South United Free Church & Mission Hall (Former), Comrie Street, Crieff

Scots gothic church with 3-stage tower, on ground falling steeply to SW. 4-bay nave with side aisles, clerestory and basement. Red bull-faced ashlar in uneven courses with ashlar dressings. String and eaves courses. Single, 2- and 4-stage sawtooth-coped buttresses, hoodmoulds. Traceried windows, quatrefoil roundels, pointed-, shoulder-arched and square-headed openings, chamfered reveals and stone mullions.

Opened as the Free Church on 27th August, 1882 by Rev Dr Whyte of Free St George's, Edinburgh. With seating for 800 the building, of Alloa stone with exterior woodwork of teak, cost some '5000 plus an extra '100 for the belfry. All upper windows were double glazed and the spire, reaching 120', is based on that of Dunblane Cathedral.

The architect, J J Stevenson, was an ex-patriot Glaswegian, by 1882 hailing from Bayswater, London: he was a key player in the revival of Scots Gothic and a father figure for the "London Scots" who went south after the Glasgow Bank crash. Building was carried out "under the superintendence of Robt Ewan Esq, architect Glasgow, and Hew Miller Esq, factor, Ochtertyre" (Chatburn). The organ was installed in 1899, and in 1900 the United Presbyterian and Free Churches combined. When Monzievaird Church closed in 1964 the congregation divided between Crieff South and West Churches. (Historic Scotland).

Has becomes surplus to requirements and is Marked for sale.
Apr 99: application for change of use to form an arts and antique centre.
Dec 00: SCT site visit. Building in use as Antiques Centre, set to SAVED.

November 2008: External inspection confirms that the former church was converted to use as an antiques centre, however, trading is thought to have ceased approximately two years ago. The former church now appears vacant and subject to minor vandalism; a missing skylight on the mission hall is of concern. Overall the building is in fair condition but would benefit from general maintenance.

September 2009: External inspection finds that the building is still disused. There is some damage to the roof of the Mission Hall and damp patches at failed downpipes. Otherwise the property appears to be in fair condition.

November 2009: The property is advertised for sale by auction through Future Property Auctions on 8th December. Guide auction price is noted at £95,000+.

July 2010: Historic Scotland report the large skylight on the lean-to against the NW elevation collapsed in stages through late June and early July. One of the gatepiers was demolished without Listed Building Consent recently when the owner was clearing the site - the local authority were informed and the work was stopped. The church has been placed back on the market, being sold privately through a board attached to the railings.

November 2011: External inspection finds dampness at blocked rainwater downpipes is a cause for concern and the roof to the mission hall section is in poor condition. A board affixed to railings is advertising the property for sale, with contact number 07779 603101.

4 February 2013: Local planners advise the property has been sold to a new owner. Pre-application discussions are underway.

19 July 2013: Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for Alterations and change of use of former church into a 13 bedroom hotel/self catering/holiday accommodation, spa and restaurant are being sought ref: 13/01182/FLL & 13/01183/LBC.

7 November 2013: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition - widespread dampness being evident - since the previous site visit.

31 July 2014: Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for conversion to hotel/ holiday accomodation/ spa were conditionally granted Jan and Apr 2014. A Building Warrant is under consideration ref: 14/00620/NDOM5.

12 December 2014: Listed Building Consent for alterations and change of use to form 8 bedroom hotel// self catering accomodation, hotel and spa is being sought ref: 14/02033/LBC.

13 December 2018: The property is now being marketed for sale through appointed agent Galbraith. Offers in the region of £150,000 are being invited.

6 April 2021: Listed Building Consent for conversion of the property to 8 flats is being sought (21/00308/LBC).