Final six churches to be sold off later this year
The last six isles churches up for closure will be sold off later this year, the Church of Scotland has said.
Over the course of 2022, Tingwall, Whalsay, Gulberwick, Dunrossness, Lunna, and Out Skerries will be closed and sold.
The sales are likely to begin in the spring, and are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Thirteen churches have already been sold or are under offer, with this year’s sales marking the final phase of the Church of Scotland’s closures – as first announced in 2018.
The Church of Scotland said it “would love” to transfer the remaining churches over to any interested community groups, but need community buyers to come forward before the end of the year.
It said it was understood these closures “will be a difficult milestone for the community”.
Anyone who would like to discuss options around community or trust ownership of any of the remaining church buildings is asked to get in touch with Rev. Fran Henderson at ShetlandParish@churchofscotland.org.uk
Church of Scotland
The Church of Scotland would very much like to transfer the church buildings to community groups that organise to make a bid, as we made clear when the previous buildings were listed for sale. Four church buildings have already been transferred to community groups and we are happy to speak to any interested community groups. We encourage interested parties to contact Shetland Church of Scotland at ShetlandParish@churchofscotland.org.uk
Professor Iain Torrance
As a person whose ministry began in Shetland (in Northmavine) and who loves Shetland and knows its history, I believe it would be an absolute tragedy if the Lunna Kirk were disposed of. It is practically unthinkable and I hope and pray that some alternative may be found.