Bigton Kirk
Types of work: Asset transfer and building development / Business planning
Business plan and costed drawings to support an asset transfer of Bigton Kirk
"We feel very fortunate that we were able to work with Community Enterprise and benefit from their experience and expertise.
Their approach was pragmatic, grounded in a genuine desire to listen and to do the best for our community
and they intuitively picked up on the areas where our group needed the most guidance.
The feasibility study went way beyond simply presenting facts and figures and they demonstrated a genuine interest in understanding our community and building relationships.
The impact and influence of their input into the project is much broader than we would have expected.
We have learned a great deal from their support and hope to have the chance to work with Community Enterprise again in the future."
- Bigton Kirk community
The challenge
Originally built as St Ninian's Church in 1905 in Shetland, the community of Bigton was looking to purchase the old kirk and operate as a vibrant community-owned hub providing a range of activities and services to the local community.
How we helped
During a two day visit, we undertook detailed research and community consultation to ensure a new future for the church fitted with other community assets in the village. This work informed the business plan and costed drawings.
The result
Scottish Land Fund award secured
Asset brought into community ownership
Regeneration of local economy
Increased social benefits and opportunity for the local community
Thanks to support from Accelerate, the Bigton community were awarded a grant from the Scottish Land Fund for the successful purchase of the kirk.
Now, the repurposed space hosts arts, health programmes, weekend bakes, and local gatherings.
Feeling inspired?
If you are part of a community group who is not yet trading
and would like free support to become more sustainable
and enterprising, check out our Accelerate programme.