Environmental (Commonwealth Union)_ Buchlyvie and Gartmore Parish Church Originally built in 1790, the church on Gartmore’s Main Street was designed as a five-bay rectangular Chapel of Ease, forming part of Gartmore’s estate village. Renovated in 1904 by H & D Barclay, the church gained a bellcote and porch, enhancing its historic and local value. The symmetrical southeast facade overlooks the graveyard, with Gothic windows and a central belfry. The Cayzer family funded interior renovations, including removing galleries and aligning windows. Inside, plastered walls, a timber ceiling, and early 20th-century stained glass pay homage to the Cayzers. A walled churchyard with gravestones from 1793 completes the historic site.
Buchlyvie and Gartmore Parish Church have earned the Eco-Congregation Scotland Silver Award, recognizing their commitment to environmental stewardship within their community. The interdenominational movement Eco-Congregation Scotland honors churches that integrate ecological responsibility into their congregational life and mission.
Achieving this award required the church to demonstrate adherence to specific criteria across several environmental action areas, indicating a sustained commitment to ecological awareness. This Silver Award celebrates their ongoing efforts, building upon previous achievements recognized with a Bronze Award.
The church marked the occasion with two celebratory events. The first event featured a formal award presentation by Stirling MP Chris Kane, who visited Buchlyvie to personally honor the congregation’s accomplishments. The award ceremony also served as a platform for church members to discuss upcoming environmental legislation with the MP, advocating for policies that support eco-conscious communities. Margaret Warnock, one of the award assessors, attended as well, adding her support for the congregation’s achievements.
In the second event, Tricia Cumming, an active member of the Eco and Worship groups, led a special Creationtide service. During this service, the congregation celebrated their eco-commitment, and their other award assessor presented the silver plates that accompany their Silver Award. The church’s award plaques now proudly display these new silver plates alongside the bronze ones, highlighting Buchlyvie and Gartmore Parish Church’s commitment to environmental advocacy.
The congregation’s achievement reflects a meaningful step in promoting environmental sustainability, demonstrating that faith communities can play a vital role in advancing eco-friendly practices. The Silver Award not only honors their progress but also strengthens their commitment to addressing ecological concerns as an essential part of their worship and community life.
