The Canonbie Parish Church building constructed in 1822 was largely unchanged since its original construction - apart from the installation of a heating system that was originally coke fired until subsequent conversion to an oil fired system.

A local agreement to unite the Church of Scotland and United Free Church congregations in 2006 and focus on the use of one building rather than two, created the opportunity to re-think the requirements of the congregations, combined with the desire to make the building more accessible to the local community. Consequently, a Development Plan was created and fund raising activities commenced with the objective of revolutionising the building to meet modern needs. The funds raised, combined with funds realised from the disposal of surplus assets of the joint congregations meant that implementation of the plan could begin in February 2008.

The exterior of the building is Grade B listed and is essentially unchanged, apart from the creation of ramped access to the North Door which now serves as the main entrance - the West Door and Porch are retained as access for ceremonial occasions such as weddings.

The new interior of the building is radically changed, and includes a range of facilities that greatly enhance the opportunity for a range of uses complementing the central theme of Christian worship. Entry through the North Door leads into an assembly space featuring a flagstone floor created by utilising recycled natural stone flags from the original interior. This area also has a refreshments servery constructed from recycled pew timber. As well as an assembly space, this area provides an attractive exhibition space for the arts.

An office facility and reception counter is to the left of the North Door entrance, creating a well designed functional workspace within the building. An under floor heating system has been installed, designed to keep the building at a regular temperature in conjunction with behind the scenes heat loss prevention measures. Two disabled toilets complete the upgraded utilities.

Two new meeting rooms have been created on the South side of the building giving added flexibility to the interior, including the opportunity to offer these rooms to the wider community for a variety of social and educational activities. These are of particular importance for Sunday school activities where the need for improved accommodation was long overdue.

The core of the building is the new 100 seat Sanctuary. This space retains the organ built in the 1960's by Dr Lang and a like-minded body of local enthusiasts as a central feature. The floor is carpeted, and new seats replace the original pews. Elegant lighting with flexible settings, and a new audio system and projection equipment complete the space which is decorated in a range of colours to create a light and airy atmosphere conducive above all to worship, but also to meetings and presentations.

Disability access has been a key element in the design ensuring that everyone can access and use the building in comfort.

Mid-November 2008 saw the completion date for this revolutionary change to the internal layout of the building - so we look forward to welcoming you.

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©2009 Canonbie United Parish Church - Charity Number SC 000717

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Affiliated to the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland