A dilapidated historic church, considered to be one of the architectural gems of the 20th century has been saved for the nation through its sale to a charity for £1, thanks to the initiative of local people.
The transfer of ownership will trigger the development of a major £1.3 million project to restore the building and transform it into a cultural hub and a unique venue for traditional music.
The Category A listed St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Braemar has been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 2003 and was last used by the congregation in 1997. The church is derelict and in poor condition but in its late Victorian heyday was celebrated for its architecture and filled every Sunday with hundreds of worshippers who flocked to fashionable Royal Deeside during the summer months.
With the future of the building looking increasingly perilous the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust (SRCT) has stepped in and, working in partnership with Braemar residents, accepted the offer of the Rt. Revd. Dr Bob Gillies, Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, to transfer ownership of St Margaret’s for £1. Dr Gillies said that he was “delighted that this has come about” and praised local people for their support.
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