A HISTORIC church near Loch Lomond is set to become a community hub after a local trust completed its purchase of the building.

The Kilmaronock Old Kirk Trust (KOKT) has taken on the former Kilmaronock Church near Gartocharn, four years after it was closed by the Church of Scotland.

The trust has secured financial support from the Scottish Land Fund and the Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER project, as well as donations from local residents, to enable it to buy the property.

The trust was set up in 2017, the same year that the building, which dates from 1813 and stands on an ancient and historic site on the Old Military Road between Gartocharn and Drymen, ceased to be used as a place of worship.

The community organisation wants to develop the building as a sustainable, multi-use community meeting space, an arts venue, and heritage centre, and are currently engaging in necessary works to the building as well as fund-raising.

An adjacent field will be developed as a natural burial ground and outdoor recreational space while the building itself is developed, with nearly £150,000 having been conditionally pledged so far to support the project.

Work on the outside of the building will take place first before interior repairs start.

A KOKT spokesperson said: “External funding would not have been possible without the generous donations from KOKT members and local residents. All contributions are gratefully acknowledged.

“KOKT trustees very much look forward to proceeding with the project and fulfilling the vision of this unique building, achieving sustainable use for local communities and visitors alike.”

Any local residents interested in getting involved with the work of the trust should contact kilmaronock@gmail.com or visit kilmaronockold kirk.org.uk.