Church of Scotland is asset rich but cash poor so Kirk is cutting its cloth – Angus Robertson

The presence of the Church of Scotland is set for a potential major change in the centre of Edinburgh.

The Church of Scotland head offices at 121 George Street are known to many members as simply 'one-two-one' (Picture: Greg Macvean)

Major restructuring to make the Kirk more effective and efficient potentially includes the end of the historic national office on George Street, known simply as “one-two-one” to generations of church members.

The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which has been meeting remotely, has approved a range of measures, including a call for Assembly trustees to engage with the presbytery of Edinburgh to “identify suitable buildings that could replace the national office at 121 George Street as part of the optioneering process”.

An agreement was also reached for a dialogue to take place with other denominations about the feasibility of staff sharing office space. Meanwhile, presbyteries have been tasked with starting work to prepare the Church for revising down the number of charges, buildings and ministries across Scotland.

Almost all Christian denominations have found themselves asset rich but cash poor as a result of falling church numbers in recent decades. Restructuring is both necessary and perhaps also an opportunity for new thinking and embracing new ways of doing things.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many churches have been very imaginative about using modern technology to reach their congregations with live streaming of religious services. It has been a huge comfort to people of faith.

Whatever final proposals come forward, hopefully commissioners will be able to attend the Church of Scotland General Assembly next year and decide in person at the Mound.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director