CSR - Our Work on the Kilbarchan Church Community Project

Giving Materials a Second Life: Hugh Stirling & The Kilbarchan Church Project

Hugh Stirling took part in a collaborative project at Kilbarchan Church that brought together Action for Children, South Lanarkshire Council, Scotland's Criminal Justice Service and several local organisations. The aim of the project was to dismantle the church interior, clear it safely, create learning opportunities for young people, and prepare the reclaimed timber for reuse in community projects. We're pleased to say that the outcomes have since reached far beyond the walls of the Church itself.

A Practical and Supportive Learning Environment

The project began with structured training: participants received a site induction, health and safety instruction and safe tools-handling training, delivered by our Site Safety Manager. Each participant received certification for this stage of learning. This set a clear standard for safe working and helped build confidence from the beginning.

Once training was complete, participants worked alongside our team to build six workstations that would be used throughout the dismantling process. This was followed by careful removal of the pews, which formed the bulk of the usable timber. Young people and staff worked together throughout, learning safe practices and developing new skills as the project progressed.

Preparing Timber for Reuse

After the pews were safely dismantled, the wood had to be prepared for milling. This involved de-nailing each plank, cutting material to suitable sizes and removing any remaining fittings. This step required patience and attention - the more experienced members of the team stepped up and shared their knowledge with participants who were new to construction work. The process encouraged teamwork and peer support, helping participants grow steadily in confidence.

Using this reclaimed timber, our joiners produced several prototype items including benches, a planter, a bird table and a coffee table. These prototypes tested the quality of the reclaimed wood and demonstrated the potential for the material to be used across future community projects.

Pathways to Skills & Employment

The long term value to the individuals participating in the project was in the recognised training outcomes. Participants earned certificates in health and safety, site induction and safe handling of tools. Later phases of the programme were designed to continue this development with joinery training and opportunities to produce items for community groups. Several participants moved directly into work placements or employment with Hugh Stirling as a result, highlighting the practical value of hands-on, supported learning.

Beyond the structured training, the project also created a positive working environment. Staff, volunteers, and participants regularly supported each other throughout, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared purpose.

The Kilbarchan Church Project - Benefits to People and the Community

The Kilbarchan Church project produced clear community and social value. Young people gained skills, confidence and recognised qualifications. The new owner of the building benefitted from an efficient and safe clearance. The community gained access to recycled, handmade products created from the church timber. And organisations like Action for Children were able to connect with young people they might otherwise never have met.

For Hugh Stirling, this work aligned closely with our ongoing commitment to supporting local communities through practical engagement. It also made possible the donation of timber later used by young people in the Burnhill Community Garden project.

Impact Across the Community

Many of the materials reclaimed at Kilbarchan went on to support further community initiatives, including the construction of seating, planters and other features in the Burnhill Community Garden. This connection between projects shows how sustainable reuse can bring long-term value when organisations work together with clear goals.

The team at Hugh Stirling are proud to have played a part in the Kilbarchan Church project and are grateful to everyone involved across the various agencies and teams. The experience stands as a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration, practical skill-building, and responsible reuse of materials.

We remain committed to supporting similar initiatives wherever we can.

If your organisation needs support, get in touch with our team and we'll see if we can help.