A public meeting is set to be held about the future of Garthdee Church on the evening of Tuesday 21st August. This has been arranged as a result of local concerns over plans by the Church of Scotland to close the church and sell it for redevelopment.

Concerns about the church’s plans were raised at recent meetings of Garthdee Community Council and the Garthdee Liaison Group.

I recently contacted the Clerk of the Church of Scotland’s Aberdeen Presbytery to ask what exactly was being discussed by the church and the reply I received from him said:

“I can confirm that Presbytery is exploring the option of selling the Garthdee site, possibly to a Housing Association, and building smaller premises on the site which would be used as a base for mission and outreach and community use in Garthdee. This plan is still in the early stages and subject to approvals from the Kirk Session, congregation, Presbytery and the Church of Scotland Ministries Council. So it still has  along way to go. Garthdee as a congregation is sadly no longer sustainable in its present state. I would stress that our commitment to the community of Garthdee remains strong.”

I will publish further information about the planned public meeting once it become available.