Locals have been left bewildered as builders’ vans and temporary offices have appeared outside the church, but Reverend Paul Beautyman has revealed that work has started on the building in order to carry out nearly a year of necessary maintenance and to refurbish the interior.

Rev. Beautyman said: “As we grow a new church for new generations we again need to make changes and alterations to the building. It will still look the same on the outside but there will be some differences inside, and it will remain a place of worship - but much more too.”

In 2002, Rev. Beautyman was given the job of starting a new church for young people and their families.

Since then, many developments have been completed, especially in Gilmerton Primary, Liberton High and Gracemount High.

The building was declared unsafe early in 2003 it has not been used since, but now plans to re-open the building as a community resource while still being a place of worship are finally starting to materialise.

The project has been mainly funded by the sale of property around the manse and the old pottery in Ravenscroft Street.

The building work is due for completion by late spring 2008. Further details will follow in next month’s Echo. For more details on the plans for the church, contact Paul on 664 7538 or visit www.gilmerton.org.uk.