CHURCH of Scotland chiefs today explained their plans for Inverclyde's parishes ahead of a crunch presbytery meeting on a radical shake-up revealed by the Tele.

We revealed on Friday that several local churches are set to be closed, sold off or merged under new proposals drawn up by the Presbytery of Clyde.

A spokesperson for the Church of Scotland today stressed the need for the local set-up to change in order to deliver 'sustainable and realistic expressions of ministry'.

They said congregations were currently being consulted about the proposals and that nothing in the draft document was set in stone.

The church's statement said:“The Presbytery of Clyde is in the process of developing a mission plan which will determine how limited resources are allocated to congregations over a five-year period.

“Change is necessary in order to deliver sustainable and realistic new expressions of ministry and effectively deliver Jesus’ call to mission and discipleship.

“The plan seeks to ensure well equipped spaces are in the right places and to provide a roadmap to the future.

“No final decisions have been taken as this work is in progress and subject to change."

A report seen by the Telegraph outlined a number of major changes proposed for the area - including a new union between Lyle Kirk, Westburn and St Margaret's and a reduction in the number of ministers across Gourock, Wemyss Bay, Inverkip and Kilmacolm.

Several historic buildings, such as Westburn Church on Nelson Street and St Ninian's in Larkfield would close as part of amalgamation plans.

In addition to the Old West Kirk, which is already under offer, the former Finnart St Paul's, PICTURED, is also set to be sold off.

The Church of Scotland were unable to confirm when the Newark Street church would go on the market.

Their spokesperson added: “Under the proposed plans, Westburn, Lyle Kirk and St Margaret’s will unite and share two buildings between them, with the long-closed Old West Kirk and Finnart St Paul’s to be sold off.

"However, it is too early to say when Finnart St Paul’s will go on the market as approval for the sale has still to be given, after which the necessary consents and remits will have to be put in place.

“Old Gourock Parish Church and St John’s Church are just 400 yards apart, so the intention is to have one minister with St John’s repurposed as a community building, where fresh expressions of worship beyond Sunday morning would be explored.

"However, this is likely to take some time.

“Wemyss Bay and Inverkip will share a minister, but both Inverkip and Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay churches will be retained under the plan.

“Local congregations are currently being consulted about these changes ahead of this month’s Presbytery meeting, where they will seek approval on 22nd November.

“The draft mission plan must then go for approval by the Kirk’s Faith Nurture Forum and the General Trustees, the property holding arm of the Church of Scotland, by the 31st of December, 2022.

“Approved mission plans will be reviewed on an annual basis.”