Oldmachar Church of Scotland was awarded a £30,000 grant for an upgraded heating system at Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee.

The small church in the Bridge of Don is used by many groups including baby and toddler groups, a community café, a café for people with dementia and their carers (Living Well Café), and a youth club for S1-S4. In addition, it is hired out to Scouts, and Brownies, and other community groups including dance and drama while also supporting local primary and secondary schools too for assemblies and concerts.

Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “I hope the grant will assist Oldmachar Church in carrying out the heating improvements to allow it to continue as a well-used community facility.”

A report to committee said the church is a registered charity and all of its groups are run as not for profit. Its external lets have reduced rates for children and community groups to cover utility bills only. In addition, it hire out its halls to exercise classes and martial arts groups and birthday parties.

The report said the church has been told they could get another £80,000 grant towards the £100,000 cost of installing an air source heating system capable of heating roughly one half of the building being the multi-purpose sanctuary/meeting room which is used for community groups, exercise groups, and for worship purposes together with a smaller meeting room and office.

The church has been quoted for installing a new condensing boiler with a minimum 15% efficiency gain at £12,000 to supply and install which would provide heat and hot water to the remaining part of the building.