Church Organs Legislative Protection 2025-02-27

2025-02-27

Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Patricia Ferguson Lab
Glasgow West
Context
St Margaret’s Church in Knightswood, Glasgow, is set to close and houses a historically significant pipe organ built by Henry Willis. Some European countries have legal protections against the destruction or abandonment of such instruments when churches become redundant.
My hon. Friend will know that I do not answer for the Church of Scotland, and that heritage and culture is a devolved matter, but when a parish church is to close, the Church of England tries to secure a new home for its instruments, working with local authorities, the diocese and national heritage bodies. I believe that the Church of Scotland is taking similar steps. St Margaret’s, Church of Scotland, in Knightswood in my constituency is closing, much to the detriment of its congregation and the wider area. The church is home to a significant pipe organ, built by the renowned maker Henry Willis. In some countries in Europe, there are protections in law for historical instruments such as that one, to prevent them from being destroyed or abandoned when a church becomes redundant. Does my hon. Friend agree that such a scheme should be established in the UK?
Again, my hon. Friend highlights the importance and significance of preserving instruments, particularly the one at St Margaret’s. I would be happy to write to her to suggest organisations that may be able to help the congregation. I would also be happy to put her in touch with the Church of Scotland to see how it can best take the matter forward with her.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address whether she agrees on establishing legislative protections for significant church organs.
Putting Her In Touch With The Church Of Scotland Suggesting Organisations That May Be Able To Help
Response accuracy