Plans for a new church in Tain have edged a step closer with the clearance of the site, in preparation for construction work. The congregation of Tain and Fearn purchased the site of the Old Health Centre, just across the road from the current church, eight years ago.
The initial intention was to retain part of that building and refurbish it in conjunction with a new build. But due to the astronomical rise in construction costs since the Covid pandemic, it became more cost effective to demolish the entire structure. The church was delighted to secure a grant from Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Fund, which covered half the cost of demolition. This has now been completed, and the tenders have been returned for the construction of a new purpose-built facility. Firms were asked to tender for the work in two phases: first to get the building up to wind and watertight stage and then another phase to complete it. These tenders are currently being assessed.
Tain and Fearn minister, Rev Alasdair MacAulay said: “The longer we waited, the more this project seemed out of reach. So, we decided that we needed to look at doing it in stages. Stage one, which was the demolition, is now complete. Stage two, which is to get the building erected to wind and water-tight, now looks to be achievable if we can raise just a little more cash. It would, however, require a step of faith to begin construction when we don’t have the means to complete the entire building. Please pray with us that God will give us wisdom to know how to proceed.”
He added: “Our current building has water leaks, damp, and a lack of suitable rooms and is not suitable for all the different activities that the church is involved in. We have been encouraged in the last couple of years to see several young teenagers coming to faith and we have a thriving youth group. This, combined with regular assemblies in six primary schools and Tain Royal Academy increases our desire to see a church building that will be fit for purpose for the generations coming after us”.
If anyone would like to donate to the project, they can contact the treasurer Mrs Anne Wilkie on [email protected].