A committed group aiming to preserve the future of an East Loch Lomond church are launching one final push for funding amid a deadline for its purchase.
Buchanan Church Heritage Trust (BCHT) was launched back in 2024 in response to Church of Scotland chiefs putting the church in Milton of Buchanan – believed to date back to 1764 – on the market for bidders.
The initial deadline for the purchase was set for December 2025, but the campaigners secured a six-month extension to come up with the cash.
But that new timeline for the end of June is rapidly approaching as events and fundraising continues at pace to help keep the church’s future certain – and in local hands.
Treasurer Maureen Saunders has hailed the support the campaign has had from the community and further afield – and laid out the group’s vision for the building.
She said: “Most of the money we’ve had secured has come from individual donations through our JustGiving page or events we’ve had put on to raise cash.
“We had a generous commitment from the Buchanan Community Hydro Society and also recently had a cheque through from the head of Clan Buchanan, with members from all over the globe pulling together for the effort.
“We’re hoping to turn the church into a real centre for local heritage as while our location on the West Highland Way means there are so many cafes and lots for people to do, there isn’t really anything in terms of the history of the site.
“It would have some history of Clan Buchanan, but also some background about the land and what was there beforehand.
“One other element identified in the feasibility study we had carried out was the graveyard surrounding the church and there are still requests from families about funerals and even weddings here, so that is something from the church side of the building we’d be looking to maintain.
“We don’t know what else the church could be used for; it’s in the middle of a graveyard and there is quite a lot needing done to the stonework – but we want to get things over the line and are quite optimistic about being able to do so.”
The desperate surge for funding for the June deadline has seen the church host an array of events including community lunches and also a performance from the Teressa String Quartet at the church.
It was followed up by another musical performance from Ukrainian Igor Salenko playing classical tunes on his accordion.
Liz Bates from BCHT added: “Buchanan Church is steeped in history and is an integral part of the history of Loch Lomond which is famous the world over.
“We must preserve the history for future generations to enjoy and stop the erosion of communities surrounding Loch Lomond and within the National Park .
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“The church will be open to all to come and enjoy its beauty. You can be married there or explore your ancestry or hear about the history – whatever you do, it will bring joy to your heart.”