Save the Old High Inverness launches £100k crowdfunding campaign to buy city’s oldest church building with links to Battle of Culloden and Outlander TV series
Campaigners have launched a crowdfunding campaign in a bid to buy a historic Inverness building for community use.
The Save Old High Inverness (SOHI) aims to raise £100,000 to buy the city’s A-listed Old High Church after being put up for sale by the Church of Scotland.
Offers of more than £99,500 are being sought for the landmark building which has important links with the Battle of Culloden, Highland regiments and the globally-popular historic drama series Outlander.
• Price tag for the historic building slashed by one-third
• Old High community buyout plan gains public support
• Campaigners say Old High building attracting interest from experts
The building was first put up for sale in November 2023 after the Church of Scotland concluded it was no longer financially viable to maintain both that building and St Stephen’s in Crown.
Although a sale was agreed with an anonymous bidder, it fell through and the building was placed back on the market about six months ago, with offers of more than £150,000 sought.
Earlier this month, the Church reduced the asking price by one-third.
SOHI, which hopes to acquire it for community use, has launched a GoFundMe campaign.
In a short accompanying video outlining its history, campaigners say: “This was a building full of life.
“Help us to breathe new life into it now as we remember and respect its past and create a bright and exciting future.”
From intimate concerts and storytelling to genealogy and tourism, they maintain the Old High’s story is far from over.
Campaign member Thomas Prag said people have been inquiring for a while about the opportunity to donate towards a fundraising effort.
“Hopefully, this will give them that opportunity,” he said.
“The aim of the current fundraiser is to raise enough to buy the church.”
He pointed out the invitation for offers over £99,500 was a guide and the campaign was also working with professionals to work out a budget for work required.
“The aim is also to build up a fund which can not only buy the church but also run it.
“We cannot be in a position whereby we get the key and then cannot afford to pay the running costs.”
The building dates from 1769/1772 with a late 16th century tower with the lower structure dating from 14th century.
The tower houses the old burgh clock and curfew bell.
