Congregations' green income

THE Church of Scotland is said to be considering selling off its George Street headquarters.

Number 121, as the building is known, is thought to be worth more than 25 million. The A-listed building houses over 200 staff. The Kirk is understood to be considering a move to a cheaper home to ease its financial position.

In a separate move to boost coffers, the Kirk's General Assembly was told on its closing day that green energy projects could provide income for congregations in deprived areas. Its general trustees have asked a team from Heriot-Watt University to investigate the potential payback from various forms of green energy.

The Scottish Government's renewable heat incentive tariff scheme pays out for every kilowatt-hour of energy generated via certain technologies.

A report presented to the Assembly said Selkirk Parish Church in the Borders had become the first congregation to install solar roof panels and expected to shave about 20 per cent off its electricity bill.