Historical Church Up for Sale

The Arbuthnott Church, a historical church in Kincardineshire, Scotland, is up for sale due to financial constraints faced by the Church of Scotland. The church, which dates back to the late 1200s, holds significant cultural and literary importance, particularly in relation to the famous Scottish novel "Sunset Song".

Literary Significance

"Sunset Song", written by Lewis Grassic Gibbon in 1932, is a classic novel that tells the story of Chris Guthrie, a young woman living on her family’s farm in the Mearns, south of Aberdeen. The novel is set in the fictitious estate of Kinraddie, which is based on Arbuthnott, where Gibbon lived as a child and where his ashes are buried. The church and its surroundings inspired the setting of the novel, making it a vital part of Scotland’s literary heritage.

Community Efforts to Save the Church

The local community, led by Charles Roberts-Mcintosh, chairman of the Arbuthnott Community Development Group, is determined to save the church. They plan to raise funds or apply for grants to preserve the building and its cultural heritage. Roberts-Mcintosh emphasizes the importance of retaining the church, not only for its historical significance but also for its potential as a community center and event space.

Academic Perspectives

Professors Alan Riach and Scott Lyall, experts in Scottish literature, have expressed their concern over the potential closure of the church. Riach describes the church as a "major pilgrimage site in literary Scotland", while Lyall highlights its importance in understanding the past and building a better future. They both emphasize the need to preserve the church as a cultural heritage site, with Gibbon’s life and work at its center.

The Church’s Future

The Church of Scotland expects to put the main building up for sale later this year, citing low attendance and financial constraints. However, the community remains hopeful that they can raise enough funds to save the church and repurpose it as a community center, event space, or even a venue for intimate concerts, taking advantage of the building’s ideal acoustics.

Preserving the Past

The church’s historical significance and cultural importance make it a vital part of Scotland’s heritage. As Roberts-Mcintosh notes, the building is "fundamentally solid" and only requires "delicate, loving care" to preserve it for future generations. The community’s efforts to save the church demonstrate their commitment to preserving the past and promoting the cultural and literary significance of the Arbuthnott Church.