Castlehill Church in Forres owner Dr Charlie Easmon plans to move into the building on High Street
The owner of a historic building that has lain derelict in the centre of Forres for years has big plans for its future.
Having bought Castlehill Church in May 2021, England-based Dr Charlie Easmon, has been raising funds to achieve his aim of turning it into a private home, however, he now hopes to also include a community space and library in the design.
He said: “Potentially, the community could make use of the large space in the first floor hall once I get the appropriate licence and insurance to let it out to groups for activities such as dance and theatre.
“I have a sizeable collection of books and DVDs which I hope to stock a lending library upstairs with - it could work via a small lending fee.”
The once-grand, B-listed United Presbyterian Church was built in 1870, later closed as a place of worship in the 1990s.
It had been converted in the late 1970s and used by the wider community as a church hall until it was closed for good in 2005. At that point, Irishman Aaron Hill took it on, but he gave up on the project due to ill health.
The site was bought in 2010 by Wales-based health practitioner, Claire Love, who wanted to develop it as a centre for the community. However, it was put up for sale again for £180,000 in 2013 when she failed to get match-funding for her plans.
The church, which lies at the west end of High Street at the junction with Castlehill Road next to Forres Post Office, was infested with pigeons and had a collapsing west wall which threatened to cause further structural damage. It was eventually cleared of vermin and droppings then sealed and shored up before Dr Easmon bought it.
Since then, he has invested in the roof and central structure.
He said: “The church spire was rocking at one point and threatening to cause an ‘Omen’-style situation so I spent a few thousand on making that safe!
“Further roof repairs are required - I have roofers in London who are providing me with quotes for this. Drone Scotland have helped by providing footage of the damage.”
He added: “The perimeter of the church is to be cleared of the greenery that is eating into the foundations. We’ll then put down pebble dashing and potted trees.”
Stage one of the internal renovations will be carried out by local tradesman Ian Mackenzie. The contained lower level downstairs is of around 1000 square feet and requires a new ceiling, flooring and walls. Dr Easmon hopes to fill with two bedrooms, a lounge and kitchen.
Upstairs on High Street, he will also occupy a partly separate space of around a total 2500 square which is to be advanced in stage two. Again, the flooring needs work to make it safe.
It will eventually feature a bathroom as well as the large community space for hire. The floor’s walls will also be shored up.
“Ian Mackenzie is keeping an eye on the structure for me,” said Broadstairs, Kent-based, Dr Easmon. “It’s been around for over 150 years and won’t fall down now but it is an eyesore so we’ll get the work done as soon as we can over the next few months.
“I’m very much looking forward to living in Forres, becoming part of the community and visiting Findhorn!”
