Friends of Campsie High Kirk
Establishment of a charity and the creation of a business plan to support community ownership of Campsie High Kirk
The challenge
Campsie High Kirk is a significant architectural building designed by David Hamilton, who also designed the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow. It had been in structural decline since a fire in 1984.
A group of enthusiastic local residents formed a charity in 2024 with the aim of taking ownership of the Kirk and restoring it from a ruin to a multifunctional community space.
The restoration aimed to preserve the area’s heritage, attract tourists, foster community spirit and address social and economic decline.
How we helped
Through Accelerate, we guided the group through the complexities of forming a charity, developing a sustainable business plan and determining the legal status of the High Kirk.
The result
Historic building transferred to community ownership
Actionable business plan created to build a sustainable future
Increased social and economic benefits for the local community
Thanks to Accelerate, we helped to transform the group’s initial idea into a structured and actionable plan, and today - they have been successful in bringing Campsie High Kirk into community ownership.
The impact of the project extends beyond the physical restoration of the building. It will be a catalyst for economic and social revitalisation, attracting tourists and creating opportunities small businesses and entrepreneurs.
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.