Lossiemouth Church of Scotland

By way of an update regarding the sale of the former St. Gerardine’s High Church buildings, the property is “under offer”.

In the (pre-new East Beach Bridge) photograph below, St. Gerardine’s is the building with the spire, more or less in the middle of the picture. The former St. James’ Church (which remains open, as part of Laich of Moray Parich Church – see further below) is the building with the very pointy spire, towards the right hand side of the photo.

There are three historic artefacts which remain in the church which will have to be removed before the sale can finally proceed. These are: the Kinneddar Pillar, Drainie Memorial and Stotfield Disaster Memorial Plaque.

The Kirk Session of Laich of Moray Parish Church (formerly, until 31 January 2026, Lossiemouth Parish Church) are doing their best to relocate these items.

The Kirk Session have probably been able to find a new home for the Disaster Memorial Plaque but are still seeking a suitable place or places for the other two artefacts.

We have several local organisations and people assisting in this search, for whose help we are very grateful.

We will provide a further update whenever possible. Recent photos of the 3 historic artefacts are set out below.

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Interim Moderator, Rev. Eddie Enslin (Minister at Bellie and Speymouth Parish Church), announced at the beginning of the joint all-age worship service at Duffus Kirk that the existing Parishes of Duffus, Spynie and Hopeman, on the one hand, and Lossiemouth, on the other hand, will unite as one Parish – “Laich of Moray Parish Church” – from 01 February 2026.

There will be a Service of Union to be held in Lossiemouth (former St. James’ building) on the afternoon of Sunday 15 February 2026 at 3pm. The service will be conducted by Moderator of the Presbytery of the North East & Northern Isles, Rev. Shuna Dicks.

In his sermon at Duffus Kirk, Mr Enslin used the story of Jesus’ first miracle – turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana – as a metaphor for the unfolding situation leading to the union of these two parishes.

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Geoff McKee is retiring as Minister of Lossiemouth Church of Scotland.

His last day of ministry is 31 October 2025.

He conducted worship for the last time (as its minister) at Lossiemouth Church of Scotland on Sunday 28 September 2025.

There was a “thank you” concert held for Geoff and his wife, Annie, in the Church on Saturday 27 September 2025 at 2pm.

We wish Geoff and Annie a long, happy and healthy retirement. We will miss them terribly but we are grateful for the time we have had together and for their ministry and faithful service in Lossiemouth. Your retirement is well-earned!

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We, the Kirk Session of Lossiemouth Church of Scotland (LCS), are providing the information below to try and give a clear and open update on several important matters concerning our church and the former St Gerardine’s Church building.

We understand there has been much discussion and, at times, misinformation within the community, and we want to ensure you have the facts from our perspective.

This article aims to clarify our efforts regarding the sale of St Gerardine’s, our role in that process, how any future proceeds might benefit LCS, and our current financial situation, especially in light of the proposed union with the Parish of Duffus, Spynie, and Hopeman (DSH).

The Journey of Selling St Gerardine’s

The process of selling the former St Gerardine’s Church building has been a long and, at times, challenging one. The General Trustees of the Church of Scotland approved the movement of the building back in February 2024. Since then, we have worked diligently to prepare the building, including emptying it of contents, with some items like the defibrillator and fire extinguishers already removed. We also confirmed the location of the wooden carved German herdsman (now in the local library) and the 2000 Time Capsule in the church grounds.

The property was initially valued at £150,000 by an RICS surveyor and marketed at “offers over £150,000”. We received our first offer in late May 2025, with proposed purchaser having the stated intention of retaining it for community use. Based on advice, it was rejected to allow more time on the market. By mid-June, there were 10 notes of interest, leading to a closing date of June 24th.

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The following is the text of a letter sent by our minister to members and adherents of both congregations, dated 26 November 2023. [NOTE: This post was originally published on 27 November 2023 and republished on 12 January 2024 so as to ‘bump’ the information to the top of the website].

Minister’s Letter – Sunday 26th November 2023 – Lossiemouth Church of Scotland

Dear Friends,

The union of St. Gerardine’s High and St. James’ Parish churches will become effective on 1st January 2024.

I would like to ensure that you are up to date with arrangements in advance of the new year.

As we look forward to the union of the parishes, it is important to understand that the two uniting parishes, their histories and heritages continue into the new relationship. This is a coming together of the parishes which is best understood as a marriage rather than a new birth.

The newly united parish will be known as Lossiemouth Church of Scotland.

Weekly Sunday services will be held in the current St. James’ building at 10am.

The united Kirk Session will consist of the elders currently serving on St. Gerardine’s High and St. James’ Kirk Sessions. Members of the united Kirk Session will be the local charity trustees of Lossiemouth Church of Scotland.

As Lossiemouth Church of Scotland will be operating under a Unitary Deed of Constitution there will be no Congregational Board.

The Kirk Session will be responsible for all matters; spiritual and temporal.

It is possible for the Kirk Session to proceed without delegating any of its work, but I think this would be a missed opportunity.

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