Notices
Urgent Action Briefing: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
YOU ARE URGED TO CONTACT YOUR MP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
In late January 2026, the UK Government announced the closure of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which had allowed VAT to be reclaimed on repairs to listed places of worship, at the end of March 2026.
This announcement was unexpected and will impact current projects as well as ending a scheme which has been vital over many years, and without it will add further financial burdens to Congregations and the Church as a whole.
The UK Government has announced a replacement grant scheme for England only. The Scottish Government have not been informed about the details of this change or whether any additional funding (allocated through the Barnett Formula) would be available.
The General Trustees are working with colleagues across the national office to enter dialogue with both the UK and Scottish Governments – but we need you to make representations to your MP – and for you to do this now.
It is better if as many people as possible in a constituency write to their MP. You may want to consider a joint message but know that several constituents raising the same issue will get more notice. If you have a Presbytery meeting or Kirk Session meeting soon, consider tabling a deliverance which sets your concern and use this as the basis for your message.
How to contact your MP:
Enter your postcode (or the postcode of your church building) into the Find your MP search bar at the top of this page: https://members.parliament.uk/
On your MP’s page, you will find their email address. If you prefer to send a letter in the post you should address it to them at: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
Some MPs share other contact details such as telephone number or social media accounts. It doesn’t matter what route you use to contact your MP and if you know them personally a phone call might be better than written correspondence – but if in doubt, send an email.
What to say:
We are not offering a template letter: our experience is that MPs engage better when messages are individual and specific rather than a copy-and-paste national campaign. Please know that the national office is taking action with MPs and UK and Scottish Government. This action is a request for you to take the initiative. The following points are things you might want to include.
- Share the surprise that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is being closed and disappointment that the Church of Scotland was not consulted or informed about this decision.
- Talk about the listed churches that are part of your congregation – their history and the role they play in the community (including social action/outreach work that takes place, such as hosting community organisations, collections for foodbanks, friendship/social activities, school outreach, climate, refugee, or interfaith work etc.)
- If you have a current or recent repair project and have benefited from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, tell them this and what it has meant to your congregation.
- If you expect to undertake work in the foreseeable future, say how this work will impact you.
- Acknowledge the current budgetary constraints facing all levels of government but point out that listed churches are not simply about curating cultural architecture, but which are important centres for the whole community.
- Recognise that the Church of Scotland has recently had to sell many historic and beloved buildings because we can’t afford to keep and run them. The likelihood is that this decision will make further disposals happen sooner.
- Point out that a new fund is for England only; but that the UK Government appears not to have liaised or consulted with the Scottish (or Welsh or Northern Ireland) Government about this.
- Say that we – and the Scottish Government – remain in the dark about the implications for the Barnett Formula (where devolved governments receive a proportion of funding when the UK Government spends money for England).
- Ask the MP to follow up with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Treasury, and the Scotland Office.
- Invite the MP to visit your church to see the building and learn about some of the community and spiritual work which takes place.
Follow up:
Please let the national office know if you have contacted your MP, and what their response is. Write to the Parliamentary Officer, David Bradwell – dbradwell@churchofscotland.org.uk
If you have written to your MP and have not received a response after five working days, follow up. MPs receive hundreds of messages a day, alongside parliamentary and political party commitments – they may need a friendly nudge to make sure that the issue has been drawn to their attention.
If other community groups or organisations use your church building, ask them if they will also contact the MP to let them know how they value the space and how important our buildings are to their activities.
Further information:
The Moderator and the General Trustees will meet with UK Government ministers from the Department for Culture Media and Sport and the Scotland Office on 10 March; if there is news from this meeting, we will communicate this to you.
We are in touch with the Scottish Government who are aware of the situation and remain open to dialogue – though the imminent Scottish Parliament elections mean the timing is such that it is difficult for any long-term commitments to be made before mid-May.
We are in touch with other Scottish denominations, and with church groups in Wales, as this decision does not just affect the Church of Scotland. The Church of England have offered help and assistance in raising concerns in the UK Parliament. They have additional concerns as the details of the new England-only scheme have not yet been announced.
If you are currently undertaking works to a building or have a project planned that will be impacted by the changes, in the first instance, please contact your Presbytery Building Officer for advice. The current scheme to reclaim VAT for works undertaken since April 2025 remains open until 31 March 2026. Please submit any applications as soon as possible as possible if you have not done so already. Please be aware that the current scheme has a capped budget of £23million, VAT is repaid on a first come first served basis and no further funds will be allocated. Applications can be made online Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme.
Finally in the event of any queries, please contact us using the details below:
Queries relating to contacting your MPs contact Parliamentary Officer, David Bradwell – dbradwell@churchofscotland.org.uk
Queries relating to specific projects and buildings contact gentrustees@churchofscotland.org.uk
Prayer Requests
To all presbyters, if you are one of the churches that received the email about prayers for March, could you please submit them to Margaret King, margaretking889@gmail.com.
If there are any prayer requests throughout the presbytery, those are welcome at any time.
Lent is a good time for turning to God in prayer.
Presbytery Zoom Prayer Meeting - February 23, 8 pm
As usual, we are gathering for a presbytery prayer meeting on Zoom. Send your prayer requests to Margaret King, margaretking889@gmail.com.
Join us!
https://zoom.us/j/99186619832?pwd=RASjJpA2aQxvcIIcNYxUAb8RMZURKN.1
Meeting ID: 991 8661 9832
Passcode: 103092
Amy
New Pages on our Website
I would like to draw your attention to a few new pages that we now have on our website.
General Resources (Employment Law webinars and slides to them are there.)
And there is a page dedicated to our staff - Our Team.
Dasha.
Update from CrossReach - Finance - Good News!
Good News! Today the First Minister has announced that it has committed to provide the £20m of additional funds needed to meet Real Living Wage commitments in social care.
Invitation to Host an Event for Refugee Festival Scotland
From 18 to 27 June Communities all across the country will be celebrating Refugee Festival Scotland, a week to highlight the contributions refugees and people seeking sanctuary make to communities across Scotland. The festival brings together arts, culture, conversations and events that promote welcome, understanding and inclusion.
We would love to encourage as many faith groups as possible to consider hosting an event as part of this year’s festival. Hosting an event might be as simple as a discussion, film screening, community meal or prayer gathering, or as creative as performances, exhibitions or workshops. Past events run by SFAR or our partners have included:
- Together for Sanctuary, an ecumenical worship service celebrating sanctuary
- You, Me and a Cup of Tea, interfaith tea parties for meeting and encounter
- Love without Limits, a gathering and ceilidh for New Scots
At a time of increasing tension, the festival is a time to celebrate hospitality and strengthen connections across our communities. Funding of up to £750 is available from the Scottish Refugee Council to help run events to help cover event costs such as venue hire, materials and access support. Alternatively a RFS event might be a perfect candidate for the Faithful Welcome small grants run by our friends at Faith in Community Scotland.
Please consider whether your group might host an event and share this opportunity with others in your networks who may be interested. I would love to discuss and help develop any ideas you might have.
Thank you for all you do in support of people seeking safety and welcome in Scotland. We would be delighted to see faith communities well represented in Refugee Festival Scotland this year.
Suitcases for Asylum Seekers in Westhill Needed
The hotel at Westhill hosting asylum seekers are asking for any suitcases or grips/backpacks lurking in garages/lofts from any congregations.
The hotel has no suitcases left and they don't want the guys to leave the hotel with their things in bin bags.
If you can help, please contact Barbara directly.
Safeguarding Training
Date & Time: 19.02.2026 7pm
Type of Training: Introductory
Venue: Zoom
Contact: Rev Julia Meason (JMeason@churchofscotland.org.uk)
Date & Time: 25.02.2026 7pm
Type of Training: Advanced
Venue: Zoom
Contact: Rev Julia Meason (JMeason@churchofscotland.org.uk)
For any safeguarding training needs, please contact Rev Julia Meason (JMeason@churchofscotland.org.uk).
Presbytery Buildings Officer Cover
Rev Ian Murray, our Presbytery Buildings Officer, will be on leave on Thurs 8th returning Mon 23rd Feb.
He will be checking his emails during that time, but in the event something which requires input from GT’s or advice from a PBO, his colleague Paul Baker in Highlands and Islands has agreed to be on standby.
His contact details are:
Paul Baker BSc (Hons) MCIOB | Presbytery Building Officer, Clèir Eilean ì | General Trustees | The Church of Scotlandt: 0131 240 2225 m: 07881 950481 | e: paul.baker@churchofscotland.org.uk | 121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YR
Treasurers Hub Volunteers, we're looking for you!
We want to create a Treasurers Hub to support and advise congregations in our presbytery.
It is a free service to congregations within the Presbytery bounds under the auspices of the NENI Presbytery. The service will be provided by competent, experienced personnel on a voluntary basis and is intended to be available within normal ‘office’ hours and congregations seeking to use the services of the Hub must understand there is no mandatory obligation on the Hub to provide the service at any given time.
Purpose of the Treasurers Hub
- Knowledge base for inexperienced/new Church Treasurers
- Coaching, mentoring, guidance for inexperienced/new Church Treasurers
- Shared resource for Churches unable to fill Treasurer vacancies
- Minimize Church financial spend on outsourcing
- Increase consistency in preparation and presentation of accounts
If you are ready to help, feel free to approach mikeleys41@gmail.com with note of your interest to be involved. Thank you!
Christian Aid Week - 10-16 May
Christian Aid Week is seven days to make a difference against global poverty. It’s a celebration of our movement, standing in solidarity with our global neighbours. We believe that every person is created in God’s image, and deserves a full and dignified life, free from poverty and injustice.
Church Reps and volunteers across Scotland will shortly be receiving their Guide to Christian Aid Week in the post, with information about this year’s appeal, instructions for ordering resources and ideas for getting involved. Here they are in the PDF versions:
Christian Aid Week 2026 in Scotland
Christian Aid Week 2026 in Scotland Christian Aid Week 2026 Guide for Churches
Christian Aid Week 2026 Guide for Churches Rev Foster-Fulton CAW26 Prayer
Beacon of Hope, Kenya
Christian Aid Week is our largest annual appeal and supports our global work to eradicate poverty. This year, we’re highlighting stories from our work with partners in Kenya, where Beacon of Hope is empowering urban farmers to use small spaces for growing veg. These gardens increase nutrition and income for families, and help parents send their children to school. The Church of Scotland’s support has been integral in making Christian Aid Week such a successful community fundraising moment, so thank you!
Get Involved
- Share our Christian Aid Week resources, including the attached prayer from the Very Revd Sally Foster-Fulton
- Join us online at The Gathering on 24 February to learn more about Christian Aid Week and hear directly from our partners in Kenya, who have been supported by the churches that support Christian Aid.
- Get a Presbytery team together for the Kiltwalk nearest you. The Right Rev Rosemary Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly, is walking the Saturday Kiltwalk in Glasgow. Could your Presbytery take on a sponsored challenge too? Our team are here to support you all the way.
Also in May
In addition to Christian Aid Week, May will be a busy month with the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and Scottish Parliamentary elections. If you’re in Edinburgh for the General Assembly, look out for a Christian Aid fringe event at Augustine United Church during the lunch break on Friday 15 May.
The 2026 Scottish Parliament elections will be a vital moment for shaping Scotland’s future on poverty, justice, and climate. You’ll find Christian Aid Scotland’s manifesto for a fairer world on our website.
If your church is planning to host a pre-election husting, get in touch. We can provide you with great resources on how to talk your candidates about global issues.
Resources
Working with Young People Who Have Additional Support Needs – February 22
We want our holiday clubs and our churches to be welcoming places for children with additional support needs, but where do we start? It can be tricky to know what to do for the best for everyone!
This training will guide you through
- how we can make our holiday clubs and church children’s events more inclusive so that young people with ASN can belong
- how to understand the different needs of young people and
- some top tips of best practice even when we have little or no information on a young person’s needs.
This training will showcase useful resources and give an opportunity to explore some scenarios that could easily happen. It will be informal and highly practical. It is for people who want to grow their understanding to enable EVERY child and young person explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus.
Why not come along to Peterhead New Parish Church on Sunday 22nd February 6.00pm - 7.30pm.
We’d love to see you.
To help us with catering, please let us know numbers by Wednesday 19th February.
Thank you.
Rev Dr Julia Pizzuto–Pomaco jpizzuto-pomaco@churchofscotlnd.org.uk
Ruth Mackenzie Ruth.Mackenzie@churchofscotland.org.uk
ACORN - 10/14 Challenge
‘It is so simple and yet so exciting;
God is putting us in the path of those who are calling out to Him’
There are 86400 seconds in a day.
Could we spend 10 of them asking God a basic question?
His heart is set on reclaiming every person to Himself.
So, let’s ask Him these 14 words:
‘Lord, today, is there someone You want me to connect with, beyond the church?’
God may prompt us through a name that comes to mind, or an encounter with someone. We can then simply ask them, ‘How are you (really)?’ and listen, love and find out what God is doing in their life.
If something worthwhile happens, feel free to share it with Christian friends, or at your church, or maybe a seeker to encourage them in faith.
Our small steps can have a big impact. Will you start today?
Worship Leading and Preaching Courses
The University of Aberdeen has launched two updated courses to help church members develop skills in worship leading and preaching.
The two courses will commence as follows:
- Leading Worship – 26 January 2026
- Preaching – 20 April 2026
Both courses are six-weeks in duration involving recorded lectures, live online tutorials and online material.
The system is set up so that the individual will be charged a £50 fee to be paid at time of registration by credit card, and then they also provide confirmation of what their church and then presbytery are contributing and their contact information so that the invoices are sent to those two organisations.
Feel free to download poster 1 and poster 2 for your churches.
Here is the link to register for both courses.
Hakuna Matata Children Choir from Kenya
We are excited to share an incredible opportunity for your church family this coming May. The Hakuna Matata Children’s Choir, a vibrant and talented group of 12 children from Connect with a Child Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, will be touring the area, and would love the opportunity to bless your congregation with a performance.
These young singers and dancers, ages 9–15, are passionate about spreading the Gospel through music and testimonies. Over the past three years, their inspiring performances have touched hearts across several countries, combining joyful praise, powerful stories, and vibrant Kenyan culture. Their choir name, Hakuna Matata, means “No Worries” in Swahili—reflecting the hope and peace they carry in Christ.
Available Dates in May 2026:
| Wednesdays | Fridays: | Saturdays: | Sundays: |
| May 6th | May 1st | May 2nd | May 3rd |
| May 13th | May 8th | May 9th | May 10th |
| May 20th | May 15th | May 16th | May 17th |
| May 27th | May 22nd | May 23rd | May 24th |
| May 29th | May 30th | May 31st |
About the Choir & Visit:
The choir consists of 12 children and 5 adult chaperones.
Their performances typically last 1 hour (or a shorter version of 25 minutes for condensed services).
They sing in both English and Swahili, accompanied by drums and traditional instruments.
Their mission includes raising awareness and support for a new dormitory in Western Kenya to house over 700 orphans.
There is no performance fee. We simply ask that your church take a love offering during the service to support this life-changing project.
How You Can Host:
We kindly ask host churches to:
Provide host families for the choir during their stay (usually one week before performance).
Assist with transportation (pick-up/drop-off).
Provide meals and packed lunches.
Optional: Organize local cultural activities or school visits.
Coordinate logistics on the performance day, ensuring choir members arrive one hour in advance.
To see the choir in action, please watch this brief video:
Hakuna Matata Children’s Choir Promo Video
We would be honored to schedule a performance at your church and begin what we hope will be a lasting relationship. Please let us know if any of the available dates work for you, or if you have any questions.
Vacancies
Locum for Banchory Ternan East
Banchory Ternan East are looking for a locum for their charge who will assist with worship, pastoral visiting and funerals.
Please email Mike Jamieson (Session Clerk) or Tony Stephen (Interim Moderator) for details.
Church Administrator - Devana Parish Church
Devana Parish Church are seeking to recruit someone into the role of Church Administrator, operating from both our Fonthill Road and Holburn Street sites. This is a great opportunity to support both the work of the congregation and to help make a difference in the community.
Duties include ensuring the smooth running of the church office, correspondence, hall licencing, assistance with regular publications and providing a contact point for church members, users of the buildings, and the community.
Good administrative and computer skills are necessary.
27 hours per week (flexible).
The Job Description has full details about the post and what are included in the main tasks.
Closing Date: 20 February 2026
Applications with CV and covering letter should be sent to Rev Peter Johnston at pjohnston@churchofscotland.org.uk.
For enquiries, please contact Rev Peter Johnston at the above email address or at 07834 281176.
Premises Manager - Mannofield Church
Job Description:
Provide a Welcome + Support for Hall Users.
In conjunction with the Church Administrator, deal with all aspects of Hall Letting at the Church, including arranging Concierge cover for all use of Church Premises.
Maintain the fabric of the building, to include carrying out of minor repairs and arranging emergency repairs (in conjunction with the Church Officer).
Ensure that the Premises are secure and clean.
Litter, Leaf + Snow clearance of the Church Grounds as required.
Terms of Employment:
Minimum of 5 Hours per week on a flexible basis, with additional hours as may be required and authorised. (Anticipated maximum approved hours not greater than 30 hours per month).
Starting Salary £13.45/Hour. Additional hours paid at same rate.
For application please visit the Advert or send a CV and covering letter to Mannofield Church Office, Great Western Road, Aberdeen, AB10 6UZ or office@mannofieldchurch.org.uk
Our Accountants confirmed that no NIC would be due at this level. At the minimum of 5 hours/week (say 22 hours per month), would cost 22 x £13.45 = £295.90. Minimum wage cost per annum therefore £3,550. The maximum amount of 30 hours/month, just multiply £13.45 by 30 (£403.50/month). Maximum wage cost per annum therefore <£5,000.
Ministry Assistant for the West Mainland
Ministry Assistant for the West Mainland (Charge 1)
Orkney Islands Church of Scotland
Part Time 9 hours 22 minutes per week (0.25FTE)
Salary £7,383 to £8,347 per annum
Ref: M01/25
Could you be part of something different? We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to use their gifts, skills and experience to make a difference to the lives of the people in our parishes and communities.
We are looking for a Ministry Assistant who will concentrate on the first Mark of Mission to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, with the postholder largely focusing on Sunday work.
The successful candidate will have significant recent experience in leading worship and preaching with a good knowledge and understanding of congregational life of the Church of Scotland or be willing to learn. The candidate must be a committed Christian with an active Church connection (Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010) and have a relevant qualification in theology/pastoral care/counselling or similar, or significant, relevant and recent work experience in the area.
It is essential you have the right to work in the UK before applying to work with us. You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work and remain in the UK if you are invited to attend for an interview.
For a full job description and details on how to apply, please click here.
Closing date: At present there is no closing date set and the post will remain open until further notice.
Events
Regional Gathering - February 21, 11 am
Presbytery invites you to a pilot Regional Gathering on Saturday, February 21, at 11 am (set-up at 10:15), at Stonehaven Fetteresso.
These meetings serve to build connections between congregations, presbytery staff and committee conveners. This is our chance to get to know each other, share our experiences and work on our mission together.
Coffee and tea will be provided on the premises, but you are encouraged to bring your own packed lunch.
This meeting is primarily the gathering of the south congregations of our presbytery (Stonehaven Fetteresso, Stonehaven Carronside, Arbuthnott, Bervie and Kinneff, Aberluthnott, Laurencekirk, West Mearns, St Cyrus), but all are welcome to attend!
See the schedule of the event:
10:15 – 10:55 — Arrival & Set-Up
11:00 – 11:20 — Guest Arrival & Early Exhibition Browsing
11:20 – 11:30 — Welcome & Opening
11:30 – 12:00 — Presbytery Staff & Committee Introductions
12:00 – 12:40 — Lunch & Exhibition Time
12:40 – 13:10 — Optional Short Congregational Presentations
13:10 – 13:50 — Regional Conversation Circles
13:50 – 14:10 — Whole Group Sharing
14:10 – 15:00 — Exhibition Round 2 & Informal Conversations
Christian Aid - The Gathering 2026 - 24 February at 10.30am online
We're pleased to let you know that registration for The Gathering is now open. We'd love for you to join us for our annual supporter event on Tuesday 24 February at 10.30am.
Supporters and churches from across Scotland will come together to renew our shared commitment to global justice.
We’ll be celebrating the difference we’ve made together over the last year and launching Christian Aid Week 2026. We’ll also hear directly from Christian Aid partners in Kenya as they share about their work.
You’re invited to join us to consider how we can take bold action on poverty and climate justice in the year ahead.
If you have any questions, email edinburgh@christian-aid.org
Building Maintenance Essentials and Places of Worship March 7, 9:30
On Saturday 7 March from registration at 9.30am, Aberdeen City Heritage Trust holds its Building Maintenance Essentials and Places of Worship Event at which Conservation Accredited Chartered Surveyor, Ian Davidson, Craig Wilson of RGU and Douglas Campbell of Aberdeen City Heritage Trust will be presenting on maintenance of traditional buildings and maintenance of traditionally constructed places of worship.
To book a free place via Eventbrite use the link:
This is followed up in the afternoon 1pm by a short walking tour ending at St Andrew's Cathedral in King Street. To book a free place via Eventbrite, use the link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/history-and-maintenance-walking-tour-tickets-1981927049156
The purpose of the events is to take some time to find out more about common defects and planned maintenance.
Both events are in person, free to attend, and a great opportunity to come along and ask questions about building maintenance and maintenance of places of worship. The event may be of interest to you or those in your networks who are responsible for caring for a traditional property.
Thinking Christianly - A Seminar Series at Kingshill
Kingshill Parish Church are pleased to be hosting Thinking Christianly, an informal seminar series that invites Christians from all walks of life to come together to think about and discuss some of the deepest questions that relate to our faith in the contemporary world.
Perhaps you have wondered what exactly it means when we say the Bible is the ‘inspired word of God’ or is ‘authoritative’. Perhaps you have been challenged to consider what the discovery of extra-terrestrial life might mean for Christianity. Maybe you harbor have doubts about some of Christ’s claims in light of non-Christian religious experience. (These are just a few of the issues we’ll be exploring.)
If such questions are of interest to you, or if, more generally, you enjoy taking a deep-dive into the intellectual substance of the Christian faith—Thinking Christianly is for you. (And if you decidedly dislike asking these tough questions, allow me very gently to suggest it is for you, too!)
Join us at Trinity Church (Kingshill Parish) in Westhill—all are most welcome!
Final Saturday, February through June 2026, 10am – 12noon (see flyer for further details)
Questions or queries, contact Rev. Dr. Daniel Spencer: 07554392895 | dspencer@churchofscotland.org.uk
Download the flyer here.
New Lecture Series
The next series of sessions for the Aberdeen Academy of Theology is starting soon. The topic this time will be 'To See, or Not to See Ourselves in Scripture' in which Dr Melissa Tan will lead us through reflections on what it means to be self-critical readers of scripture.
We will be meeting on 24 January, 21 February, and 28 March from 9:30am-12:30pm at the Fountainhall Church Centre.
Dr Tan is a New Testament scholar with nearly two decades worth of teaching experience in a variety of cultural and church contexts, so it will be great to draw on her wisdom for these three sessions.
The Knitted Bible Exhibition - March, Edinburgh
Blackhall St Columba's Church of Scotland (Edinburgh) are inviting you to view over 30 exhibits of stories from Genesis to Revelation.
This is only the second time that the exhibit will have been in Scotland and we are keen to encourage visitors from near and far to attend.
Save the Date for LiFT in Aberdeen - June 27
Don't forget to send your news to doskolkova@churchofscotland.org.uk