Work on the first phase of a £100,000 revamp of a Moray kirk is nearing completion.
Minister Peter Turnbull, who relocated from a parish in England to oversee Burghead Free Church last summer, has devised grand plans to revolutionise the 19th century venue.
The 31-year-old took up the post in the quiet seaside community last summer, with the ambition of reinvigorating the small congregation by offering a progressive approach to religion.
In an effort to fund the regeneration project, he has sold the church’s 40 pews and has now purchased removable seating which creates space in the expansive hall for other pursuits.
New flooring has been laid, and a heating system installed to replace an outdated version which often left the building freezing during the winter months.
Last night, Mr Turnbull said he had amassed more than £60,000 towards the ambitious scheme – and that the majority of donations had come from local well-wishers.
But he revealed that a few “snags” had delayed the scheme and would increase the costs of refurbishment.
He added: “We had hoped to be finished with phase one by now, but one or two snags have slowed us down.
“The church was built in 1845, and it isn’t until you strip things back that you see the full extent of what needs to be done to improve it.
“There will be a marginal increase in costs, but things are going well overall.
“The changes we have put in place are already making the building more welcoming, and we have new people at church every week.”
Mr Turnbull will throw open the doors of the Grant Street building to children from the village and the surrounding area this week, while it hosts a holiday club.
From Wednesday to Friday, between 10am and 12.30pm, youngsters will take part in a series of activities at the kirk.
Mr Turnbull said: “We will have a mixture of crafts, games and songs – all themed around the story of Jesus from Mark’s Gospel.
“Depending on the weather, we are keen to venture outside to places like the Burghead Community Garden as well.”
Parents can register their children for places at www.burgheadfreechurch.org or those eager to learn more about the programme can email Mr Turnbull at peter@burgheadfreechurch.org.