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.

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!

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.