.
The graveyards are owned by Argyll & Bute council and there will be no change.
To cover maintenance costs, it is vital that the kirks are used by more people, more often and hence generate enough income to cover maintenance.
AKCH want to enhance our area hence it is vital that we do not compete with existing facilities. As such, it is a key criteria that all of our development opportunities complement existing services. Additionally, addressing a vital community need, and not competing with existing facilities, is a key criteria for all public funding.
We will do this in 3 ways:
Regular drop-in engagement session on key topics – first sessions April’24.
Quarterly Update Letters – first edition published June’24, distributed door to door, via email and Facebook.
Website Latest News – Board Meeting Minutes, Community Events, Funding Support Outcomes will all be posted.
