The prayers of church worshippers on Cumbrae could be answered soon as full planning permission is being sought for the new Parish Church building on the island.
At present, the former church building is closed due to state of disrepair, after it was forced to suddenly shut two years ago just before Christmas, and services have since taken place in the Age Concern Hall within the Garrison grounds.
However, a major fundraising effort has been underway over recent years to set up a new church on the island on available land next to the primary school on Bute Terrace.
The completion of the sale of the church manse, together with some generous donations, and ongoing fundraising events, have helped push on the plans.
Planning permission in principal has been given to the church by North Ayrshire Council in 2013. 
The overall works will be carried out by McLean Architects, who recently carried out the successful restoration of Saltcoats Town Hall which was honoured in the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning 2016 in the Place Category for the development works carried out on behalf of NAC.
The new church will include a multi-functional area – seating 100–120, Vestry, kitchen – light refreshment, plant room, toilets, meeting room, storage, car parking for 30 cars.
Bob Morris, Project Leader said: "The existing church building in Bute Terrace has served us well since 1837, but due to its current state of disrepair, we can no longer use it. Now is the time to relocate and build a new church which will have facilities “Not Just for Sundays” but for the wider community.
"Our location will still be on Bute Terrace but further along the road next to the primary school. The estimate costs for this project falls between £750,000 and £1m. We see this as a significant challenge, nonetheless we believe with God’s help this can be done."
Grant Applications – to date the following organisations have supported the new build project to the value of £81,000, to which Cumbrae Parish Church are very grateful and encouraged: PF Charitable Trust, The Ferguson Bequest Fund, All churches Trust Limited, The Baird Trust, Church of Scotland – Trustees and The Joseph Rank Trust.