Ancient Scots church to be powered by clean energy from River Clyde after grant

The Net Zero Fund is providing a grant of £150,000 to Govan Old Church.

An ancient church is to be powered by clean energy direct from the Clyde.

Govan Old Church in Glasgow, which was closed in 2007 before being saved by the community, will receive a £150,000 grant for a River Source Heat Pump – slashing emissions by 90 per cent.

It will benefit from a £5million Net Zero Fund provided by SP Energy Networks, part of the ScottishPower group.

Although the majority of the church was built in the 19th century, the site dates back to the 5th century and is among the oldest places of worship in Scotland.

It boasts the famous Govan Stones, considered among the most impressive collections of early medieval sculpture in Europe, dating back to the Vikings.

The grants are aimed at helping charities and groups in vulnerable communities decarbonise and ensure they aren’t left behind by net zero.

Among the recipients of the first round of funding is Govan Heritage Trust – the community group which rescued the Old Church. The church building is also being developed into a museum to showcase its heritage.

Trustee Pat Cassidy said: “There are particular challenges when it comes to making sustainable improvements to such a historic site. We are very grateful for the generous support of the Net Zero Fund.”

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