GPCC Update: Reid Memorial Church

[gacommunicationsModerator]

Please see below an update from the Secretary of Grange Prestonfield Community Council (GPCC):

23 Jan: Reid Memorial (RM) Church: Pending Closure and Community Loss

The RM congregation has now joined that of Marchmont St Giles to form Blackford and Grange Parish Church. There is no longer public worship in the RM Church. The joint Kirk Sessions are now submitting a request that the Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian, and the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, review the initial decision to close / sell the Reid Memorial buildings. The RM halls will remain open through 2026.

However, the major question arises as to what comes next. An important neighbourhood and community venue is at risk. The local Scout and Guide groups, along with badminton, yoga, various musical groups and Mother and Toddler groups may well be unable to find alternative accommodation and they could also close.

It’s too early to say, but the call is out from a few RM members for local residents who have any ideas on what to do next. A ‘community buyout’ is one avenue – Bellfield Church in Portobello is a precedent – but that is a mighty undertaking. Mr William Ivory is Group Lead Volunteer with 85th Braid Scout Group at RM and he is opening this conversation, on a blank page.

The important step now is to begin filling it in, with any sort of workable ideas or proposals whatsoever. Mr Ivory will likely move to convene a public meeting and we will keep you posted on that.

In the first instance, contact Mr Ivory at gsl85thbraid@tusks.org.uk if you are interested in this community project. Let me know too at secretary@grangeassociationcc.org.uk . GPCC will look to assist on this project as it can.

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