Govan Old Parish Church

Description:

An options appraisal study, led by Govan Workspace, has recently been carried out into the future of Govan's most important historic building, Govan Old Parish Church. The enquiry has come about as a result of a decision in May 2007 by the Church of Scotland to unite the three local congregations in Govan and to establish the neighbouring New Govan church as the main place of worship. The Church and the local congregation are keen to find viable, new uses for the building.

The national significance of Govan Old has been compared by academics to that of Iona, Whithorn and St. Andrews. The Govan site is the oldest known Christian settlement on the River Clyde and has an ancient burial ground dating back to the 5th century. Its collection of 31 early medieval sculptures, including the Govan Sarcophagus, is unparalleled in Scotland. It is believed there has been continuing Christian worship on the site for at least 1,500 years. A key aspiration of the study is for worship to continue there as part of future plans.

The study received financial backing from the Architectural Heritage Fund, the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, the local Govan congregation and Govan Workspace. The study team includes Page & Park, Architects; Project Managers, Gardiner & Theobald; and Heritage Consultants, Robertson & McIntosh.

Three of the principal ideas being explored include a publicly funded museum; a visitor centre and performance venue; and a visitor centre linked to neighbouring business accommodation.

Historical Background

The Category 'A' listed Govan Old Parish Church was built in 1884-8 and occupies the site of at least three previous churches. An important collection of 31 medieval carved stones is housed in the church. Find out more about Govan Old Parish Church on the Clyde Waterfront Heritage website.