A celebration of heritage and global connection joined Angus and America in a new chapter for a historic local kirk.
On Saturday, Guthrie was the setting for a gathering of local residents and namesake descendants of the hamlet between Forfar and Friockheim.
Among them were more than 30 members of Clan Guthrie USA who travelled from across the Atlantic to mark the 199-year-old kirk’s acquisition.
A new charitable trust secured the historic building after it was offered for sale by the Church of Scotland.
It was bought for £40,000. In all, around $140,000 was raised to take forward the ambitious project in a collaboration involving the family of the clan chief, the local community and the US diaspora.
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the 20th clan chief, Colonel Ivan Guthrie of Guthrie were delighted to be be part of the celebration.
And Angus downpours could do nothing to dampen the excitement around the event.
Breeze Guthrie, President of Clan Guthrie USA and a founding trustee of the Guthrie Heritage SCIO spoke during the event.
‘Inspiring’ Guthrie Church project praised
Guests included the Provost of Angus Craig Fotheringham, who said: “It is inspiring to see the commitment the Guthrie clan has made to their traditional homeland.
“But what is even more exciting is the clan’s interest in revitalising the Kirk, not only for historical reasons, but also securing it for the future.
“I look forward to cementing ties between the Clan’s representatives and its place of origin.”
A community lunch in Guthrie Hall was held before the symbolic ceremony at the church itself.
The Rev. Brian Ramsay, the last minister at Guthrie and a trustee of the new group led a special service in the kirk.
Guthrie Heritage chairwoman Remeny Royle said: “We will retain the church as a place of peace, celebration, and shared heritage – for the local community, for Guthries across the world, and for all who feel a connection to this history.”
“With so many churches across Scotland facing closure, this initiative represents a rare and hopeful story.”
Further restoration and planning are underway ahead of a full public launch in 2026, when Guthrie Church will celebrate its 200th anniversary.
The trust plans to unveil a new visitor centre, designed to share the story of Guthrie and its cultural importance to Angus.
A digital archive and website are also in development.
Those aim to offer Guthries and friends worldwide the chance to connect and extend the living legacy far beyond the hamlet itself.
Photographer Paul Reid captured the historic day.
Conversation