A derelict north-east church which has been closed since 1970 has been put up for auction for £70,000 as a development opportunity.
Kirkton of Alvah Church has been left to deteriorate over the decades and was last used by the community in 1950.
The historic building, which sits in the village of Alvah, just outside of Banff, was sold by the Church of Scotland in 2001 for £10,000.
It was initially a struggle to find potential buyers due to the difficulties new owners could face obtaining planning permission for a change of its use.
The ownership of the building has changed hands several times over the years.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
Approval has since been given for the B-listed property to be converted from a church into a four-bedroom home.
The interior of the building is still intact with its wooden furnishings and fittings still in place.
Secretary of Alvah and Forglen Community Council, Jim Bayne, said it was sad to see the deterioration of the church, despite recent improvements.
He said: “Over the years it has got worse to the point that when you visited the graveyard you would be worried a slate might crack you on the head, but the owner did reslate the roof last year.
“The woman who bought it had great plans for it and after doing the roof they removed the harling and found the windows were a completely different shape.
“She’s not started the works she got permission for and it has appeared up for sale again.
“I was shown inside by one of the builders not long ago and it really is lovely so hopefully someone can revive it so it doesn’t deteriorate more.
“Sadly it isn’t attractive to a lot of buyers due to the busy graveyard surrounding it.
“The graveyard is very well attended and I think it has one of the best views of Deveron Valley.
“Everyone sees the view and thinks ‘this is where I want to be planted when I die’ as the church yard is so lovely.”
The property is currently monitored by the Buildings at Risk register for Scotland where it is noted to be in poor condition but is of low risk.
Alvah Parish Church will be going under the hammer by Future Property Auctions on February 7 at 7pm with a guide price of £70,000.
