Saving Loch Insh Old Kirk - Foundations Fund

Aim

The countdown is on! Help us fund the legal groundwork so we can buy the Old Kirk by the 2026 deadline!

*painting is by Ann Vastano, used with permission

About Us, Our Team, and the Idea

We are a dedicated group of locals, long-term congregation members, and supporters from the wider Kincraig community. Now officially registered as a Scottish Charity (SCIO SC054632), we have come together to prevent the Loch Insh Old Kirk from being lost to private sale. With the Church of Scotland set to dispose of the building by the end of 2026, we are stepping in to ensure this iconic landmark remains in community hands.

Our Vision

Our vision is to transition this historic site into a vibrant, loved and used space for generations to come. We see the Old Kirk as more than just a building; it is a cornerstone of our heritage. We aim to create a multi-use community hub that remains a sacred place of worship while expanding its doors for cultural events, local gatherings, and historical and environmental preservation. We want to grow our circle of dedicated beneficiaries so that everyone locally and further afield can witness how special a place it is. 

Our History

Loch Insh Old Kirk is a small white church beside Loch Insh in the Highland village of Kincraig. Distinctive in many ways, its roots lie in the monks from Iona, perhaps as far back as the 7th century. Some accounts claim it is the site of longest continuous Christian worship in Scotland. In the pattern of Columba’s earliest missionaries, a monk would have erected a small stone cell as a base for teaching and leading worship. Since then, a series of church buildings has culminated in the current one dating from 1792. Significant alterations in the 20th century include clear glass windows and an etched Celtic cross above the altar.

The church sits on a wooded knoll above the loch, which is a swelling of the River Spey. The knoll is called Tom Eunan, from the Gaelic word ‘tom’ for mound or hillock, and ‘Eunan’, the shorter form of Adamnan, therefore: ‘Adamnan’s Mount’. Adamnan was the 9th Abbot of Iona and Columba’s biographer and at some point the church was dedicated to him. Early names for it include St Adamnan’s, St Eunan’s and St Ewan’s.

Environmental Importance 

The Kirk is located within the Cairngorms National Park and sits immediately adjacent to the Insh Marshes, one of the most important wetland habitats in Europe.

• Wetland Conservation: The surrounding area, largely managed by the RSPB, serves as a massive natural floodplain for the River Spey. This ecosystem acts as a giant sponge, mitigating downstream flooding for towns like Aviemore.
• Rare Wildlife Haven: The environment around the Kirk supports a high density of breeding waders, including curlews and snipes. It is also a vital wintering ground for whooper swans and provides habitat for ospreys, beavers, and red squirrels.
• Protected Status: The area is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rare alder woodlands and clear-water loch vegetation.

In summary, Loch Insh Old Kirk is more than just a historical building; it is a spiritual anchor in a landscape defined by its critical role in Scottish hydrology and wildlife preservation.

How We Will Use the Money

Before we can reach the "Phase 2" purchase of the land and building, we must clear the essential legal and administrative hurdles. The funds raised in this initial phase will be used for:

• Professional Fees: Essential legal, surveyor, and valuation costs required for a community asset transfer.
• Business Planning: Finalising a robust, sustainable plan to ensure the Kirk thrives for generations.
• Operational Setup: Essential costs to get our new SCIO fully operational and purchase-ready.

By supporting us now, you are providing the foundation that makes the eventual purchase possible. Help us secure the Old Kirk’s future before the 2026 deadline.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made