On the 25th March 2014, the Trustees of Saint Conan’s Kirk invited members of the local community and those with a personal connection to this historic and enchanting location, to share ideas about the development of a support committee that would help support the Kirk’s future in terms of awareness and sustainability.

The meeting attracted new friends from Loch Awe, surrounding villages in Argyll to the Central Belt of Scotland and Northern England. Each with a unique and meaningful link to this wonderful Kirk, the new friends have now established a committee and have applied for Charitable Status with OSCR.  A constitution, business plan and events plan for 2014 already now in place, the Friends of Saint Conan’s Kirk meet monthly to discuss and agree how they can acheive their agreed objectives of:

• Developing a number of events and activities that attract existing, new and repeat visitors to the Kirk. We aim to increase donations both on an ad-hoc and regular basis.
• Promoting the Kirk by building awareness of the Kirk and in turn driving footfall and visitor numbers
• Developing the Kirk’s visitor offering including the development of a range of products available for purchase on site that are of interest and appeal to any visitor
• Developing educational tours and documentation. These may involve local and national history, architecture, flora and fauna.
• Engaging the local community through becoming involved in events, activities, volunteering opportunities and working parties.
• Contributing to the maintenance of the fabric and grounds of Saint Conan’s and so provide an ongoing cultural and educational facility for the benefit of the local community and beyond.

“We are astounded by the commitment already received by all members of the committee and delighted to have been able to set up this dedicated group of individuals who will no doubt go to great lengths to help build the profile of Saint Conan’s Kirk across local, regional, national and international audiences” said Ian Craig, Chair of the new Friends of Saint Conan’s Kirk. “We have already in a short space of time developed a comprehensive constitution, agreed Trustees, confirmed our priorities and applied for charitable status”.

The inaugural open day for Saint Conan’s Kirk takes place over the weekend of 16th and 17th August where visitors can see live theatre with the Three Wee Crows, get a guided tour around the kirk, see an exhibition from local artists, view the entries from our local school’s art competition and take part in children’s games that will help them discover the secret’s behind Saint Conan’s Kirk!