Resources
Where to begin
Your church, your community was developed in partnership with Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland and was published in 2023.
Your church, your community
For an explanation of the broader context of church disposals in Scotland, and some examples of how communities are responding, read the Autumn 2025 Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland Magazine article on the New Futures programme, written by Harry Whitmore, Churches Advisor. AHSS Article – Autumn 2025 – New Futures Programme
What’s the church of Scotland’s official position?
Church of Scotland General Trustees Guidance Document
How do you bring an asset into your ownership
Route maps – acquiring your church
Most places of worship will be acquired through a negotiated sale with the owner (typically the Church), however the Community Right to Buy process may also be appropriate.
Negotiated Sale Route Map
Community Right to Buy Route Map
Churches Route Map
Funding
Scottish Land Fund
Architectural Heritage Fund
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Historic Environment Scotland
Democratic Finance Scotland
Churches Crowdfunder Guide
Faith Based Groups
If you are a faith-based group looking to purchase a church building for the purpose of worship, check out the following:
National Churches Trust
Scotland’s Churches Trust
Workshops
The New Futures programme hosts a rolling series of workshops delivered throughout the year. Each workshop focuses on a specific topic relevant to communities looking to take a former place of worship into community ownership. You can access presentation slides and view the recordings of a selection of our workshops by clicking the links below.
Rolling Series:
Workshop 1 – First Steps to Community Ownership
Slides
Workshop 2 – Involving Your Community
Slides
Workshop 3 – Finance and Fundraising 1: Mainstream Funders
Slides
Recording
Workshop 4 – Finance and Fundraising 2: Alternative Fundraising Methods
Slides
Recording
Workshop 5 – Your Building: A Guide
Slides
Recording
Workshop 6 – Business Planning
Slides
Recording
Workshop 7 – Financial Planning
Slides
Recording
Workshop 8 – Community Right to Buy
Slides
Recording
Stand Alone Workshops:
Photo Credits (left to right): Bedrule Church, St Marks – Aberdeen and Brechin Cathedral.