Exciting New Chapter Begins for Lamlash Community Hub
The Lamlash Community Hub has taken a major step forward in its vision to bring the former Lamlash Church into community ownership. Read on to find out more about these developments, as we hear Lilias Nicholls, the Hub’s Chair:
Three yeas ago Lamlash Parish church and hall closed leaving Lamlash without a church or a public space to meet.
Immediately, a group of Lamlash locals formed Lamlash Community Hub, a small corporation with Charitable status. We worked hard towards making the Hub a reality with a first class Feasibility Study compiled by Simpson and Brown, architects from Edinburgh and a workable Business Plan. We did our own fund raising, of course but we also applied for and received a large grant from the Scottish Land Fund which would have enabled us to buy the church from the Church of Scotland when it came on the market.
For reasons known only to the Trustees of the Church of Scotland, they sold the church to an American lady living and working in New York. For well over a year we tried to work out ways to liaise with the buyer but we seemed to be going round in circles until we found an investor who was willing to try to buy the building back from our American friend. She agreed to sell, the sale went through quickly and our investor immediately allowed us access to the building, with a free lease, until such times as we can buy the church from him, which if we are successful in gaining yet another grant from the Scottish Land Fund, we might be able to do by Christmas.
So, on the 15th. July 2026, after a massive cleanup inside and outside we held a mini open afternoon for the community to disseminate information re. the Hub and introduce them to the Trustees. People can become Members of LCH for free or become Friends of LCH giving a small donation every month. Crowdfunding is in place and we have received various donations from local organisations and well as individuals.
The building is open from 11am till 5pm for visitors, tourists and locals to admire, meditate or even pray. The Hub is available to hire for wedding ceremonies, funerals, baptisms, small group meetings, concerts and recitals.
We have already hosted an afternoon recital, a Remembrance Service for a member of our old congregation and many various meetings.
The next phase is to remove the pews from the front of the building providing a much greater area for gatherings such as Rainbows, Brownies, Parents and Toddlers, children`s Parties, rehearsal space and craft shows etc.
We have recently undertaken a small survey to further invite ideas and suggestions from the Community and mid-September we will have a Cheese and Wine evening, scheduled for Friday 18th, 6.30 – 8 pm, to once again bring the community together.
Once we own the building we shall apply for more grants so as we can redo the perimeter wall and gate and paint the railings. This all comes under Grade A listing, requires permission and specialized work.
We hope to have the opportunity to host many activities and events over the coming months. One event is assured – a Christmas Eve candlelight service with a magnificent Christmas tree declaring the Lamlash Community Hub has arrived and is indeed open for business.
It`s a huge privilege to have arrived at this stage but also a massive undertaking. All help is welcome – financial and practical.
Lilias Nicholls ( Dr.)
Chair of Lamlash Community Hub
Ways to Support Lamlash Community Hub
Lamlash Community Hub is becoming a reality, and there are two simple ways you can help secure its future.
1. Help Create the Hub
By giving to our Crowdfunder, you will directly support the purchase of the building and the essential renovation work needed to transform it into a welcoming, accessible space for the whole community. Every donation, large or small, helps bring this shared vision closer to completion.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR CROWDFUNDER
2. Become a Friend of Lamlash Community Hub
You can also become a Friend of Lamlash Community Hub by making a small monthly donation. Regular gifts help meet the Hub’s ongoing running costs, ensuring it remains a sustainable, vibrant resource for local people for years to come. As a Friend, you’ll also become part of a growing community of supporters investing in the life and future of Lamlash. For more details see the the Hub website and also Facebook page for updates.
Together, we’re building more than a building—we’re building community.
And finally… Have Your Say!
We want to hear your thoughts as we update our public consultation from two years ago. Tell us your ideas about Lamlash Community Hub as we begin to shape future plans for the building.
Follow the link to the survey here
