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Community trust takes over ownership of Brechin Cathedral

News imageBrechin Cathedral Trust The exterior of Brechin Cathedral with a tower to the left Brechin Cathedral Trust
Brechin Cathedral was a regular place of worship until November 2021

A community trust has taken ownership of Brechin Cathedral, one of Scotland's most historically-significant medieval churches.

The Church of Scotland has transferred ownership of the 800-year-old landmark to Brechin Cathedral Trust to ensure it remains "the beating heart of the community."

The cathedral stopped being a regular place of worship in November 2021 following the dissolution of the congregation, which had become too small to shoulder the costs of the building.

The A-listed building has an Irish-style round tower, one of only two in Scotland, which was built around 1100 and originally stood apart from the building until the 1800s.

The cathedral includes a collection of carved Pictish stones and stained-glass windows regarded as some of the finest in Scotland.

Rev Dr Scott Rennie, chair of the General Trustees, the Church of Scotland's property holding arm, said he was delighted that the trust had vowed to preserve and promote the "historic integrity and significance" of the building.

News imageChurch of Scotland Two people standing beside a large carved stone cross inside a cathedral. Both people are facing the camera and are holding a large key.Church of Scotland
Caroline Fife from Brechin Cathedral Trust received the key to the building from the Church of Scotland's Rev Dr Scott Rennie

The General Trustees, who previously had guardianship of the building, entered a one-year management agreement in 2023 with the Friends of Brechin Cathedral, who opened the building for tours and events.

The agreement was extended and members of the charity later set up the Brechin Cathedral Trust.

Caroline Fife, from the trust, said: "We are delighted to be taking on this historic building on behalf of the community of Brechin and placing it back at the centre of life in the town.

"The cathedral is much-loved by all residents and has been at the heart of family and civic celebrations for over 800 years."

News imageBrechin Cathedral Trust The interior of Brechin Cathedral, with a pulpit, pews and stained-glass windowsBrechin Cathedral Trust
The cathedral includes a collection stained-glass windows regarded as some of the finest in Scotland

Dr Rennie is a former minister of Brechin Cathedral and currently leads St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

He said: "The Cathedral Kirk of Brechin has been the beating heart of the city since its beginning - from founding to reformation, restoration and now a new form of community ownership.

"As a former minister of the cathedral, it gives me such hope that it will continue in the care of the Brechin Cathedral Trust, a group of people passionate about it and Brechin's future."