CLARK Memorial will be the only Church of Scotland place of worship left in Largs from 2024 under new plans - with St John’s and St Columba’s set to close on the final day of 2023.

Concerned worshippers have told the News that they are fearful that these iconic church buildings could be demolished but a senior clergyman this week says he hopes they will instead by 'repurposed'.

Reverend Dr Graham McWilliams says ripping them down has 'never been discussed' after it was announced that the united congregation for the local area will be in the buildings of Cumbrae, Fairlie and Clark Memorial churches, who will unite to form one large parish with two ministers.

The names of these buildings will change to reflect their position within the new parish, which is still to be given a title.

Also, each congregation will have the opportunity to vote upon the intended ministers.

The Presbytery of Ardrossan came together this week for its final meeting and will now be dissolved.

The moves are being described as the most seismic change to church life in Scotland for the past 130 years.

Asked about whether there will be an 11th hour appeal to save St Columba's Parish and St John's, Rev McWilliams told the News that the congregations had been 'quite receptive' to the changes being proposed.

He said: "All three churches in Largs have had recent investment and all are in good order and that is what has made this process difficult, because there was no obvious choice for which church should be kept.

"The church has given the opportunity for an appeal as worshippers are coming together in the process. This is not a decision that is being thrust upon them, it has been discussed over a number of meetings.

"Essentially it will be up to the kirk sessions to determine the future for these buildings and what happens to them thereafter. My own thoughts are that the buildings may be repurposed in some way as we move forward.

"Any suggestion that the buildings could be demolished has not been part of any discussions."

The original church mission report released last month stated that Clark Memorial may only be temporary as a new church could be built further back from the sea, but this is now off the table.

Rev McWilliams added: "There is an air of optimism among everyone I believe. We recently had all the kirk sessions gathered together at St Columba's, and there was a real urge to get on with the changes and continue to reach out and support people in the local community.

"This will re-invigorate the church and its role in the community going forward."