Launch Event - Research in Action on Church Heritage

About the Event

A rich tradition at the heart of communities across Scotland is at risk, with around one third of the country’s 3,000 places of worship predicted to shut by the end of this decade. This constitutes a national challenge, since many of these churches hold tangible and intangible cultural heritage significance.

This free event open to all will celebrate the rich heritage of Scotland's churches - architectural, historical, archival, genealogical, archaeological and artistic - from the early medieval period to the more recent past. Through roundtable discussions, we will come together to consider how best to record and preserve this cultural legacy as churches close and transition to alternative uses.

The Network for Research in Action on Church Heritage (formerly the Finding Futures for Scotland’s Churches project) is a community of experts who will aid the project's information gathering and help to assist churches in preserving their heritage. If you cannot make the event, but would like to be involved in the future, please email Research Manager Dr Lizzie Swarbrick FSAScot at lizzie@socantscot.org.

Format

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and be live-streamed online.

The event will begin with lightning-round talks, illuminating the breadth and brilliance of Scottish church heritage, with speakers from universities, museums, and heritage organisations sharing key types of cultural heritage at risk.

This will be followed by a panel discussion considering how to record and preserve Scotland's ecclesiastical treasures at a time of unprecedented church closures.

Coffee and tea will be provided, and the event will end with a short drinks reception to allow attendees to further discuss common interests.

Your Ticket

Booking is essential. If you have reserved a ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite to allow someone else to take your place.

House Rules

The Society has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying.

All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.

Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (e.g. offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (e.g. with regard to spam) will apply online.

Accessibility

Please note, the hearing loop facility at Augustine United Church is currently unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.

Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building - please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway.

A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and on the lower level (accessible via lift).

Assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue.

If attending via Zoom, captions are included.

You can find further information on Accessibility here.

Active and Sustainable Travel

To help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, the Society encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to travel to and from this event if possible.

Lothian Buses run services along George IV Bridge, Forrest Road and nearby South Bridge. There are also bicycle racks directly outside the venue.

Support Us

The Society is grateful for our 2,600 Fellows across the globe whose support enables us to make these event free and open to all.

If you are interested in being part of this network and supporting a charity that has actively supported the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past for over 240 years, visit our Join Us page for more information about the benefits of becoming a Fellow.

Want to keep up to date with our public-facing events and opportunities? Sign up to the Society's newsletter and receive monthly updates direct to your inbox.

Funders

Research in Action on Church Heritage is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Pilgrim Trust.

Image: The Fifteenth Century chandelier in St John's Kirk, Perth © Lizzie Swarbrick