Plans to transform a historic, nearly 300-year-old Moray church into a house have been submitted.
Speymouth Parish Church, known locally as ‘The Red Kirk’ due to the red sandstone it was originally built with, held its final service in August last year after the Kirk Session approved its disposal earlier in 2024.
Inside the church. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
The church had been an integral part of the local community for centuries, hosting countless weddings, baptisms and funerals since its foundation in 1732.
It was extended to include a hall in 1884 and further extended in 2004 to accommodate more facilities.
However, the decision to close came as the Church of Scotland made major changes across the nation to combat declining membership and financial constraints.
Now, planning documents have been sent seeking to convert the out-of-use church into a dwelling house with an integral ‘granny annex’.
Design consultants Plans Plus state: “There are no external changes proposed other than to replace 3 No windows in timber to match the style that exists at present.
Members of the congregation after the church closed in 2024. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
“Internally it is hoped to keep the main church building basically as it is with just the removal of the pews to create space for an open plan lounge/dining/kitchen area at ground floor level.
“Behind the main hall there are ancillary buildings which will house the main bathroom and an independent granny annex linked to the main house.
“At first floor level more work is required due to the sloping areas for seating. These have to be levelled off to create bedrooms.
“There will be a restricted height in these areas but should all comply with building regulations.
“Drainage is to the existing septic tank at the rear of the property.
The final order of service book for the church’s last service pictured in August 2024. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
“As there are no external works proposed the rainwater drainage will remain unchanged.”
Plans are at the consultation stage and are yet to be decided.
Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.