As fieldwork progresses and the first pilot studies take shape, an equally important strand of the ReACH project is developing quietly in the background: bringing together a robust, accessible and future-proof evidence base for Scotland’s church buildings at risk of closure.
Over the last few weeks, the ReACH team have been laying the foundations of the project database that will ultimately sit at the heart of this website. This work is less visible than a site visit or a public talk, but it is essential for our project aims. Good decisions about the future of church buildings depend on good information, and that starts with clear, consistent and shareable data.
Defining what we record and why
One of our first tasks has been to decide the structure of the dataset itself: the headings, categories and definitions that will underpin how we record churches across Scotland. These decisions matter. They shape what stories can be told, what comparisons can be made, and how easily users – from congregations and community groups to researchers and decision-makers – can find what they need.
We have been refining and testing a structure that captures both tangible heritage (from architectural features to current condition) and social value (including community relationships, activities, memories and local significance). This brings together Scotland’s Churches Trust’s longstanding recording methodology with the emerging needs of the sector.
Bringing existing knowledge into one place
Alongside creating the framework, we’ve been mapping the sources of data, research and surveys that already exist. Scotland is fortunate to have decades of studies, inventories, architectural records, community projects and specialist research – but much of it is scattered, stored in different formats, or not widely known.
Over the past few weeks, we have had generous and productive conversations with researchers, heritage professionals and volunteers who are keen to collaborate – many of whom are part of our Heritage Action Group. Many are now working alongside us to help identify, review and connect the datasets they hold. Their willingness to share knowledge has reaffirmed something we already suspected: there is a real appetite for a central hub that brings information together while still pointing back to the organisations that created it.
This part of the project is still growing, but the momentum is strong. We are already collating material into the draft database, testing how best to integrate external sources, and exploring how we can signpost to partner resources in ways that are clear and meaningful.
Building an accessible digital platform
Ultimately, the value of all this work depends on accessibility. That’s why the ReACH website is being designed not just as a project homepage, but as a long-term digital resource. The database will feed into public-facing pages that allow users to explore Scotland’s church heritage through filters and linked stories.
This will take shape gradually, but the foundations are now firmly underway. As we continue to refine the database, expand our partnerships and test the user experience, we’ll share more updates on progress and opportunities to get involved.
For now, a huge thank-you to everyone who has already contributed expertise, datasets and enthusiasm – if you know of a dataset that could be linked, then please do get in touch! Together, we’re building something that can support the future of these buildings and the communities connected to them, for years to come.
Update from ReACH Community Officer, Dr Emily Johnston