Hopes that community trust will bring new life to 800-year-old cathedral
A community trust has taken full control of one of Scotland’s most historically significant medieval churches.
The ownership of Brechin Catherdral has been transferred to the Brechin Cathedral Trust, which is committed to ensuring the landmark building continues to be the beating heart of the community.
The official handover of the key to the 800-year-old building took place on Friday.
Rev Dr Scott Rennie, chairperson of the General Trustees, the Kirk’s property holding arm, and a former minister of the cathedral, said the committee is delighted that the organisation has vowed to preserve and promote the historic integrity and significance of the building.
The A-listed cathedral has an iconic Irish-style Round Tower, one of only two in Scotland, which was built around 1100 and originally stood apart from the building until the 1800s.
The same site has been occupied by a religious settlement since at least the 10th century, when it was occupied by a community of Culdee monks.
Inside the cathedral itself is a collection of beautifully carved Pictish stones and stunning stained-glass windows, regarded as some of the finest in Scotland.
The 13th century cathedral ceased to be a regular place of worship in November 2021 following the dissolution of the congregation, which had become too small to shoulder the burden of the enormous costs of maintaining a sizable medieval building.
The General Trustees took over guardianship of the building and, in 2023, they entered a one-year management agreement with the Friends of Brechin Cathedral, who opened the building for tours and events.
The agreement was extended and members of the charity later transitioned to set up the Brechin Cathedral Trust.
Caroline Fife, trust trustees chairperson, said: “We are delighted to be taking on this historic building on behalf of the community of Brechin and placing it back at the centre of life in the town. The cathedral is much loved and has been at the heart of family and civic celebrations for over 800 years.
“We have worked closely with the Church of Scotland to allow a smooth handover and to ensure that this building continues to be enjoyed by the community.
“We are looking forward to the next chapter in the life of the cathedral, and we are excited by the prospect of bringing the building to life again, with events, community programmes and anything the people of Brechin need."
Dr Rennie, who currently leads St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, said: “The Cathedral Kirk of Brechin has been the beating heart of the city since its beginning - from founding to reformation, restoration and now a new form of community ownership.
“As a former minister of the cathedral, it gives me such hope that it will continue in the care of the Brechin Cathedral Trust, a group of people passionate about it and Brechin’s future.
“On behalf of the national Church, it gives me great joy and personal satisfaction to see Brechin Cathedral Kirk begin a new chapter as a community-focused asset.”