Locals campaign to save historic Arbuthnott Church featured in Scottish literary classic Sunset Song

A campaign has been launched to save a historic church featured in one of Scotland’s most famous novels from being sold.

Arbuthnott Church in Aberdeenshire, part of the inspiration for Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s Sunset Song.

Known as Kinraddie Church in Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s 1932 novel, the kirk will close its doors at the end of the year. It is one of over 100 buildings the Church of Scotland is selling in a bid to cut costs.

Sunset Song, part of the Scots Quair trilogy, follows the life of young Chris Guthrie as she grows up in a farming family during a time of great social change. The church is a significant location in the heartbreaking story.

Local resident Morna Laing told STV News: “I was stunned, actually. Why would they get rid of such a building?

“It’s ancient, pre-Reformation, and one of the few still holding services. It means a lot to people around here. I bring all my visitors down here to see it because it’s so special to the locals.”

Arbuthnott Church is among 100 churches up for sale STV News

Arbuthnott’s congregation is determined to raise the funds to buy the building from the Church of Scotland.

Nicola Watson, who runs the Lewis Grassic Gibbon Centre, said they hope to turn it into a cultural venue.

“Gibbon wrote a lot about the strength of rural communities and about people being custodians of the land, and I think that feeling still exists here in Arbuthnott. Now that the church is being sold, the community feels it must stand up and ensure the right thing is done for future generations.”

Charles Roberts-McIntosh of the Arbuthnott Community Development Group added: “The Church of Scotland has done a valuation, and we’re waiting for their feedback. We hope it won’t be a huge amount. We want people to visit. I wouldn’t say a pilgrimage to Sunset Song, but if that’s what it takes, that’s what we’ll do.”

“It’s a stunning little church in a stunning location. It should be saved for its history and for the Lewis Grassic Gibbon connection,” he said.

The local community has commissioned a feasibility study in the hope of keeping the building in use.

“It doesn’t bear thinking about that it might not be here,” added Morna.

“Everyone wants it to stay. No one wants to see it fall out of use.”

A Church of Scotland spokesperson said the Church has “identified a need for radical change” against a backdrop of falling minister numbers, a decline in membership and a reduction in income both nationally and locally.”

In response, the 2021 General Assembly instructed Presbyteries to develop mission plans by the end of 2022.

While no dates have been set, it’s hoped Arbuthnott Church will be released by the end of 2025.

“We recognise that Arbuthnott Church, as with many other church buildings across the country, is important and valuable to the local community,” he said.

Historic church which features in Sunset Song up for sale STV News

“However, our mission plans take into consideration what is best for the whole of the Presbytery area, making the best use of our resources, both human and financial, and ensuring they are best placed to continuing our mission of sharing the good news of Jesus and serving our communities.

“The General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, who own the building, are in discussions with a local community-based charity who are seeking to acquire the building and see it remain available for the community.

“The congregation of Arbuthnott, Bervie and Kinneff Parish Church currently worships at both Arbuthnott Church and Bervie Church.

“Once Arbuthnott Church is released, Bervie Church will serve as the main place of worship, as it is a well-equipped space in the right place for the community.

“The Kirk Session remains committed to serving, in Jesus’ name, the people and community of Arbuthnott, even after the church building is sold.”

He added: “The Kirk Session is in the process of deciding what worship may look like in the community of Arbuthnott, including hopefully hiring the church building from the new community trust for special services around important times like Easter, Harvest and Watchnight on Christmas Eve.”