This Gothic Revival building, dating from 1859, in Lauriston Place was sold in 1982 for £35,000 by the Church of Scotland to two individuals, Messrs Ballali and Abdel-Aal, representing the Arab Social League of Edinburgh. The intention was to convert the building into a youth centre, but there seemed to be insufficient funds to maintain the building, let alone carry out any work.

In 2000 the Lauriston Church Preservation Group was formed by local residents alarmed at its deteriorating condition. In 2001, after being used as a refuge for Muslim families, the building was badly damaged by a fire which the police treated as suspicious. A repairs notice was served - in vain. The derelict church is now on the Building at Risk Register maintained for Historic Scotland by the Scottish Civic Trust and there is vague talk of it being sold to a developer.

The address of the Arab Social League of Edinburgh is given as c/o. The Muslim Council of Britain in London. Such irresponsible treatment of historic buildings does not help in furthering good community relations.

'Piloti'

Visit the full Buildings at Risk record

Link to Private Eye Magazine

Praise be, church set for sale
Evening News Saturday 19 August 2006

A historic waste of our legacy
Evening News Monday 17 October 2005

Plans to resurrect city kirk revealed
Evening News Wednesday 13 April 2005

City forced to cough up £7000 for kirk repairs
Evening News Saturday 22nd February 2003

Taxpayer to foot £18,000 church repair bill
Evening News Saturday 4th May 2002

Capital buildings review
Evening News Tuesday 5th February 2002

Planning Committee/Development Control Subcommittee
Wednesday 8th August 2001