MORE than half of the Three Towns’ Church of Scotland churches are to close over the next five years, according to a mission plan drawn up by the Kirk.

This mission plan will see them join with five other presbyteries to create the Presbytery of the South West Scotland in September 2022.

The properties will be closing due to “a surplus of buildings” described in the plan, and the closures will lead to the union of several congregations in the area.

The decision on which buildings should be closed was based in conjunction with ‘asset management building audits’ (AMBAs) carried out on each church.

The Three Towns is detailed as ‘Mission Group 2’ in the plan, and West Kilbride has been moved into this group alongside the existing Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston churches.

The first church which will no longer be in use is Ardeer in Stevenston, which is to be dissolved, ending 127 years of church history in a decision that has already been rubber stamped.

Of the two remaining churches in Stevenston, both were considered challenging in terms of upkeep, though: “The AMBA audit shows up the greater difficulties that would be faced by basing the new church for Stevenston in the High Kirk.”

This means, over the course of time, funding will be focussed on Livingstone Church, which will be the only building to remain open in Stevenston.

Covering Ardrossan and Saltcoats, Kirkgate church will remain open, having “recently completed a large scale restoration and refurbishment inside and outside which allows it to be used in multiple ways”.

Whilst development work must still be carried out, it has been considered “suitable for mission”.

North Parish Church was bluntly described as “in gradual decline” with the report recommending that “this building should be disposed of”.

Despite the “attractive” nature of the building, the work required on the tower at St Cuthbert’s Church is not considered a wise investment, and it too is likely to close.

The only church physically in Ardrossan, Park Church, is set to remain.

The report says the “building is in the right place in an area of huge potential for missional development.”

Which church of Park and Kirkgate would be best suited to the congregations from St Cuthbert’s and North Parish is not yet clear.

In terms of the mission group’s latest edition, the plan states: “West Kilbride has a building which is well suited to purpose being recently refurbished in 2014 and being the only church building in the town.

“It scores well in the AMBA audit and should be retained.”