Kirk officials are locked in talks over the potential sale of the former Lochwinnoch Parish Church, it has been confirmed.
An unnamed community group has “expressed interest” in buying the historic building, which held its last service three years ago.
The Church of Scotland revealed discussions were ongoing after village rep Andy Doig claimed the property was “lying rotting” and in a state of “decline”.
The veteran politician said he has written to the general trustees – the group appointed to make sure its buildings and funds are managed properly – to find out what they were doing to push forward the sale of the church.
Councillor Doig said: “The parish kirk served the village for over 200 years at that site and many villagers have strong emotional and family ties to it.
“It is causing real distress and upset that this building is now lying rotting and in decline. I am demanding that the Kirk HQ make more of an effort to sell it.
“One resident living nearby wryly remarked to me recently that he thought the Kirk were waiting for the second coming before selling it.
“I would not be so disrespectful, but as a former employee of the Kirk’s social care wing, Crossreach, I am very sad that this historic building in Lochwinnoch’s conservation area is in this state now.
“There are many views in the village about what the former parish kirk could be used for, from housing to an arts and culture centre.
“I am agnostic on those but simply want it to be used again.”
When contacted, a Church of Scotland spokesman said the general trustees “work very hard” to manage the sales of buildings and make sure their duties as a charity are “carried out appropriately in all instances”.
He added: “The former Lochwinnoch Parish Church building is in very reasonable condition and inspected every week.
“The general trustees are currently in discussion with a local community group which has expressed interest in buying it.
“In respect of potential purchasers, the general trustees have agreed to give this group priority.”
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