March 2018 – A quick visit to The Isle of Bute to meet the owner of St Ninians Church with a view to making an offer for the property. After numerous visits with Ollie (my faithful four legged companion and best friend), I’ve fallen in love with this grand, imposing church that is just crying out to be loved. On the shore front in Port Bannatyne, this church Designed by Willian F McGibbon was first ready for dedication on 25th July 1886. The church, a 3 bay gothic church, with a 33 metre high square bell tower, and bell still intact appears for the most part to be in remarkably great shape for a building that held its last service in 2007 and has been empty ever since. At this point, I am unclear as to what this building might have in store for me, or what to use the building for, a home, a community space, a church? All I know is that I have looked at this building on many occasion when I’ve been to Bute and I’m drawn to it, already besotted with it and, I have a feeling this will end in the ownership of a church!!
