Aberdeen City Council to start new bid for Greyfriars John Knox Church

By ALISTAIR MUNRO
Published on 19/07/2012 16:49

ABERDEEN City Council could still buy a landmark church next to their new HQ after the selling price was slashed by half.

• The council bought the adjoining Marischal College building for its new HQ

• war of words over original £1.27m asking price for Greyfriars John Knox Church

The local authority and Church of Scotland became embroiled in a war of words over the Greyfriars John Knox Church, adjoined to the iconic Marischal College building.

The council bought the college in a £65 million renovation for its new HQ and the then leader John Stewart launched an attack on the kirk, claiming they deserved an Asbo for being bad neighbours, after they refused to budge on its £1.27m asking price.

But the price tag has now been cut to £600,000 and both parties said yesterday that they were willing to enter into a new dialogue now the council set-up has changed since the May elections.

David Robertson, Secretary and Clerk to the Church of Scotland General Trustees, said: “Despite interest in the Greyfriars John Knox property the Church of Scotland General Trustees did not receive what was considered an acceptable offer.

“Following professional valuation advice, the Trustees have decided to re-advertise the property at the new, lower price and continue to be willing to engage in sensible discussion with Aberdeen City Council.”

Councillor Willie Young, finance and resources convener, said: “We want to smooth relationships with the Church of Scotland and discuss the future of the church.

“The way the previous administration handled things did not help and relations were not good.

“But Lord Provost George Adam will be writing to the Church of Scotland with regard to the church and hopefully can do a deal.”