A fundraising campaign has been initiated by villagers in Parton, south of Scotland, to purchase a church linked to scientist James Clerk Maxwell. The community aims to acquire the building, where Maxwell is buried, and transform it into a science and community centre.
Villagers face a deadline of 1 November to raise £70,000. This sum is intended to cover the purchase of the building and ensure it is wind and watertight. The Church of Scotland has agreed to sell the church to the community for £50,000 if the funds are secured by the deadline; otherwise, Parton Kirk will be placed on the open market.
Paul Hodson, chairman of the community council, expressed optimism about meeting the target, noting that several individuals and families in the village have already pledged donations. He stated that securing the building could significantly impact the area, potentially helping to reverse rural decline and boost the region.
James Clerk Maxwell, born in Edinburgh in 1831, moved to Galloway as a child. His work on electromagnetic radiation is credited with paving the way for mobile phones, radio, television, and Einstein's special theory of relativity.