the project

Kilmaronock Old Kirk, a delightful B Listed19th-century church near Gartocharn was decommissioned in 2017, having been out of use for some time. The Kilmaronock Old Kirk Trust was set up with the intention to buy the building from the Church of Scotland, in order to restore it and run it for the local community.

Trust chairman Willie Roxburgh said, ‘The intention is to develop the building as a sustainable multi-use community meeting space, an arts venue and a heritage centre… The glebe field will be developed as a natural burial ground and outdoor recreational space.’ As locals, we have attended many events at Kilmaronock over the years and are thrilled that so many people are interested in its preservation and renewal.

At Thomas Robinson Architects, we are delighted to have been chosen to help the Trust achieve their aim. They have raised significant funds through grants and the community and are now at the stage of planning restorative and regenerative work on the beautiful building.

How we worked

At this stage, the work will focus on repairs to the building to make it compliant for public use, including stonework restoration, lime pointing, leadwork and slating. Further down the line plans involve creating a multi-faceted interior space, a heritage exhibition and adding kitchen and toilet facilities. The integrity of the building will be uppermost in all our designs, as will sustainable design solutions.

We feel very at home working on Scotland’s historic kirks. As experienced RIAS accredited Conservation Architects in this field, we understand the importance of preserving our built heritage. We’re confident and enthusiastic about the very sensitive proposals for Kilmaronock Kirk.

Success of the project

We envisage this being a hugely successful community project, giving local people back a wonderful building and adding considerably to its potential uses.

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