The Church of Scotland is attempting to sell one of its north-east properties in a landslip hit village.
The former manse at the top of Gardenstown has been unaffected by a landslip which has cut off the community’s harbour and residents since December but has been dubbed surplus to requirements.
Repair works concerning the slip are still months away and one business has already been forced to close its doors after 34 years of trading because its work has dried up.
The Church of Scotland now hopes to offload its interest in the community for about £180,000.
Last night, a spokeswoman explained the house, which was formerly used to home the church’s leader, was not needed because there is no longer a congregation to serve in the community.
She said: “The Church of Scotland is selling a home at Fernie Brae in Gardenstown that formerly was a manse, but now is no longer needed.
“The nearest Church of Scotland congregations can be found in Macduff and Aberdour.”
There has been no suggestion that the landslip has prompted the sale.
The congregation in Gardenstown is guided by the Free Church of Scotland, whose kirk overlooks the landslip-affected Harbour Road.
The Church of Scotland has said it will consider offers over the £180,000 mark made to its Edinburgh base. It has not attached a closing date.
In advertising, the church has described the sale of the manse as a “rare opportunity”.
It currently has 49 properties around Scotland for sale, including three in Aberdeen where 65 Mile-End Avenue, 37 Richmondhill Road and 134c Great Western Road are on offer.
A home is also for sale in Peterhead.
The three-bedroom bungalow, in Tortorston Drive, is available for offers over £180,000.
