A COMMUNITY group has launched a campaign to save an historic church in Edinburgh New Town as a hub for local people.

St Stephen's Church has dominated the city's skyline since it was built in 1828. It recently went on the market for £500,000 leaving open the possibility it may be turned into luxury flats.

The Category A-listed building, which shut as a church in 1992, was designed by William Playfair, one of Scotland's most celebrated architects, who also created the National Gallery of ­Scotland and the Royal ­Scottish Academy.

A group now hopes to save the church for community use and has suggested the setting-up of a St Stephen's Playfair Trust.

The group believes that with "a little injection of extra energy and lateral thinking" the property could become a significant New Town venue for local residents and for users further afield.

But it wants to know the extent of community support, and a public ­meeting is being held at the church this Thursday at 7pm.

The meeting will be chaired by Dr James ­Simpson OBE, leader of the steering group.

The church has had many community uses over the years, having hosted concerts, meetings, wedding receptions, Burns suppers and Edinburgh Fringe events.