The Future of Linton kirk

As advertised in the last edition of The Cheviot, a public meeting was held at Linton Kirk on 4th June 2025 to discuss the possibility of preparing a bid to buy Linton Church from the Church of Scotland Trustees. Linton kirk has been designated a category ‘B’ building in the current Presbytery plan and hence proposed for sale in 2025.

Approximately 30 local people registered their support for this initiative, most of whom attended on 4th June.

Rev. Colin Johnston (Cheviot Churches & Kelso Old) welcomed all who attended and explained the reason why Church of Scotland proposes to sell Linton Kirk, (see Spring Edition of the Cheviot).

Simon Oldham (Treasurer, Linton Kirk Heritage Appeal - LKHA) explained the origin of LKHA, a registered charity established in 1984 and devoted to the preservation and maintenance of Linton Kirk. LKHA has existing funds originally donated to provide a maintenance fund for Linton Kirk building. LKHA trustees are proposing to explore the possibility of purchasing Linton Kirk and maintaining it is a public asset.

Those attending the meeting were generally supportive of this bid with general recognition that Linton Kirk is an historic and special place of worship to which many local people have a close connection.
   A range of possible uses for Linton Kirk was discussed including:
1.    As a place of worship – occasional services with Cheviot Churches
2.    Weddings, baptisms and funerals
3.    Concerts
4.    Visitor attraction with information materials about the history of Linton Kirk, war memorials, gravestones, stained glass windows, Tympanum stone (the Linton Worm) etc
Linton Kirk records a 900-year birthday celebration in 2027. This date is based on earliest recorded minister of Linton Kirk in 1127 AD. Linton Kirk Heritage Appeal is hopeful that this special building can be kept as a church for public use in 2027 and into the future.
Those attending the meeting shared a wide range of ideas and advice to support this initiative.

The recorded action points of the meeting were: 
1.    Write to Church of Scotland to confirm interest in offering as a community purchase bid and to obtain a copy of title deeds.
2.    Establish email contact group to inform Linton Kirk supporters of progress with the bid.
3.    Appeal for new LKHA trustee volunteers to broaden the existing trustee group.
4.    Write to original LKHA donors to advise purchase bid plans and establish support and communication going forward.  

Anyone who wants to be added to the supporters contact list for this initiative and who hasn’t yet contacted LKHA, please contact Simon Oldham ([email protected] / 07778 772351).