Revamp study for historic church

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A study has been launched to find a new use for the oldest Christian settlement on the River Clyde.

Govan Old Parish Church in Glasgow will no longer be used for worship after the Church of Scotland decided to merge three local congregations.

The historic site has a burial ground dating back to the 5th Century and 31 early medieval sculptures.

Possible new uses include a museum, a performance venue and a visitor centre linked to local businesses.

The study is being led by Govan Workspace, a local economic development agency active in conservation.

Managing director, Pat Cassidy, said: "Our overriding concern is that the church and its early medieval sculpture should survive as an entity in Govan where they belong.

If treated with imagination and sensitivity, it has the potential to bring great benefits to Govan and the local community Pat CassidyGovan Workspace

"We believe this is a priceless treasure that's been seriously undervalued. If treated with imagination and sensitivity, it has the potential to bring great benefits to Govan and the local community.

"But the challenge for us, in these days of ever-dwindling public finances, is to come up with a proposal that's viable.

"We'll focus initially on three ideas. A publicly funded museum, a visitor centre and performance venue, and a visitor centre linked to neighbouring business accommodation."

Mr Cassidy said any plans should include dedicated space for occasional worship, honouring the 1,500-year tradition of Christian worship on the site.

The cost of the £31,000 study is being met by the Architectural Heritage Fund, the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, the local Govan congregation and Govan Workspace.