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.
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