A church in Dumbarton is set to be sold as part of the Church of Scotland's mission plan.

The West Kirk on West Bridgend will be sold and its congregation merged with two other congregations as part of plans to deal with the falling number of worshipers.

The West Kirk (Image: Google Maps) A ‘draft mission plan’ – developed by Clyde Presbytery the Church of Scotland’s (COS) administrative body for the area in 2023– outlines proposals to shut two out of three of the Kirk's buildings in the town - St Andrew’s, in Bellsmyre, and the West Kirk.

St Andrew's Parish Church went on the market in August this year.

Now, St Andrew's and West Kirk congregations will join with the Riverside Church in Dumbarton with the Service of Union taking place on Tuesday, December 3.

Rev Robbie Hamilton, Clerk of the Presbytery of Clyde, said: “The Presbytery of Clyde decided in June 2023 to unite the congregations of Riverside, St Andrew’s, and West, following discussion and agreement on the Basis of Union by all three congregations.

“The Service of Union is scheduled for December 3.

“Decisions regarding the timing of the building’s sale will be made by the newly united Kirk Session.”

A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: “Presbytery mission plans are designed to equip the Church for the challenges of sustainable Christian mission in the coming years and they are evaluated on an annual basis.

“One part of this process is recognising that it is necessary to reduce the number of buildings the Church owns, and having fewer reduces pressure on congregational finances, freeing up funds and general income for other missional activities.”