Warning on listed buildings

Congregations with listed buildings in need of repair are encouraged to submit early applications for UK Government funding following an announcement that the budget had been drastically cut and only extended for 12 months.

The Rev Scott Rennie, vice-convener of the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, appealed for action after the UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme was reduced to £23 million for 2025-26.

He said that while it is a relief that the UK Government has extended the conservation fund, which issues grants towards VAT paid on repairs and renovations, it is “disappointing and worrying” that the budget has been cut from £42 million the previous year.

Mr Rennie, minister of Crown Court Church in London, said the decision announced by UK Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant means that it is likely that not all applications for funding will be successful.

Mr Rennie said: “While it is a relief that the UK Government has extended the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme for another year, it is disappointing and worrying that the budget has been drastically cut.

“The Church has more than 1,000 listed buildings of which 180 are A-listed which are valued highly for their architecture, history and for the economic and social benefit they bring to the communities they serve.

“These beautiful buildings are important sacred spaces, places of welcome for all, and many of them are in rural locations and the only building open for wider community use.

“It is already enormously challenging for congregations to raise the money needed for the repair of church buildings and we are concerned that this substantial reduction in the conservation fund will put the viability of many church buildings in doubt.

“I would urge Church of Scotland congregations with listed building status to make sure they apply for funding for repairs as early as they can.”

In February, the Abbey Church of Dunfermline warned that it is facing repair bills of £4 million in the next three to five years, and that a development plan to upgrade facilities would cost about the same again.

Minister, the Rev Dr MaryAnn Rennie said: “These are eye-watering sums of money.

“We have a congregation of 425 and up until now, the burden has fallen on them to fund repairs and improvements as well as secure small grants from funding bodies such as The Carnegie (Dunfermline) Trust.

“However, this is an unsustainable funding model.

“Congregations of buildings of national importance should not be solely responsible for the bulk of repair, maintenance and sustainability of a historic building of this standing.”