Sandra Dick

Historic church buildings across Scotland are being repurposed following widespread closures by the Church of Scotland, with more than 400 shut since 2020 and many more at risk. Former kirks have become supermarkets, climbing centres, cultural hubs, community organisations, homes, and commercial enterprises. Advocates highlight that adaptive reuse preserves architectural heritage and prevents neglect, though some transformations face planning obstacles or uncertainty, including high‑profile purchases by wealthy private owners. Community groups, trusts and private developers are driving diverse revitalisation projects that aim to retain the buildings’ social and cultural significance while giving them new roles.