Parton Kirk is now facing an uncertain future. The Church of Scotland is selling the building, and the local community has been given an opportunity to purchase it. There is an ambitious vision to preserve the Kirk and develop it as a James Clerk Maxwell Science and Community Centre, celebrating his life and scientific legacy while providing a valuable facility for the local community. A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to help secure the building. The immediate target is £70,000, which would allow the community to purchase the Kirk and undertake the essential work required to secure it while longer-term plans are developed.
For us as radio amateurs, this presents a rather unique opportunity. Parton is not simply the location of a historic grave. It is a place where the story of one of the scientists whose work made our hobby possible can be brought to life. We are contacting Amateur Radio Organisations around the world to raise awareness of the project and hopefully encourage interest, support and perhaps collaboration in helping to preserve Maxwell’s legacy. Please make a small donation if you can.
Richard MM1BHO
JustGiving appeal can be found here: