AN historic Gourock church which attracted hundreds of potential buyers after being put up for sale is set for new ownership after a deal was struck.

The Scottish Episcopal Church has accepted an offer for St Bartholomew's, which sits on the hillside at Barrhill Road overlooking the River Clyde.

It was put up for sale last December through property firm Bowman Rebecchi following the closure of the church.

Bowman Rebecchi say there was huge interest, with over 200 enquiries made, leading to a closing date being set for offers at over £80,000 – the valuation of the property.

A much-loved local landmark, the B-Listed building closed in July after 160 years of operation, after its tight-knit congregation took the difficult decision to close.

Bowman Rebecchi held several open days for viewings, welcoming over 110 interested parties, with several offers received which were comfortably above the asking price.

The church is now set for a new era under after the Episcopalian Church selected its preferred bidder, with legal representatives now working towards concluding the paperwork.

Bowman Rebecchi director Andrew Bowman said: "The level of interest shown in St Bartholomew's Church was unprecedented and without a doubt it has been the most popular property we have sold to date.

"A lot of the interest received was with residential conversion in mind, but we also had commercial and community enquiries as well as other churches interested with a view to downsizing from their existing places of worship.

“Bowman Rebecchi has been supporting the Episcopalian Church over the past six months with the sale so naturally we are delighted to have achieved such a great result for our client.”

Designed originally by J C Sharp of Gourock 1867 and extended by H D Walton in c.1895, the church boasts stunning features, including a chancel extension enhanced by a beautiful window depicting the Ascension designed by George Walton.

In keeping with the Episcopalian design and architecture, St Bartholomew's has a beautiful altar and relics, with many of its original features expected to be retained by the new owners.

Marco Rebecchi of Bowman Rebecchi added: "Due to its listed status and historic value, we received a large number of questions regarding the property and what it could be used for going forwards.

“Bowman Rebecchi received fantastic support from Historic Environment Scotland and Inverclyde Council to ensure we could satisfy the queries and support the interested parties

towards a decision.

“We took great responsibility for this important piece of Gourock’s heritage and take comfort that the building will be in safe and loving hands going forwards.”