Future of A-listed Old High Church in Inverness back on the drawing board as Church of Scotland awaits new offers

Inverness: The Old High Church is back on the market, and it’s stirring up quite a buzz. The Church of Scotland is looking for offers over £150,000 after a previous deal fell through last November.

So, here’s the big question: Is this historic building important enough for the community to keep it for public use? It’s a landmark with ties to the Battle of Culloden and even the popular show Outlander.

A group of locals is thinking about reviving a community-led bid to save the church, but they need to know if the people of Inverness care enough. Plus, there would be extra costs on top of the sale price. They’re planning a public meeting to see if there’s enough interest.

The church was put up for sale because maintaining it alongside another church just wasn’t financially viable anymore. Dating back to the late 1700s, it has a tower from the 16th century and even houses an old burgh clock.

Previously, the Friends of the Old High Church had a bid in, hoping to turn it into a multi-use space for events and activities, but they were outbid. Now, informal talks are happening about a community buyout.

Chris Lewcock, a planning adviser, believes the church is worth saving, especially with Inverness Castle reopening soon. He thinks the city needs more attractions to draw people in.

He’s worried about the church falling into disrepair, saying it would be a tragedy. There’s potential for archaeological work and connections to St Columba, which could attract visitors.

Could it also host small concerts? Chris thinks it could be a great asset for the city. They’ve been chatting with community members and local councillors, and while the feedback is positive, they need a dedicated group to push this forward.

The Friends’ previous bid materials could help a new charitable group, but they’ll need to hire consultants to explore options. Chris emphasizes the importance of community support before diving in.

The building needs to be actively used to stay in good shape, and he estimates maintenance costs could reach up to £2 million over time. It’s a big commitment, but with the right backing, it could be a fantastic project.

Thomas Prag, another supporter, hopes for a space that’s open to everyone, where people can learn and enjoy a coffee. He’s keen to find out if the community thinks the Old High Church is worth the effort to save it.