Clan Jardine Members Rally to Save Historic Church in Dumfries and Galloway
In an inspiring display of unity and pride, members of the worldwide Clan Jardine have come together to save the ancient Applegarth Church near Lockerbie in Dumfriesshire. This Church of Scotland building holds great significance as the historic and spiritual home of the Jardine family, who were notorious reivers in the borderland between England and Scotland during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Earlier this year, the church was put up for sale, prompting an appeal through the Clan Jardine Facebook group. The response was overwhelming, with pledges totaling almost £70,000 pouring in from all corners of the globe within just 48 hours.
The campaign was spearheaded by Andrew and Kirsteen Michell of Applegarth House, who live next door to the church. Their determination and passion for preserving their heritage has galvanized the international community and brought them together for this cause.
Andrew Michell shares, “There is so much history in this hamlet. We believe there has been a church at Applegarth since around 600 A.D. This is the heritage of the Jardines and other families. We couldn’t see it lost.”
The chief of Clan Jardine, Sir William Jardine of Applegirth Bt., commended the collective effort and acknowledged the emotional ties that connect the Jardine diaspora to their ancestral lands. This sentiment extends to other families as well, such as the Porteous, Rogerson, Bryden, Johnstone, Dinwoodie, and Boyes families, who also have their roots in Applegarth.
To celebrate the transition of ownership to a new charity, ‘Friends of Applegarth Church SCIO,’ Jardines from South Africa, America, and other parts of the world are planning to travel to Dumfriesshire. A ceremonial handing over of the keys and a blessing will take place at 2pm on Sunday, November 30th. The clan chief, Sir William Jardine, will be present with his family, and the event is open to all.
The vision for Applegarth Church goes beyond preservation. The plan is to turn the site into a community hub, a venue for heritage and educational activities, and a space for blessings, weddings, and funerals.
For more information, please contact Kirsteen Michell at admin@applegarthchurch.org or 07791 561618, or Andrew Michell at 07802 247294. A website for the church, www.applegarthchurch.org, is currently under construction, and updates can also be found on the Facebook page for ‘Friends of Applegarth Church SCIO.’
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.