Local MP John Lamont has called on the Scottish Government to step in and support historic churches in the Borders after the UK Government confirmed that a major funding scheme has come to a permanent end.
Mr Lamont wrote to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, to raise concerns about changes to funding for listed places of worship.
In a recent reply, the UK Government confirmed that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which offered a VAT rebate on works to places of worship, has closed to new applications.
The Minister confirmed that a replacement scheme, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund, was launched in May with an annual budget of £23 million starting in 2026/27, and £92 million provided in total over the Spending Review period to 2029/30. However, the new fund is open only to places of worship in England and is being administered by Historic England.
The letter confirms the Scottish Government received Barnett consequential funding as a result of changes and states it is now for the Scottish Government to decide whether to set up an equivalent scheme.
Borders MP John Lamont said: "I raised this issue directly with the UK Government on behalf of local historic churches who came to me with serious concerns about losing this vital support.
"It's disappointing that this VAT rebate scheme has now closed but the onus is now on the Scottish Government to outline a new scheme.
"The new fund will provide money to the Scottish Government which could be used to help churches with essential repairs.
"Our historic churches are beautiful buildings that local communities in the Borders are very proud of.
"I will continue to press the Scottish Government to use the funding it has received and put in place proper support for listed places of worship here in Scotland."
