Church of Scotland Confirms Sale of Bettyhill Church Property

The Church of Scotland has announced that the historic Bettyhill Church, located on the north coast of Scotland, is on the verge of being sold. This decision follows a significant decline in congregation numbers and financial challenges faced by the church. Local resident Jim Johnston expressed the sorrow felt by the community, describing the announcement made during a service on September 21 as a “sad day” for worshippers.

The Church of Scotland is currently selling numerous properties as part of efforts to manage financial strains exacerbated by dwindling membership and rising maintenance costs. A comprehensive survey of church buildings revealed that the congregation at Bettyhill Church has decreased significantly, leading to income levels that fail to meet the necessary requirements for upkeep and management. According to the report, the church is in “fairly poor condition” and lacks a viable path to becoming self-sustaining.

Potential offers for the 162 square-metre church have started at over £48,000. Earlier this year, the Farr North Community Development Trust indicated plans to acquire both the church and the manse, forming a steering group to advance this initiative. However, progress on this front appears to have stalled.

Regular services at Bettyhill Church ceased approximately three years ago, with only sporadic gatherings occurring since then. The recent service on September 21 was led by Rev Heather Stewart, with assistance from Jane Gray, the sole elder of the congregation.

A spokesperson for the Church of Scotland confirmed that the sale process for Bettyhill Church is “still ongoing.” Following a restructuring, Bettyhill has become part of the newly formed North Coast and Flows Parish as of April 1. The parish is now preparing to issue a call for a minister and a Ministries Development Staff (MDS) worker, indicating ongoing efforts to revitalize spiritual leadership in the area.

As the community grapples with the impending sale, the fate of Bettyhill Church serves as a reflection of broader trends impacting religious institutions across Scotland and beyond, as they adapt to changing societal dynamics and financial realities.