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Church to be a new house? Plans lodged with Highland Council to change the use of disused Cannich Church of Scotland building


By Ian Duncan

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Church Cannich in Beauly which could be turned into a dwelling house.
Church Cannich in Beauly which could be turned into a dwelling house.

A Highland church could be converted into a new home if the plans get the green light.

Fiona McLachlan has applied to Highland Council to change the use of the disused Cannich Church of Scotland building.

In addition the applicant is hoping to build an extension at the 760 square metre site.

As well as full planning permission, Ms McLachlan has also applied for listed building consent – the Category C structure was originally listed in April 1986.

The applications are currently under consideration by council planners and, according to a supporting statement, the church appeared to be in good condition, both inside and out, with only minor repairs required.

A pulpit will be removed from the church and be installed at Beauly Church of Scotland, which was a condition of the sale of the building.

The report stated: “The existing wooden floor will be removed and replaced with a concrete floor, insulation and underfloor heating in a polished cement screed.

“Reclaimed floor boards will be reused within the church wherever possible.”

It outlines a number of potential new uses for the timber including for kitchen cabinet doors and under window cupboard doors.

The applicant is planning to repaint the existing walls and roof trusses, linings, doors and window surrounds will be cleaned and re-varnished where required.

The report stated: “We propose to add a series of conservation rooflights along the front and rear roof elevations to maximise the amount of natural light within the building.

“These will be spaced out to suit the internal wood panelling in the vaulted ceiling.

“Advice will be sought from conservation specialists with regard to providing suitable secondary glazing to the stain glass windows.

“It is my client’s intention to keep as many of the original features of the church as possible, both inside and out.”

New-build features would include a mezzanine deck to the east end.


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