Villagers in Ardersier, Scotland, are rallying to purchase their local parish church, which is on the market for offers over £80,000. The Church of Scotland has listed the 1880-built kirk as part of its estate consolidation. Locals hope to secure the building for community use and prevent it from falling into private ownership.
Donna Mackintosh, who is leading the campaign, described the effort as "a very challenging project, but we have to try." A GoFundMe appeal has been established to support the initiative. Mackintosh emphasized the church's significance as a central gathering place for the community, hosting "weddings, baptisms, nativities, Sunday school, saying our farewells to loved ones and coffee mornings bringing our community together."
The initial funds raised will be allocated to a surveyor and solicitor, as the church is reported to be in a poor state of repair. The community's efforts are also driven by the building's history, including its connection to a notable event: the 1997 wedding of actress Dame Helen Mirren and director Taylor Hackford.
The service, which took place on December 31, 1997, had a distinctly Scottish character. Mirren wore a gold and cream brocade jacket and silk skirt, while Hackford donned a traditional kilt. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and approximately 100 villagers. Despite attempts to keep the wedding private, Mirren's order of flowers from a local shop drew attention, and a crowd gathered to greet her upon her arrival at the church. She reportedly invited onlookers to join the proceedings.
The Rev Alex Whiteford, who officiated, remarked at the time, "Well, it's not every day we get a film star in the village." The event remains a significant memory for the 1,500-strong community on the Moray Firth.
