Cairnlea Parish Church in Airdrie undergoes £1.3million renovation

Cairnlea Parish Church in Airdrie unveiled its newly transformed space six years after the idea first came about.

Two congregations came together in 2016 and decided to refurbish Cairnlea's church, hall and house while turning the other building into affordable housing with support from the Scottish Government.

Cairnlea Parish Church, Airdrie

With a combination of grants, fundraising and proceeds, Cairnlea now looks entirely different while managing to reduce its carbon footprint and provide full accessibility to visitors.

Reverend Peter Donald, minister of Cairnlea, said: "We took out all of the fossil fuel heating and put in renewable air source heat pumps instead - creating an asset fit for the 21st century.”

Extensive wiring was installed to create full underfloor heating, and new radiators have been fitted in all the spaces.

Cairnlea Church interior before renovations

Cairnlea Church during renovations

Reverend Peter Donald in the newly renovated Cairnlea Church

He added: “We are proud that this gorgeous Victorian building with all its height and space is now heated in an environmentally responsible way. The lighting is LED, using as little consumption as possible.

"The building itself, which is a rather fine 'B listed' church, has really sung with the new lighting and the redecoration and is much more beautiful than it was before, but with the advantages of full accessibility and new toilets so it's a total win.

“We are delighted that we are well on the road to being green.”

The congregation wanted to highlight accessibility and flexibility, as much as sustainability, when it came to finalising the new layout.

Reverend Peter Donald

He said: “The sanctuary was not very accessible at all and there were fixed pews which meant it was felt that it wasn't really allowing the building to be used except on a Sunday.

“We wanted to address this – it was getting increasingly difficult for some of our members to go from the church to the hall even for a cup of coffee.

“We want everyone to feel part of the church; that’s what it’s all about. We now have ramps, a straight layout, and glass windows so people can see where they’re going, and the space isn’t too hidden.”

Reverend Peter Donald

A state-of-the-art audiovisual system has been installed so that everyone can see and hear the sermon, whether they are in the church or in one of the rooms in Cairnlea House.

Loose seating, a flat floor and wide-open space allow freedom of movement, both for furniture and people.

Reverend Peter added: “One of our retired elders who drives a motorised scooter was able to drive into the sanctuary, then he was able to drive into a platform lift to take him down into the church hall and then drove into the lift of the house to go up to the first floor - he could get everywhere.

"It's just wonderful."

The church during renovations

Renovations in the church

Reverend Peter pointed out that while the work on Cairnlea has helped those with mobility issues, it has also turned the space into a community hub, elevating the meaning of accessibility to include anyone in the local area.

He said: “We are hoping for theatre, choirs, dance, and art shows, and more communal meals to be held here, for boys’ and girls’ brigades, toddler groups, senior citizens groups. It’s warm, comfortable, open, and bright.

“A church shouldn’t be for one purpose; it should be for all of life,” the Reverend added, a message that is especially significant as the prayer room currently stands full of supplies that will be taken to Poland for Ukrainian refugees.

Reverend Peter Donald

Visitors in the newly renovated Cairnlea Church

On Saturday, March 5 members of the public are invited to visit Cairnlea Parish Church.

A service of dedication will take place on Sunday, March 6 at 11am and all are welcome.