One of Scotland's oldest churches has last Sunday service

Birnie Kirk is due to close by 2027

One of Scotland's oldest surviving churches has held its last regular Sunday service.

Birnie Kirk, on the outskirts of Elgin in Moray, was built in 1140.

The 12th Century building is due to close by 2027, as the Church of Scotland undergoes what has been described as "radical reform" amid falling congregations.

The last weekly service was on Sunday but Birnie Kirk will still be available for use for weddings and funerals.

"The building will continue to be maintained by the Kirk Session pending its release," a Church of Scotland spokesman said in a statement.

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"This will allow for the possibility of occasional use such as for funerals or weddings.

"There is also an opportunity to organise worship in the Birnie Kirk hall.

"However, Birnie Church is still on schedule to be released from Church of Scotland ownership by the end of August 2027."

The building is described by Historic Environment Scotland as being of national importance.

A thanksgiving service was held on Sunday

The Church of Scotland said it was "making the best use of resources" in "increasingly challenging times".

"We are aware of the close emotional ties which people and their communities have with their local church, and we share in the sadness felt when a church is released," the statement explained.

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"Closure of much-loved places of worship is a grief Church of Scotland ministers, elders, members and staff all bear.

"However, we do believe radical reform is necessary if we are to address the challenges of falling minister numbers, a decline in membership and a reduction in income both nationally and locally.

"As part of that process we recognise the need to reduce the number of buildings we own, which has become unsustainable for our needs.

"Strong and effective mission, with a particular focus on supporting the most vulnerable people in society, is at the heart of what the Church is about and this work is not solely dependent on buildings."