£1M REFURBISHMENT COMPLETE

An historic Angus church has undergone a £1m transformation to ensure it is fit for purpose for 21st century mission.

East and Old Parish Church in Forfar, which dates back to 1760, has been renovated into a ‘flexible, warm, open and welcoming’ space. Work to refurbish the building, known locally as the “Big Kirk”, started six years ago and was carried out in two phases, largely funded by money raised by members and generous donations from local businesses.

Free standing chairs have replaced the pews in the sanctuary on the ground floor which means the space can be used for a wide variety of activities.

The old organ has been removed and the space it occupied has been converted into a “reception area”. A new activities hall with a sprung floor, ideal for dancing and gymnastics, has been created along with another large room. The new spaces will be available for hire to community groups and used for exhibitions, concerts and other events. The church has also been completely redecorated, fitted with new roof tiles, new carpets, a state-of-the-art heating system and audio-visual equipment.