'Extreme upset' in row over moving memorials before church is turned into shop

A Moray community are voicing their upset and frustration over the reaction to their wishes to move war memorials from a former church before it becomes a shop.

Burghead Church is becoming a Scotmid Co-op store, after planning permission was granted earlier this year.

However, members of the community say there has been a "betrayal of trust" from the Church of Scotland over a request to move plaques to a war memorial across the road from the building.

The Church of Scotland have denied some of the allegations put to them and say they're "committed to helping ensure the respectful removal and preservation of the war memorials and siting them in a mutually acceptable space."

Efforts made to resolve issue with "dignity and cooperation"

In a statement from Burghead & Cummingston Community Council Chair Albert Main, he explained how this has been an ongoing issue for more than two months.

He said: "We have sought to work constructively with Church officials to ensure the respectful removal and preservation of the war memorials housed within the now-vacant Church of Scotland building in Burghead.

"These memorials are not mere plaques, they are solemn tributes to the men of our village who gave their lives in service to their country.

"We have tried every avenue to resolve this matter with dignity and cooperation.

"Yet nothing about the Church’s conduct over the past year and a half has reflected the Christian values it claims to uphold."

It's claimed funds held within Burghead Church were worth approximately £389,741 as of February this year, with members of the community council requesting £30,000 to carry out the necessary work involved in removing the plaques and situating them at the nearby memorial.

However, this quote was deemed too high and the kirk is seeking an alternative estimate.

A Church of Scotland spokesperson said: "Sourcing a further quote from a different firm is good governance on behalf of the kirk session.

“As a charity, we must ensure we are fiscally responsible and make the best use of our resources.

“All funds from a united congregation are transferred to the newly united congregation and will be used to continue our service to the community and our primary aim of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

“Any funds held centrally go into a fabric fund which supports the church buildings which remain in use in the West Moray parish at Forres and Dallas, and must be used for that purpose."

Row over memorials "certainly hurts"

Speaking outside the former church in Burghead, Mr Main explained the strength of feeling behind this issue.

He said: "We've had two public meetings and they were packed out, absolutely packed out. 

"They can't believe there is no Christianity coming from the church. 

"It certainly hurts, some of the people here have got family names up on those war memorials. 

"All we want is for them to be relocated and not in a supermarket."

Rosemary Davidson was a member of the church for more than 70 years, she was christened and married there.

Mrs Davidson told us how her Uncle, Daniel Ross, is one of the multiple names on the plaques which they wish to move.

She said: "I'm very upset about it, extremely upset about it.

"These men deserve respect, Daniel and everyone else who lost their lives.

"Not to be left in a place where we're going to be doing our weekly shopping.

"I'm very sad to see the church close, but the place is going to be used for something in the community rather than leave it derelict.

"I do hope the war memorials get their appropriate place across the road."

Church of Scotland response

The Church of Scotland say a church official has never suggested the memorials have to stay in the church.

A spokesperson said: "We would strongly refute and reject some of the allegations and claims made by the community council.

“However, the kirk session of West Moray Church is committed to helping ensure the respectful removal and preservation of the war memorials and siting them in a mutually acceptable space, in accordance with Church of Scotland guidance.

“To avoid the memorials being moved to a location outside the village, a suitable location has been identified within the Burghead community, opposite the church at the corner of Grant Street and Granary Street, close to an existing memorial.

“As both memorials are made from marble and preserved up until now in an indoor location, they will require some protection from the weather to prevent their rapid deterioration.

“The memorials can be installed as soon as an affordable cost has been agreed and arrangements can be made.

"At no point has he (church official) suggested that the war memorials can only belong to or have to stay in the church.

“The Church accepts it has a moral responsibility to ensure the memorials are moved to a suitable and accessible site and the Church is committed to doing this.”