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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The ReACH team will be at Brechin Cathedral on Saturday 10th October for our next open day. Come along to visit the cathedral, join us for short talks by experts on medieval churches, the Pictish stones and the stained glass at the cathedral, or take part in our family fun activities.

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Want to get involved in recording Scotland’s church heritage? We’re looking for volunteers to join us at Brechin Cathedral on Friday 9th October to help with heritage recording as part of our ReACH case study.

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

This weekend we are heading to Portnahaven Church on Islay! Join us on Saturday 26th September, 11am-3pm for our ReACH open day! We are looking forward to hearing more about its heritage and, most importantly, meeting people who have their own memories and connections to the building.

Image is the Flyer for Research in Action on Church Heritage Portnahaven Church open day. The background image is of Portnahaven church with details of the open day over the top. The open day will be on September 26 2026 11am-3pm Free Entry All Welcome. Flyer invites you to Explore the church interior and share your memories and experiences. Project partners are Scotland's Churches Trust and Society of Antiquaries Scotland. Funders are the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Pilgrim Trust. Image includes a QR code for the full programme and URL web address for this www.churchheritage.scot

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

What an incredible day of heritage recording at Burntisland Old Parish Church! A brilliant group of volunteers and experts helped us delve into all the nooks and crannies, uncovering some real gems and giving us a greater appreciation of the layers of heritage held within the building.

Recording the organ in the gallery of the Church

Volunteers holding alm plates for recording

Volunteers inspecting the wood of pew boxes

volunteers measuring a wooden engraving on the wall

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

This weekend, we’re heading to Burntisland Old Parish Church! 🎉 Join us on Saturday 5 September, 11am–3pm, for our ReACH open day! We’re looking forward to exploring the church, enjoying music and tours, and hearing the memories and stories of the people connected to this special place.

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

📦 The Portnahaven Memory Box has arrived! Our memory box is now set up at Portnahaven Church, delivered by DJ to the Friends of Portnahaven Church ahead of our 27 September open day.

Man standing with the memory box in arms inside the church

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

What memories do you have of Burntisland Old Parish Church? On 5 September, ReACH will be there for our next case study open day, and we'd love to hear your stories - weddings, baptisms, Christmas services, childhood memories, family connections or simply moments that have stayed with you.

Flyer with image of Burntisland church and overlaid text with open day details

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

"The heritage recording can tell us one part of the story, and the people who have passed through the doors can tell us another." Community Officer, Emily, reflects on collecting memories and stories at Whitekirk and what they reveal about social value churchheritage.scot/2026/06/04/a...

churchheritage.scot

A Place of Pilgrimage and Memory: Social Value at Whitekirk – Research in Action on Church Heritage

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Do check-out the first of the case studies exploring the social and heritage value of churches from our collaborative two year National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland funded project with @socantscot.bsky.social. Find out more about the absolutely incredible Whitekirk Church in East Lothian 👇

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Would you like to explore Whitekirk St Mary's Church, see archival photos and hear memories of worship and community? NEW RESOURCE! We've collated our social and heritage survey work into this new webpage, featuring an interactive map to explore in your own time churchheritage.scot/whitekirk/

churchheritage.scot

Whitekirk – Research in Action on Church Heritage

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

A big thank you to everyone who joined our latest Heritage Action Group meeting. We had really valuable discussions around prioritisation, at-risk heritage and how we understand value in church buildings facing change.

Attendees sitting at a table in discussion

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Our next Church Heritage Action Group meeting is nearly here and in-person places are now sold out 🎉 There’s still space to join online. This session will explore heritage value and prioritisation: how we decide what matters, and how that shapes the future of church buildings.

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Prior to the present church of 1772, there is said to have been at least three previous churches on the site of St Colmon's Parish Church, Colmonell, S Ayrshire our #ScottishChurchOfTheWeek Read more here 👇 www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/church/st-co... 🧵1/2

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

For #AdoorableThursday this week, here's one of the beautiful neo-Norman doorways in St Conan's Kirk, our #ScottishChurchOfTheWeek This one is accessed through the cloister that Walter Douglas Campbell designed for his gorgeous confection of a church on the bankss of Loch Awe. (1/2)

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Undiscovered Scotland @undisscot.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

753 years ago today. Lady Devorgilla of Galloway founded Sweetheart Abbey south of Dumfries on 10 April 1273, as a symbol of her love for her husband John Balliol, who had died in 1268. More pics and info: www.undiscoveredscot... #Scotland #Sweetheart Abbey #DumfriesAndGalloway #OnThisDay

Sweetheart Abbey. The image shows the red stone abbey church at Sweetheart Abbey seen from a corner angle with the photographer quite close to the building. The roofless tower is in the centre of the frame, with the choir to the right and a transept to the left. There are red stone gravestones in the foreground. The scene is in sunlight.

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

New Blog Post 📣📣 The New Futures team at @communityownership.bsky.social explore their Churches Route Map - a new resource designed to support communities considering taking on church buildings and the steps involved

Image of the route map in a circle and the blog title to the right

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

The ReACH team is growing! We’re looking for a Research Officer to join our team - helping to document and support Scotland’s churches at risk of closure & develop a national heritage resource. 📍Edinburgh (hybrid) 🗓️ Full time, fixed term More info & apply here: www.socantscot.org/news/work-wi...

socantscot.org

Work With Us: ReACH Research Officer - Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking to hire a new member of staff to help deliver the Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) project. Working closely with Scotland’s Churches Trus...

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Great to see this new resource from DTAS @communityownership.bsky.social a Churches Route Map to Community Ownership. This resource sets out practical steps for communities exploring how to take on church buildings! see the route map here dtascommunityownership.org.uk/wp-content/u...

dtascommunityownership.org.uk

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

What happens to church objects when buildings change? Our latest Heritage Spotlight from Stephen Jackson follows the Dun Pulpit, a salvage case study tracing its journey. Read the post here: churchheritage.scot/2026/03/30/h...

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

ReACH will be at Crail Kirk Open Day this Saturday! Dr Lizzie Swarbrick will be leading a talk & tour at 10:45, sharing insights from her research on Scottish Medieval churches, including Crail Kirk. Hosted by Crail Kirk’s Future Project - more details via the organisers.

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

We’ve shared a new ReACH project update on our blog, reflecting on how collaboration is shaping our work across church heritage in Scotland. From data and research to community conversations, this is a shared effort: churchheritage.scot/2026/03/23/r...

People gathering at the back of Whitekirk church

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Our spring newsletter is out! Check your inbox for the latest updates from the ReACH project - including Whitekirk, our Heritage Action Group and what’s next. Not signed up? You can join here and keep up to date with project news: socantscot.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

“The first time when I came down here to see the church, I stood at the front door and almost wept with the beauty of the place” (Oral history participant, St Mary’s Whitekirk Open Day 2026)

Image looking towards the altar and cross from the pulpit and organ

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Community effort underway at Loch Insh Old Kirk in Kincraig 👇 A local charity has launched a Foundations Fund to cover legal costs ahead of purchasing the church. They’re aiming to raise £10,000 for the next steps - if you’d like to support then take a look at their crowdfunder!

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

New Heritage Spotlight ✨ The late 15th-century chandelier in St John’s, Perth survived the Reformation - and turns out to be a fascinating composite reconstruction

Chandelier hanging in front of stained glass and arch

Detailed image of bracket with markings on white background

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

We’re so excited for our Open Day at Whitekirk TODAY! Please do join for music, tours and a chance to share your memories of the church!

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

A HUGE thank you to all of the wonderful church recording volunteers who came along today to help us document the absolutely stunning Whitekirk Church in East Lothian, as part of two days of heritage activities organised by @churchheritage.bsky.social and the Whitekirk Church New Life Trust. (1/2)

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

It's a @churchheritage.bsky.social open day at Whitekirk Church in East Lothian today. Come along and find out more about the remarkable history of this amazing building and its connections to a medieval pope, Oliver Cromwell and the Suffragettes. www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/wp-content/u...

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Name that church 👀 We’re starting a new monthly series sharing close-up details from churches across Scotland. Any guesses where this one is?

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

We’re looking forward to spending time at St Mary’s Whitekirk this week, recording the church heritage and hearing local stories

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

We've got two fabulous and FREE heritage days coming up this week. Both are kindly hosted by the new owners of the historic St Mary's Church in Whitekirk in East Lothian, as part of our @churchheritage.bsky.social collaborative project with our colleagues at @socantscot.bsky.social. (Read on 🧵1/4)

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined last week’s Heritage Action group discussion. We had thoughtful conversations around data, sharing datasets and recording church heritage and social value - and we really value the input shared. Want to be involved? email churches@socantscot.org 👈

Participants sat around the table smiling at camera

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Want to keep up to date with the ReACH project? We send quarterly updates on ReACH’s work recording church heritage and social value, including progress on our project database and events. Sign up here: socantscot.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

socantscot.us3.list-manage.com

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Email Forms

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Dr Lizzie Swarbrick 🇵🇸 @lizzieswarbrick.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

I should also mention that it’s me giving the guided tours! I’m excited to show everyone this beaut of a building.

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

We’re hosting a drop-in Open Day at St Mary’s Church, Whitekirk on 7 Feb (11am–3pm). Come explore the church, enjoy organ music, and join a short guided tour @socantscot.bsky.social @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social @heritagefunduk.bsky.social

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Today is #HeritageTreasures Day, led by @heritagefunduk.bsky.social - a chance to celebrate the places, objects and stories that matter most to people. For ReACH, churches are some of Scotland’s most complex heritage treasures, layered, lived-in places shaped by centuries of use and change.

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

You can read more about our rapid church recording project here 👇 www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/church-recor... And do follow @churchheritage.bsky.social to learn more about our collaborative project with @socantscot.bsky.social evaluating Scottish religious heritage and its social value.

scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk

Scotland's Churches Trust Church Recording

More information on Scotland's Churches Trust award-winning church recording methodology for volunteers to rapidly document church contents

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

We're starting off the new year with a new blog post! Our latest heritage spotlight explores covenanting banners - powerful objects used in 17th-century Scotland to express belief, identity, and collective action. 👉 churchheritage.scot/2026/01/07/h...

churchheritage.scot

Heritage Spotlight: Convenanting Banners – Research in Action on Church Heritage

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Quiet week on the feed from ReACH but as we prepare for the festive season we’re still busy behind the scenes! We’re continuing to work on data, plan our upcoming pilot study and shape the next phase of ReACH. More to share soon - keep your eyes peeled!

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

📣New Blog Post! We’ve been working behind the scenes to shape the ReACH project database - defining recording headings, gathering existing data and collaborating with researchers across Scotland. An accessible, central hub for church heritage is in the way! 👉 churchheritage.scot/2025/12/08/b...

churchheritage.scot

Behind the scenes: building the ReACH database – Research in Action on Church Heritage

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Our Trust Chairperson, Prof Adam Cumming, has blogged for @churchheritage.bsky.social reflecting upon the special connections between Scotland’s remarkable religious built heritage and the lands and the people that surround each site. Read it here 👇 churchheritage.scot/2025/11/26/h...

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Have you joined our ReACH Heritage Action Group mailing list yet? We’re getting ready to announce our first event, bringing together people who research, record or care for Scotland’s church heritage. If that sounds like you then sign up here! socantscot.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

socantscot.us3.list-manage.com

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Email Forms

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

A new blog post is live! This one takes a closer looks at our fieldwork in Inverness, exploring churches, communities and stories. Read our full reflections here! churchheritage.scot/2025/11/03/o... #ReACH #churchheritage #fieldwork

churchheritage.scot

our inverness church fieldwork journey – Research in Action on Church Heritage

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Our colleagues at @churchheritage.bsky.social have published a lovely blog from Matthew Dransfield to help ease your way into the weekend. Read their first "Heritage Spotlight" piece looking at some of Scotland's amazing post-war churches here 👇 churchheritage.scot/2025/10/22/h...

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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

"Legacies in Stone: Connecting Communities with Historic Graveyards." Our heritage sector colleagues @edinburghwh.bsky.social have successfully secured funding from the Heritage Fund for a three year project to assist Scottish voluntary groups looking after graveyards. 👇 ewh.org.uk/legacies-in-...

ewh.org.uk

Legacies in Stone wins funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund - Edinburgh World Heritage

This Halloween, Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) is excited to announce that it has successfully secured funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Legacies in Stone: Connecting Communities wit...

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Yesterday we attended the #GreatExpectations conference at the V&A yesterday about the challenges facing historic churches and looking towards their future. Whilst Lizzie attended in person, Emily and Helen attended online #ReACH #ChurchHeritage

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

A highlight of our Inverness fieldwork was visiting Kirkmichael and meeting Jim Mackay from the Kirkmichael Trust. Jim’s generosity - a personal tour and even a cup of tea - captured the community spirit that sustains sites like this #churchheritage #reach

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Our visit to East Church, Inverness, offered a glimpse into transformation in progress ⛪️ thanks to Murto for opening the doors and showing us around the interior whilst work continues - scaffolding and plans all mixed together! #ReACH #churchheritage

Image of church on corner of the road, with purple doors. Road has yellow boxes painted on. The corner of the church has turret and arched windows. Above is a blue sky

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The Govan Stones @govanstones.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

🎯 Nearly there... Please help us raise the remaining funds for Govan Old and the Viking-Age Govan Stones! tghts.enthuse.com/cf/graveyard...

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Fieldwork at Old High Church, Inverness - one of Scotland's most historic urban churches and is deeply significant to both the local community and visitors #ReACH #churchheritage

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