Chloe 
A church in the Scottish Borders is bucking the downward trend in congregation numbers by launching a major expansion and refurbishment programme – to cater for growing demand.
Most days, Selkirk Parish Church's hall is packed out for lunch clubs, coffee mornings and other gatherings.
The growing numbers have forced elders to speed up the first part of their £2m upgrade plans for the 150-year-old building, by doubling the size of their kitchen.
Elder Myra Ward explained: "We have big plans for the church, and the kitchen is just the start."
Membership of the Church of Scotland dropped from about 920,000 to just over 270,000 between 1982 and 2022.
During the same four decades the average age of a churchgoer increased to 62 years old – figures which have led to dozens of churches closing in recent years with many more facing an uncertain future.
But the mood at Selkirk Parish Church is one of optimism and enthusiasm.
In 2012 it became one of the first religious buildings in Scotland to install solar panels on its roof.
Interior refurbishments to the rear hall have also taken place to make the High Street building more inviting for community groups to use.
But it is now embarking on its most ambitious project yet – a complete £2m overhaul.
As well as creating an entirely new first floor above the main church auditorium, the congregation hopes to create various sized halls and meeting rooms, a new lift, and a welcoming glass frontage and reception.
Since arriving in Selkirk last year, Rev Kwame Ahaligah has been preaching to a steady congregation of about 60 each Sunday – and similar numbers on Wednesdays.
He said: "I do think we can become a little fixated with numbers – yes congregations everywhere are dropping – but what is happening here at Selkirk Parish Church shows how engaging we have become.
"By opening up the building to the community we are providing a place of solace to people who would have been at home on their own – it has become the centre of the community.
"I think we are a prime example of the church being relevant in today's world."
