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Former Church of Scotland building in Inverness takes on new lease of life after being bought by another church





The Brew & Blether numbers have grown during its first year. Picture: James Mackenzie
The Brew & Blether numbers have grown during its first year. Picture: James Mackenzie

Each week, Isobel MacGregor looks forward to Monday afternoons when she can play dominoes with new-found friends at a newly-formed Inverness social group.

Until a year ago, the 79-year-old widow had no one to play with and rarely got out.

But this week she took centre stage to cut a special cake marking the first anniversary of the Brew & Blether friendship group which was formed after a city pastor became aware of Mrs MacGregor’s situation.

The group, which meets weekly at the former Trinity Church building in Huntly Place, began with just nine people but now is regularly attended by about 70 who get together to chat and laugh over a cuppa and take part in a range of activities from chess to crafts.

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Brew & Blether is one of the various growing community groups based in the former Church of Scotland building which has recently been bought by Inverness Christian Fellowship - a part of the Apostolic Church UK.

The fellowship already runs baby and toddler groups and also has plans to develop a group for local teenagers on Friday afternoons.

Isabel MacGregor plays dominoes. Picture: James Mackenzie
Isabel MacGregor plays dominoes. Picture: James Mackenzie

As Brew & Blether regulars were joined by guests, including Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick, for its birthday celebrations, Mrs MacGregor said the group has made a massive difference to her life.

“I go each week,” she said.

“Everyone is very nice and we chat to each other.”

One of the oldest members, Catherine Hay (94), said meeting other people was her motivation for going along.

“I have made a lot of friends - I have to try to remember all their names!” she said.

“I would recommend it to anyone who lives on their own or is looking for some company.”

Stuart Sutherland, Alasdair Moodie, Donald Mackenzie and Kyle Dunbar. Picture: James Mackenzie
Stuart Sutherland, Alasdair Moodie, Donald Mackenzie and Kyle Dunbar. Picture: James Mackenzie

Donald MacKenzie, among a small group of men chatting at one of the tables, feels loneliness among men is an issue in the area.

“I come along for companionship and to engage with people in a positive social environment,” he said.

“I think it is important to make sure I get out of the house every day and do something positive.”

The former Trinity Church of Scotland building in Huntly Place. Picture: James Mackenzie
The former Trinity Church of Scotland building in Huntly Place. Picture: James Mackenzie

While aimed at anyone in the community, the group also includes members of Inverness Christian Fellowship, which previously held services in Merkinch Community Centre, and the former Trinity Church whose congregation merged with Dalneigh under broader cost-cutting measures by the Church of Scotland.

The two churches forged a good relationship during the pandemic when Trinity Church opened its doors for use by the fellowship which was unable to use the community centre as it was closed under lockdown rules.

Although Trinity Church of Scotland held its last service there in August 2023, Inverness Christian Fellowship continued to hold weekly services and several community groups there and recently completed the purchase of the building which it plans to use as an expanded community hub.

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick joined in the birthday celebrations. Picture: James Mackenzie
Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick joined in the birthday celebrations. Picture: James Mackenzie

Pat Murray is among a group of Brew & Blether regulars who attend Trinity Dalneigh Church of Scotland but are keen to retain their links with their former place of worship.

She said they had been made to feel welcome at the Monday group.

“I have made some really good friends here,” she said.

“I wanted to keep the connection - I was so pleased the Inverness Christian Fellowship has bought the building.

“They do a lot for the community.”

Karen Halkett, Cath Fraser, Anne Macquarrie and Erin Murdoch. Picture: James Mackenzie
Karen Halkett, Cath Fraser, Anne Macquarrie and Erin Murdoch. Picture: James Mackenzie

Cath Fraser (90), a founder member of Inverness Christian Fellowship 36 years ago, is delighted they finally have managed to buy the building.

“Over the years, we have been in different schools and halls,” she said.

“Now we have a place of our own.”

Inverness Christian Fellowship started using Trinity Church during the pandemic. Picture: James Mackenzie
Inverness Christian Fellowship started using Trinity Church during the pandemic. Picture: James Mackenzie

Karen Halkett is the co-pastor of Inverness Christian Fellowship and was instrumental in setting up Brew & Blether after becoming aware of Isobel MacGregor’s lack of opportunity to enjoy her favourite past time of dominoes.

“Our church is part of the Apostolic Church UK (ACUK) denomination and during lockdown we set up a charitable arm, TLC Inverness,” she said.

“Our heart was to be able to provide Tender Loving Care to Inverness with a focus on the Merkinch area as that’s where we worship as a church.

“Through TLC Inverness, we have managed to secure funding for community groups like Baby Bliss, Trinity Tots and Brew & Blether with plans to develop a group for local teenagers on Friday afternoons.”

With the Trinity Church building and halls now having been acquired via a private sale, she is brimming with ideas as to how it could be developed for further community use.

Karen - who was the first woman in Scotland to be ordained as a pastor in the Apostolic Church - is also acutely aware of the affection and regard felt by many in the community towards Trinity Church.

“We recognise that Trinity Church has a place in locals hearts and in November, Inverness Christian Fellowship will change its name to Trinity Life as we build on the foundations of what has gone before, both for Trinity locally and Inverness Christian Fellowship,” she said.

Co-pastor Karen Halkett recognises Trinity Church has a special place in the hearts of locals. Picture: James Mackenzie
Co-pastor Karen Halkett recognises Trinity Church has a special place in the hearts of locals. Picture: James Mackenzie

She also stressed the importance of finding out what was needed in the community.

“We want to take it slowly and see what is needed and what the gaps are,” she said

Recalling how the Brew & Blether began from her encounter with an elderly lady who just wanted to play dominoes, she reflected: “I would not have known that if I hadn’t had a cup of coffee.

“It’s amazing what comes out of having a cup of coffee with someone.”


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