Let us build a house where love can dwell
And all can safely Live
A place where saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive
Built of hopes and dreams and visions
Rock of faith and vault of grace
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions
All are welcome, all are welcome
All are welcome in this place

song by Marty Haugen, 1995

In the late 1980s, Frances MacLeod, an Elder of Corstorphine Craigsbank Parish Church, wrote a short history of the parish to 1987 – to mark the first fifty years. Her words are included here, largely untouched (at the end of this publication). But a new section has now been introduced, taking the story from 1987 to the present, December 2025, a moment of great change.  

From 1 January 2026, Corstorphine Craigsbank Parish Church will unite with Corstorphine Old Parish Church. The Basis of Ministry for this Union establishes a team ministry, comprising Rev. Alan Childs – present minister of Craigsbank, Rev. Moira McDonald of Corstorphine Old Parish, and Parish Assistant Elaine Wood.

Rev. Moira McDonald will become parish minister to the newly combined parish, and Rev. Alan Childs will lead the team in pioneering ministry to the new housing developments in the west of Edinburgh — extending beyond Maybury along Turnhouse Road (to be known as West Craigs Village) and along both sides of Glasgow Road (A8) towards the current Edinburgh Airport.

Including these new areas — representing a total build estimated at some 17,000 new homes — the newly formed Edinburgh Corstorphine Old and New Parish will become one of the largest parishes in Scotland.

Jan Rutherford, December 2025 – with grateful thanks to John Baker

[still to be proofed, dates checked, info on uniform organisations added, dates for musicals to be checked and corrected, photographs to be added]

Intro from Rev Alan Childs – to follow

Faith, Fellowship, and Renewal

The story of Corstorphine Craigsbank Parish Church, both before 1987 and since, is one of resilience, faith, and transformation.

With the clarity that time and distance provide, we can now look back to the late 1980s – and the period leading up to them – with the added understanding of what was soon to come. Through decades of increasingly rapid social change, Craigsbank stood (and continues to stand) as a beacon of community and faith, but also of Christian creativity and hope. From post-war optimism to digital-age innovation the ministers who have held this charge, along with the dedicated members of their congregation, have shown repeatedly that faith is not a relic of the past but a living force for the present and future.

A Time of Great Change (Post-War to 1980s)

In the years following the Second World War, Scotland was rebuilding – homes, lives, society. The Church of Scotland, long the spiritual heartbeat of every community, began to feel the quiet tremors of a changing age. Attendance was high, optimism strong, and yet…

When the ‘new’ Craigsbank Church sanctuary, complete with its moat, finally opened its doors in the 1960s, it was a statement of confidence in the future of Christian faith in the immediate area, in Edinburgh and in Scotland. The sanctuary brimmed with life – pews were increasingly full on a Sunday, the building hummed with hymns, quietly shared prayer, laughter, the occasional tear, and the joy of fellowship. The church stood not only as a house of worship but as a cornerstone of community in the growing suburbs of Corstorphine.

By the 1970s, the congregation’s strength and energy led to the dream – and finally the reality – of a new Church Centre at East Craigs, serving the expanding neighbourhood. East Craigs, largely agricultural and latterly forming part of the lands of the Seed Testing Station, had featured on maps since 1654 and had borne witness to many changes in that time. Streets of new housing bore the names reflecting the past including Hayfield and Mearenside. The Church Centre opened in 1984 – a bold venture that brought both opportunity and challenge – and quickly had to double in size due to the demands of the local community. By 1987, with worship now spread between two sites on a Sunday morning and regular services on a Sunday evening, Craigsbank was beginning to feel the strain of a congregation separated geographically – yet it continued to stand strong within the communities it served, both for the Christian family and the wider community of neighbours and friends.

As we pick up the story of Craigsbank in 1987, the halls of Craigsbank Church and East Craigs Church Centre are still overflowing with youth groups, choirs, and coffee mornings. There are jumble sales (eBay did not appear until 1995), dances, Burns Suppers, Christmas parties and fairs, each one filled with laughter and purpose. Families found real belonging within this church; friendships flourished. The church was not just a building but the centre of a shared Christian life.

The congregation and leadership-teams worked together with other churches in the area. Craigsbank became an active member of Corstorphine Churches Together – a local ecumenical partnership. Joint services and events are still enjoyed through this grouping, with services led from time-to-time by representatives of each of the Churches, currently United Free Church, St John the Baptist, St Anne’s, St Ninians, St Andrews Clermiston, Corstorphine Old and New (the united Craigsbank and Corstorphine Old) and St Thomas’.

Society, however, was changing fast. By the end of the 1980s, the protected rhythm of Sunday life was shifting. Once the day of rest – no washing on the line, no shops open, no work permitted – it was quickly becoming a day of shopping, sport, work, and competing demands. The church faced a new challenge: to hold its ground not through tradition alone but through relevance and renewal.

Yet through every change, the congregation of Craigsbank remained steadfast, her buildings a place where life’s most important moments were still marked in faith: baptisms, confirmations of faith, weddings, funerals, and celebrations that wove the fabric of community together.

Faith in Action (1990s to Early 2000s)

By the 1990s, Craigsbank had matured into a congregation of deep-rooted faith and practical compassion. Under Rev. Dr. George Grubb (and his much-loved wife Liz), the church was thriving. To share the increasing load and following the departure of Rev. Robert Kerr in 1983 and Assistant Minister the Rev. Derek Gunn in 1986, he was joined by Rev. Ann Inglis as Associate Minister (a former student, 1980-81) and a great friendship between George, Ann and Liz was created. George’s pastoral care and visionary wisdom, paired with Ann’s drive and determination (and Liz’s warmth and sincerity), shaped a ministry that reached far beyond Sunday worship (indeed, in 1988, George and Ann walked the parish visiting every single home. Their aim was to increase awareness of the church and encourage faith and renewed involvement and to increase recognition of relevance in a modern time). They formed a strong partnership that was to last for 15 years, and they were very much a part of the community – sharing in joys and sorrows alike.

For much of this time, Liz was working at Donaldson’s School for the Deaf, where she supported the children and learned to sign – and she often brought that signing into the church. Just as his predecessor Rev. Little had found, George Grubb’s wife Liz was a key team member in ministering.

Milestones in the life of the congregation in the 1990s

‘Come all who thirst. Welcome.’

In 1992, the Church of Scotland approved a landmark change: baptised children and young people could now share in Holy Communion. George embraced this change with characteristic enthusiasm, leading Craigsbank into a new era of greater inclusivity. Communion became a celebration of grace and increased the sense of belonging in the church.

For George and the Craigsbank Communion Elders at every moment of this history, the preparation and serving of Communion were not administrative tasks but firm acts of faith.

Craigsbank supports the work of Fresh Start and has done for many years, starting in this period. The initiative, instigated by Cramond Kirk with Muirhouse, offers help to the homeless in the form of goods and services, enabling them to set up in a new home. ‘They work to end the cycle of homelessness and for a better life for those living in poverty.’ Our Participation with Fresh Start was led for many years by Jim Douglas and Jane Taylore, both very much hands on in the work of this organisation.

In 1992, the Fairtrade Foundation was established in the UK and in 1994 the first products to carry the Fairtrade Mark arrived in specialist UK shops and gradually into standard retailers. In the mid 90s, Anne Currie led the push for the congregation to adopt and promote Fairtrade, running a stall featuring Fairtrade products from the One World Shop after church every week (and teaching the young members of the church to count and handle coins and work out change in the process). One World events such as Fairtrade Breakfasts, became a regular occurrence inspiring young and old alike.

The 1990s were creative years. From a small advert in Safeways (as it was then) in 1990, the Craigsbank Youth Theatre was formed, welcoming local children from the age of eight. With the aim of providing a fun activity during the summer holidays the response was better than expected. As a result of the hard work and enthusiasm of the children and of Susan and her team (Nicola, Lynn, Sara, Neil and Simon) the CYT thrived for five years. With the much appreciated help and support from the Craigsbank congregation from making costumes and scenery (Robert Henderson made staging lights from tin cans!) to organising and serving refreshments, the success of CYT was a team effort.

The productions were:

• Annie in 1990 
• Tin Pan Alley in 1992
• Rock Nativity 1993
• The Jellicle Ball in 1994
• Jesus Christ Superstar in 1996 

All were well attended by friends and family and the local community and as a result a significant amount of money was raised for various charities. with plays and shows on the stage in the hall at Craigsbank, including:

There was even a glamourous fashion show in 2000 for Headway, a charity that helps the head injured, their families and carers. The latest fashions (from Debenhams) were modelled in the sanctuary with members of the congregation as ‘willing’ models (but perhaps the less said about that the better).

In 1999, another great change came to the congregation. The local long-term residential Gogarburn Hospital for Learning Disabilities (originally a convalescent home for the Royal Infirmary) closed its doors and with that, the Gogarburn Group – established by George Grubb in 1975 – came to an end. Over many years, patients there had enjoyed meaningful hours of real companionship and entertainment – and endured rounds of Christmas carol singing annually from the Youth Fellowship group.

To mark the new millennium, George Grubb, Ann Inglis, and the Session commissioned a large triptych by Caleb Rutherford to hang on the back wall of the sanctuary at Craigsbank. This artwork interlaced symbols of faith, community, historical and modern life. The foundation stone, images of individuals and activities, footprints, and even early computers showing ‘church online’ were all embedded into the three sections, reflecting Craigsbank’s past, present (through a snapshot at 2000), and an imagined and hoped-for future. It was designed to respect and celebrate those who had created this centre of worship and worked within and outwith its walls to build a strong Christian community. It was instantly loved by the congregation and has been much appreciated by visitors over the years.

After Anne and Christine Laurie were first introduced to Fairtrade in the 1990s, they attended a meeting held in Dunblane with the aim of those involved, to set up Eco Congregation Scotland. Under Anne and Christin’s guidance, Craigsbank joined as a full member of Eco Congregation Scotland on 28 March 2001 and the congregation have continued to grow under this name ever since. The members of the Eco Team have changed from time to time during this period but Anne has been a constant inspiration and our Church Treasurer Alan Kennedy, has worked tirelessly as Treasurer for the Charity.

When George Grubb retired in 2001, after three decades of ministry at Craigsbank, he left behind a legacy of openness, joy, and social conscience. His time as minister was marked with a service of celebration on Sunday 1 April 2001. His later service as the first Liberal Democrat Lord Provost of Edinburgh was a fitting continuation of his lifelong calling – to serve people with humility and vision – with Liz once again constantly by his side as Lady Provost.

Rev Dr George DW Grubb, the ‘radical liberal’ and former First Lieutenant, First Citizen of Edinburgh died on 10 June 2018 at the age of 82 and many of his friends from Craigsbank attended his funeral service.

The process of transition in ministry after George’s retirement was compromised and not without strain. The hope that Rev. Ann Inglis might succeed him met with disagreement, and the resulting division saddened many and had a significant negative impact on the numbers of members on the role. But Craigsbank’s strength has always been its ability to heal. Under Rev. W. John Harvey – a former leader of the Iona Community and active in peace studies for many years – and a team of dedicated and supporting ministers, unity and calm returned. By 2002, the church was ready to call its next minister.

In addition to being confirmed ready to call, the church’s architecture was recognised by Historic Environment Scotland as a Category A listed building in 2002, standing as ‘a striking, innovative and unique later 20th century church design’. Members of the congregation were delighted, yet what mattered most was the life within and outwith these walls.

Craigsbank once again stood tall – open, creative, and confident in its mission – but aware of its place within the wider changes taking place in society and within the Church of Scotland.

A Living Faith (2000s to 2010s) – 2003 to 2018

That next chapter for Craigsbank began with the appointment of Rev. Stewart McPherson in 2003 (induction in the evening of 27 August 2003, led by the Interim Moderator, Rev James Dewar). Stewart hailed from Ayrshire and arrived at Craigsbank from St Colm’s Parish Church in Dalry. Prior to becoming a minister, he worked in Health and Social Services among people with learning disabilities. This experience helped shape his view of what the church should be: a place of friendship, belonging and affirmation, connecting with everyday life in the real world.

A single father to two wonderful young people, Stewart brought laughter, compassion, and authenticity (and a love for the music of Elvis and of Johnny Cash). He introduced an openness and welcomed questions, doubts, and exploration. His style of ministry made Craigsbank a place of joy and belonging and it truly lived up to its new motto: Where life is celebrated, love is affirmed, and grief and joy are shared.

At this time, Craigsbank halls and sanctuary were in great need of repair and we break the natural reading flow as more needs to be said here on this before our ‘story’ can continue. The decision to raise the required funds and go ahead with major repair work would dominate the early years of Stewart’s charge:

Craigsbank sanctuary is seen as ‘a hidden gem’ in Edinburgh’s rich architectural landscape. But it has not been without its problems. Here John Baker contributes to reflections on the highs and lows of the building over the years:

Before a major project was undertaken, the roof of the Craigsbank sanctuary was a constant source of expensive and expansive problems. Constraints on available funds in 1966 (and indeed available materials) resulted in less expensive materials than required being used in the construction resulting in turn in ongoing and recurring problems with the flat roof covering (water and weather having played havoc with the original construction). Damage to the ceiling below and issues with the exterior harling were both ongoing issues along with roof drainage system and defects in the clerestory windows.

In the early 2000’s, noise originating from the roof space was the cause of further concern. Investigations revealed that a ‘rough sleeper’ had found a way up to the roof and had been living/sleeping there. The mysterious camper was never seen but it appeared that they gained access by scaling the lower roof, round the chimney on the north and from there gaining entry to the roof space.

Action to renovate and secure the roof was now urgently required and a major initiative was planned in 2003, by the Way Forward Committee. This was accepted by the Congregational Board and became The Restoration and Renewal Project.

Grants from Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, General Trustees and other Funds / Trusts and then the wonderful fund raising and contributions from the congregation for the main works plus a ‘Wish List’ of improvements to both East Craigs and Craigsbank Halls.

The generosity of the congregation demonstrated how much the place of Craigsbank was valued and enabled the £700,000 project to go ahead.

After many meetings with Historic Scotland on the proposals and funding prospects, the Buildiing Contract was finally accepted on 23 March 2006 and work began in May of the same year. Roofing works were to progress during the winter and an over-roof scaffolding with protective sheeting was erected.

However as with many construction projects, there were challenges to be overcome, particularly after having erected the protective ‘tent’ to allow the roofing to be replaced. The biggest challenge then came in the form of a devastating and widely reported UK-wide storm at Hogmanay 2006/7.

‘Gales, thunderstorms and driving rain forced major new year celebrationsthroughout the UK to be cancelled last night as revellers endured a wet and windy start to 2007.’

‘Thousands braved a squally London night for a firework spectacular on the South Bank, but more than 100,000 people in Edinburgh had to conjure up last-minute alternatives after the official Hogmanay party was called off because of atrocious conditions.’

‘Organisers and partygoers were deflated, but few questioned the move given the sideways rain and squally gusts lashing the Scottish capital.’

For Craigsbank, the damage caused by the storm was complete with the full waterproofing sheeting ripped off, the rain then soaking the unfinished work and damage to the interior causing the ceiling to collapse under the weight of rain penetration.

Needless to say, this had a huge impact on the progress and programme of the contract which had to renegotiated once the insurance claim had been settled.

All of this was led by Archie Gibson (whose signature – recording attendance – can still be seen on the photo of the original completed building – in Craigsbank’s Iona Room).

The contractors produced an excellent restoration with ‘Practical’ completion achieved on 5 February 2009 (following the storm delays and additional works) and we could then occupy and use the building. And as part of that work, security was prioritised, grilles added, and a new maintenance route created. No further visitors have been detected since the work was completed.

The bell was also refurbished. The original had been created in 1954 for the hall church, taken from there to the sanctuary for its opening in 1966.

Natural springs (mentioned in P13 of the earlier History) abound in the area of the sanctuary and are dealt with by containments plus a standby-pump as required. After a period of heavy and sustained rain, a very surprised Rev Stewart McPherson discovered that water was seeping into the sanctuary – from below. At the lowest level, the Communion Table was almost floating on the mirror-calm pool of water covering this area to a depth of 10cm. Action was rapid to lift everything out of the water and repair the defective pump. Once the area dried out and carpeting was replaced, no lasting damage had been done.

One aspect of the original design of the sanctuary could not be restored. Originally, at Easter and in Summer – and in particular when a wedding was held on a Saturday – the moat around the southwest corner of the Sanctuary, beneath the stained-glass window) was filled and the water provided the most brilliant reflections when the sun shone. Despite the waterproofing failing, this designed feature is still visible, surviving all requests to form planted areas or fill it in completely.

Since 2012, the sanctuary and halls of Craigsbank have been celebrated annually on ‘Doors Open Days’, a national initiative to provide free access to explore and enjoy the City’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Each September since then, with thanks to a large contingent of volunteers, over 600 visitors have been welcomed to the buildings. The volunteers often enjoy the day as much as the visitors and the feedback has been glowing.

And in 2016, on 15 May, the congregation celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the sanctuary with a service led by Rev Stewart McPherson and children & family worker Lesley Fraser, with Rev Dr George Grubb as a special guest for the occasion. Moya Boonzaaier, church musician of the time, led the full pews in hearty and rousing renditions of favourite hymns from the previous 50 years. ‘Be Still for the Presence of the Lord’ was the top choice.

A flower festival filled the sanctuary in September of that year, encouraging visitors from far and wide and creating a beautiful setting for a concert with the Kevock Choir.

The art that hangs on the walls of the sanctuary was boosted in 2017 by two stunning ECO banners created by the Singers and the 103^rd Rainbow Unit.

‘If you came this way, taking any route, starting from anywhere, at any time or at any season, it would always be the same: you would have to put off sense and notion.
You are not here to verify, instruct yourself, inform curiosity or carry report.
You are here to kneel where prayer has been valid…
Here, the intersection of the timeless moment.’

From Four Quartets No4 by TS Elliot – featured on the programme for the 50^th anniversary service, Pentecost, 15 May 2016

Returning to the faith and life of the church and the response of Stewart McPherson to his new congregation…

Music filled the air again – thanks to Paul Christie, the church’s gifted young musician, who arrived as a schoolboy in the days of George Grubb and transformed the sanctuary into a Christian stage for musicals, concerts, and creative worship. Paul and Stewart brought new energy to worship, proving that music could bind generations together. Productions including Honk! in 2001, a musical based on Hans Christian Anderson’s story of tolerance and acceptance – The Ugly Duckling – with lyrics by Anthony Drewe and music by George Stiles, followed by Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice (with local choreography from Sarah, Katie and Lauri, vocal coach Alison, and production manager, Margaret), drew audiences from across the community and beyond. The ‘Singers’, under Paul’s leadership, persuaded unlikely members to join in and discover talents they did not know they had.

This was an era of great creativity, pastoral care, and fellowship. Stewart McPherson arrived at a church still sore, still a little bruised, but on the mend. In his care, Craigsbank returned to a shared life filled with music, laughter, and purpose. He was joined by Steven Manners in 2009 as Associate Minister, who remained at Craigsbank until 2012. Together they created a programme of talks from leading theologians and reformers including John Bell – an active member of the Iona Community and writer of many contemporary praise ( speaking on ‘The use and abuse of sacred space’) and Finlay Macdonald (speaking on ‘Is the Church reluctant to renew itself or simply uncertain where to begin?’), film nights and introduced an early form of café church. Members of the congregation felt heard and cherished by both, and for most, there was a renewed sense of belonging and purpose. On Sundays, the sanctuaries were relatively full but, as with most churches across Scotland, attendance was lower than in previous decades and numbers continued to fall. Yet the halls were bustling, and the coffee cups (and soup bowls) seemed endlessly to nourish the soul and fill the sinks of the kitchens.

In 2006, Craigsbank brought together a team to work on the Care Van run jointly by Bethany Trust and Edinburgh City Mission. The idea came to Christine Laurie after seeing so many homeless people in Edinburgh on her way to work in the mornings. She formed a team that included Anna Robertson, Jackie Rankine, Jean Mowle, Penny Greig, Barbara Sangster, Jim Douglas, Paul Christie, Stuart Ridland, Mike Brough, and Paul Spencer. The team later welcomed Mhairi Flannigan, Susan Pate, Linda MacDonald, and Jackie Kennedy.

Although there have been some slight changes over the years, most of the original volunteers are still continuing to support the valuable work of the Care Van. A group of four from the team goes out once a month providing soup, hot drinks, rolls, Jaffa Cakes, clothing, and sleeping bags to people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh. The Craigsbank team share the rota of sessions across each month with like-minded folk from other Edinburgh churches.

The biggest change was the rapidly falling number of children attending Breakfast Club and Sunday School. To stem the flow, the Sunday morning groups were amalgamated into Stepping Stones where children pre-school to primary 7 learned and grew together. They met on Sunday mornings during the school term at both Craigsbank and East Craigs. Messy Church was introduced in 2017 by Stewart and the Children and Families Worker, Lesley Lawrie. These occasional sessions offered a welcoming, creative mix of crafts, songs, laughter, stories, and shared meals in a family-friendly format. The initiative had already proven successful in other churches, and it soon became an effective way to engage families locally.

Towards the end of this period, a lively Youth Group was established on alternate Sunday evenings under the leadership of Paul Spencer and Leslie Lawrie. They took the group to activities including Tubing at the Hillend ski facility, ten pin bowling at Fountainbridge and pizza evenings. But one of the activities that the young people really enjoyed more than any other, was hide and seek in the Church. Particularly in the sanctuary in complete darkness.

In 2012 church attendance across the two centres was around 200 every week. But timing of the two services continued to cause concern and with an eye to sustaining attendance into the future, in 2017, following a survey of the congregation, the Sunday service times changed. Start times for worship at East Craigs moved to 9.30am followed by 11.00am at Craigsbank with more combined services introduced. Events for regular worshippers and the wider community were introduced in the evenings of the first Sunday of each month. These included Café Church, Film Nights, Discussions, and Reflective Services with the aim to provide innovative experiences, different from ‘traditional’ forms of church.

Communion for Craigsbank Church changed once again in 2018. The Church of Scotland reaffirmed that ’those who receive communion should be baptised’. However, church law also supported the Church of Scotland’s missional role by allowing unbaptised worshippers to receive Communion, encouraging full participation in the life and sacraments of the Christian community for all who ‘loved or sought to love God’.

And so, the congregation embraced the ‘open table’ where all who respond in faith are welcomed and valued. The service became less structured while still reverent and no-one was turned away.

‘Come to me and you will never thirst;
Come to me and you will never hunger;
Come to me, and I will give you rest.’

Stewart McPherson’s love for the young was matched only by his care for members of the congregation towards the end of life. Both tender and loving his approach also brought moments of laughter in difficult situations. He sat on the edge of a last breath and walked beside those grieving.

During this time, the groups using the halls – both from the community and those connected with the church – changed significantly. Some grew and flourished, while others found that their time had passed. Among those that thrived were the three separate Bible study groups, the Ramblers, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers and Scouts, the Fellowship, and the Lunch Club, the Boys Brigade… faith and everyday life intertwined.

Sadly, there were also some groups that had run their course, including the much-loved Badminton group, which fell victim to the success of the rapidly opening sports centres in the community. And although the uniformed organisations were doing well, the call for more adult leaders was failing to recruit the numbers required. Another Group at Craigsbank that ‘fell by the way’ with lack of support for leaders was The Social Centre which had previously been a big part of church life on Tuesday evenings.     

Concerts rang out. The first of two concerts by the African Children’s Choir filled the sanctuary at Craigsbank in 2005 and offered a riot of colourful costume along with glorious music and dance. The very large cast of children was hosted by members of the Session and congregation, and lifelong friendships were established.

In 2013, four years after the first openly gay minister was appointed by the Kirk to Queen’s Cross parish in Aberdeen, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland voted to allow actively gay individuals to become deacons and ministers. The vote followed a full debate and maintained the traditional view of marriage as between man and woman but allowed liberal sessions to depart from the traditional position, should they vote to do so. It would be three more years before the CofS’s highest law-making body moved this vote to law. (And nine years more before ministers and deacons would be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies.) Craigsbank would ‘vote to depart’ (from the traditional practice) in 2018, allowing the congregation to consider applicants for ministry who are in civil or same sex marriage.

As the Church of Scotland softened its attitude to LGBTQ+ communities, Stewart seized the opportunity to invite the Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus to sing opposite the Edinburgh Police Choir in the sanctuary – again to a full house. The concert was presented as part of the 50^th anniversary celebrations for the sanctuary and was a momentous point in the story of a church that had long stated it was open and welcoming to all.

Craigsbank is also a church that has long cared for the wider world. Under the leadership of Anne Currie and Christine Laurie, the congregation achieved the Eco Congregation Scotland silver award. Over the years, the Eco group have worked with the City of Edinburgh Council Park Rangers, the local schools at primary and secondary levels, uniformed organisations, and individuals and groups from the church and locality interested in taking part in improving and caring for the local environment.

Behind every success, every service, every hand that was held in friendship stood tireless volunteers and the quiet individuals in the pews. They are too many to name in full and we hope that those who see omissions will understand that the names listed here are simply illustrative of the overwhelming offering of time and talent from within the congregation and leadership teams: Barbara Sangster, Margot Brown, Jim Douglas, Jim and Margaret Badstevener, Carol and Sandy Turnbull, Ken and Doreen Henderson, John and Els Baker, Stuart Christie, Marion Cockburn, Margaret Adair, Anne Currie, Ted and his son Ian (Kiwi) Small, Alan Kennedy, Donald Clark, Ann and Mike Brough, Robert and Mary Henderson, Pat and Tommy Hamilton, Dorothy Cowan, Ian and Pat Ridland, Stuart Ridland, Archie Gibson, Catriona Inglis, Christine Laurie, Christine MacGregor, Nancy Mackenzie, Susan Ross, Hugh McWhirter, Esther Davidson, Ros Morrison, Julie Wilkinson, Jackie Rankine, Jean Mowle, Jean Moncrieff, Mabel Walker, Gill Nicol, Jack Hogg, Dick Whyman, Ian Kennedy, Anna Robertson, Alison Mackay, Jan and Caleb Rutherford, Ewan McLay, Linda Macdonald, Sheena McCulloch, Elaine Thompson and Sandra Brown. Every member of the Kirk Session and Congregational Board. And faithful servants like Penny Greig, who oversaw child protection for nearly two decades; Liz Brash – a former lecturer at the internationally recognised Edinburgh School of Cookery (the Dough school) – who led and still leads the teas and coffees at both centres along with willing bakers and team members and is an active member of the hospitality team, Linda McAndrew and Moira Bell (Craigsbank) and Barbara McIntosh and Aileen Kells (East Craigs) who along with many others over the years have decorated the premises with flowers. Each played their part in sustaining a church that is a Christian community hub as well as a place of worship. [To be expanded? – so many who could be listed here]

Our congregation changed on 1 January 2014 from The Model Constitution to the Unitary Constitution, with all responsibility falling under the Kirk Session. This was a major change to the running of the church. Teams in place at the point of change and then under the oversight of the Kirk Session included:

• Adult Education
• Bible Study Groups
• Children and Families
• Christian Aid
• Communication and Website
• Eco Group
• Fellowship
• Finance
• Learning Disabilities
• Pastoral Care
• Property
• Stewardship
• Worship
• Ecumenical Context

In 2016, the congregation celebrated 50 years since the opening of the sanctuary at Craigsbank – with a royal visit to mark the occasion in the form of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) along with Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, our very own George Grubb. Archie Gibson, who led the Way Forward Committee was in attendance along of course with Rev. Stewart McPherson and others from the congregation.

Though national church membership declined sharply across Scotland, Craigsbank held fast to its purpose. It embraced change not with fear, but with creativity and faith. Stewart’s humour – and even his bright red ceiling for the large hall, which took many by surprise – became symbols of Craigsbank’s confidence to be bold, colourful, and simply different.

In 2017, as part of Doors Open Weekend, members of the congregation were delighted to hear a performance by cellist Joanna Stark, of a composition by Tree Burton in response to the architecture of the Craigsbank Sanctuary – a world premiere. Tree laid out her thoughts behind the piece:

This wonderful modernist structure takes the form of a square sanctuary, held by supporting hands that curve around each entrance, embracing you as you enter and exit the building. The piece is structured in seven sections and explores aspects of both the interior and exterior design.
The work opens with an exploration of the gradated entrance; a solid straight line is set behind an angular line, leading to the entrance and bell tower. This is translated musically as a single low pitch on the cello to which a very slow ascending glissando is added. The bottom pitch, unchanging, depicts the straight line, while the drawn out glissando evokes the depth and grandeur of the entrance.
Retaining the glissando technique, through an exploration of shorter, freer gestures, the next section focuses on the two straight beams at the top of the bell tower and their curved shadows. The cellist is free to determine the range and speed of the glissando; this indeterminate approach acknowledges that the intensity and depth of these shadows is dependent on the intensity of light.
The church bell produces an attractive resonance, formed from high and low pitches. The third section of the work seeks to provide a subtle reference to the bell through the inclusion of low pizzicato and harmonics almost sounding in unison.
The square sanctuary is a striking space to behold; there is a boldness created through the use of concrete, sharp lines and solid columns yet the ceiling has an almost floating quality. The next section depicts the juxtaposition of the bold, powerful design and the light, ethereal quality through the intermittent use of open strings and harmonics.
Particularly beautiful on a bright day, the exterior of the building acts as a white canvas on top of which other shapes and forms take life. The fifth section presents short flourishes and gestures that evoke the fleeting image of leaves and branches from neighbouring trees dancing on the side of the church.
While the shallow moat, an aspect of the original design, is no longer in use, I wanted to acknowledge this feature of the building. Short fluctuations around a central pitch (through trills and various speeds of vibrato) create simple allusions to light refractions on water.
The work concludes with a short section that seeks to embrace the wonderful simplicity of Kininmonth’s design. A single harmonic is presented under which the cellist lightly touches the open D string, creating a slightly fuller, purer sound. The piece thus finishes with a final reference to the juxtaposition of the bold and floating qualities of this modernist gem.

For Craigsbank was performed at Edinburgh Doors Open Day – 23 September 2017 and 23 September 2023, Architecture Fringe – 9 June 2018.

When Stewart retired from full-time ministry and moved on to serve as a much-appreciated interim minister elsewhere, he left a congregation ready for the future – one that had relearned that joy is as vital to faith as reverence. And through his involvement with the Restoration Fund and work, left the buildings in a good position for the future. Both he, his wife Rev. Marjory McPherson and Stewart’s two children were much missed.

Faith in a Changing World (2018 – 2025)

In August of 2018, as the congregation began its search for a new minister, the elders on the Session were asked (as outlined above) to vote on whether or not to depart from the traditional and historic position of the church that ministers in same sex relationships should not be called to parish ministry. The Session voted in favour of departing – in other words, applications from openly gay ministers would be welcomed by Craigsbank as they sought to fill their vacancy in ministry for the church.

By 2019, the Church of Scotland was undergoing profound transformation, reshaping ministries and congregations to meet modern realities. It was into this landscape that Rev. Alan Childs arrived from South Africa, bringing with him his wife Istie and children Christie and Murray. His induction took place on the evening of 30 October 2017 and was led by Rev. Angus Mathieson, Moderator of the Presbytery, Rev. Jamie Griggs of St Anne’s, Rev. James Aitken of St Ninian’s and Rev. Marjory McPherson, Presbytery Clerk and wife of Rev. Stewart McPherson, Alan’s predecessor at Craigsbank.

At the point of Stewart’s departure, the average age of the congregation was 68 but the input from the younger members – while low in number – was still lively and involved and cherished. The congregational roll stood at 410 (April 2018) with eight adherents. On any Sunday morning, East Craigs was attracting around 60 in-person attenders and Craigsbank around 110. For seasonal services numbers were still double that and at Christmas, the sanctuary at Craigsbank was still full for Christingle and well attended for Watchnight. But numbers were declining rapidly.

A children’s education programme which just a few years previously had enjoyed a Breakfast Club, several primary-school-aged groups on a Sunday morning and a Sunday evening youth group was struggling to survive. The numbers quickly fell away to the point where a radical re-think was required and was to be high on the agenda for the new minister, who arrived to find less than ten children regularly involved in the church and some of those moving away to new locations.

Alan’s appointment on 22 September 2019, and subsequent induction on 30 October of that year, marked the beginning of a new era. He came as a social entrepreneur with a heart that was open and welcoming and a strength of vision for a pioneering faith beyond traditional walls. He threw open the doors – and we stepped out. Within months, however, the world changed.

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck the UK in the early spring of 2020, Craigsbank – like every church in the land – was forced to close its doors. Yet faith did not stop at the threshold, and the congregation became more aware than ever that the church was the people rather than the (much-loved) buildings. The congregation kept close through acts of care – phone calls, doorstep deliveries of flowers and baked goods, and weekly messages of hope. A newsletter was sent out weekly by email, and the new website brought regular updates. The printed Bulletins continued quarterly but were distributed by post to avoid contact. Even in isolation, Craigsbank found new ways to be together.

Alan and a small team (respectful of pandemic restrictions, distancing, and masking) transformed Craigsbank’s ministry into an online haven. Services were streamed via YouTube from homes and sanctuaries, reaching audiences in the hundreds every week. Hymns were recorded individually by the Craigsbank Singers and woven together digitally. Over time, their music reached audiences in the tens of thousands, spreading comfort far beyond Edinburgh.
At this point John Paterson was the church musician and he and Alan built a strong partnership over the years, based firmly on humour and hard work, before John’s departure in August 2025.

Perhaps the most remarkable achievement was Craigies Kids Corner – with Lesley’s Story Time, John’s Plonking Piano Party, Scott’s Craft Corner, and the Four-Legged Friends from Cammo Estate. Initially designed to bring comfort, faith, and creativity to children during lockdown, over five years it reached a remarkable 68,653 views. A performance of The Big Little Nativity play of 2021, performed by the Junior Music Makers, has been viewed 4,188 times in four years.

Almost 400 videos have been posted on YouTube – including an online Alpha Course during lockdown – in the five years the church has been active in this way online, demonstrating clearly that online faith communities are a strong and growing area for Craigsbank.

When restrictions eased, worship did not simply resume – it was reborn. Through the introduction of Forest Church the church invited members to gather outdoors under the trees of Cammo Estate, blending prayer and creation. Café Church brought families together around tables in Craigsbank halls with coffee and conversation, turning worship into community once again. Winter Wednesdays brought an evening hour of candlelit contemplation and music from John Patterson, Alison Craig, Ros Morrison and Scott, Jenny Allen and Emma Wilson. Designed to encourage those nervous of congregational gatherings back into church, this popular monthly moment soon took on a life of its own.

Junior Music Makers for primary aged children initiated and led by Ros and John and described by Ros as a ‘riot of sound and colour’ was a welcome addition to the growing arts offering at Craigsbank and attracted children new to church and their families.

Another significant change was the introduction of a fortnightly cycle for Sunday morning services – held at Craigsbank every second week, with alternate Sundays at East Craigs. For some in the congregation, this brought gentle encouragement to worship in a different space; for others it meant attending services every other week at their preferred place of worship. On any fifth Sunday, a café church took place with folk of all ages – many not regular church attenders – enjoying coffee/tea, croissants and home baking, song, prayer and friendship.

The Eco group continued their remarkable work in the name of the congregation, planting small orchards of fruit trees and spring bulbs and involving families and schools. The work by this team included raising funds for a much-needed bench in Fauldburn Park, for walkers to stop and rest. They continue with their work but are much in need of new volunteers – while grateful for the supportive work of the City of Edinburgh Council Park Rangers, and for the Corstorphine East and West Community Council who are hoping to encourage more volunteers to help in the maintenance and planting of their community areas.

The Edinburgh Police Choir, who had by this point been meeting and rehearsing in Craigsbank Halls for a decade, returned to the sanctuary for a concert in the Spring of 2024.

This was followed by a return of the Ubuntu African Choir (alumni of the African children’s choir) in April 2025, lifting the spirits further for the congregation and local community who turned out in good numbers for a fund-raising concert at Craigsbank. Members of the session once again opened their homes to those performing.

In the Spring of the same year, Craigsbank sanctuary featured in a new Edinburgh Book, The Pocket Guide to Edinburgh’s Best Buildings by Robin Ward:

‘Its concave bell tower [is] like a sail on the community’s sea of 1920s bungalows’

Alan’s pioneering spirit challenged the congregation and sparked a fresh wave of outreach. He made every individual, every session member, every volunteer sit up and remember why we were a part of this church, of God’s Church. He was just the right fit for the times.

Outreach included:

• Toastie Thursdays – From 2022, pupils from the local Craigmount High School found warmth, laughter, and endless toasties in the Craigsbank church halls. In the first three years, volunteers from Craigsbank and Corstorphine Old Parish Church served almost 30,000 toasties to these secondary school pupils – breaking down barriers and providing a welcome and affordable warm lunch with space to sit and invest time in friendship.
• Toddle Tots, a much needed, lively and popular hub for parents and young children taking place once a week at Craigsbank.
• Junior Music Makers, led by Ros and John, nurturing children’s confidence and creativity until John’s departure at Easter 2025.
• New connections with local schools and neighbourhoods, rebuilding that vital bridge between church and community. Cricket with the young pupils was a winner.
• Alpha for Young Adults – inviting those between the ages of 18 and 35 to take part on 11 Sunday evenings over summer – to discuss and explore what the Christian faith might offer.
• Youth groups and interaction –summer holiday games groups in the parks of the new-build housing in the western expansion and get-to-know-your-neighbour nights to start to build communities with Christian interest.

The annual decline in congregational membership continued and with it, congregational income through offerings and donations. Alan, in line with Church of Scotland national advice, encouraged Session to review lease agreements for the properties at Craigsbank and East Craigs to optimise its free use by groups involved in congregational ministry. If the groups using the premises were not closely affiliated with the congregation then they would be asked to pay a fair market rate (if they are a for profit organisation) or a subsidised fee (if they are a charity or community development organisation). This resulted in the Bristo Community Concert Band using the space for weekly rehearsal and hosting an annual concert in the sanctuary, a youth community choir rehearsal space, a change in after school groups, and a more focussed eye on those sharing our premises.

Throughout this period, the church continued to raise substantial amounts of money every year for a variety of worthy causes including Crossreach, the Samaritans, Bethany Care Van, Fresh Start, Christian Aid, Corstorphine Dementia Project, and Corstorphine Community Centre Men’s Shed. In addition, members of the congregation were involved with local food banks where our annual harvest collection of dried and tinned foods was welcomed. Anne Currie and her small team of volunteers collected surplus, damaged or past sell-by-date product daily from the East Craigs Co-op and delivered to the same foodbanks until the closure of the Co-op in October 2025.

At the same time, the wider Church was changing. People did not return to physical services in the same numbers post-Covid. Children were still struggling with face-to-face contact as a result of social isolation during the pandemic. Numbers entering the ministry was tumbling and the cost of heating and maintaining buildings with dwindling income becoming unsustainable.

The number of marriages and baptisms celebrated in churches fell drastically at this point with Alan Childs called upon to deliver funeral after funeral with only one or two christenings a year but a joyful increase in the number of adult confirmations. But no weddings. In the seven years of Alan’s ministry (to point of writing), he has officiated at almost 100 funerals. Unfortunately, only one wedding has been held in the church during this period. However, his personal style of ministry and outreach combined with Alpha courses and community involvement slowly led to a small but growing number of younger individuals and families becoming involved with Craigsbank, including a growing number of New Scots.

What happened to weddings?

A good question! By the early 2000s, with fewer young people attending services with any regularity, the demand for weddings within the church started to drop. Legislation stripped out the requirements for marriage in a church setting and left Craigsbank, as with all churches in Scotland, as much a venue as a place of religious marriage ceremony. Churches were competing for ‘the wedding’ with upgraded and attractive registry offices which in turn had to compete with castles, farms and barns, music halls, seafronts and quirky spots with personal meaning. The TikTok and Instagram generations wanted the picture-perfect opportunity and ‘church’ to those who were largely un-churched was feeling a little… old fashioned.

Working towards Union

The Church of Scotland Presbytery Plan of 2021 called for collaboration and renewal as it looked to find a sustainable future amidst the steep decline in membership, ministers and finances. Craigsbank was instructed to form a Union with Corstorphine Old Parish Church and to expand through pioneering into the soon-to-be-developed land surrounding Edinburgh Airport. This new-build area is now underway and when complete, will be one of the biggest new housing conurbations in the UK. 17,000 houses and flats are planned in Edinburgh’s western expansion, which includes West Craigs along the Turnhouse Road, as well as covering the former airport runway, West Town on the land just east of Edinburgh Airport and Maybury on the site of Saica packaging (formerly Reeds Corrugated Paper factory). This combined development includes one primary school – Maybury Primary School – already open, a secondary school and at least three further primary schools to follow in the new West Town development on the other side of the railway line, health facilities, some shopping areas, hotels and public parks.

A small pioneering group from Craigsbank, with support from the Old Parish, is now working with the new residents offering children’s projects in the school holidays, Christmas gatherings, and coffee chats in the new Maybury school with opportunities for the new neighbours to get to know each other.

After many months of meeting, prayer and discussion, both Sessions and then both congregations voted overwhelmingly in October 2025 to embrace the vision of forming a united charge, Corstorphine Old and New Church of Scotland – a name that honours tradition and our history up until now while pointing boldly to a new and innovative future – looking expectantly at what might lie ahead. Both congregations had been asked to vote in person, on the same date and at the same time, on the Basis of Union and on Team Ministry. The vote in favour was almost unanimous.

The steering group from Craigsbank who led the session on the Union was made up of John Baker, Mike Brough, Rev. Alan Childs, Alan Kennedy, Susan Ross, Paul Spencer, Elaine Thompson (SC) (and for part of the period leading up to the vote on union Gavin Ryalls).

They met monthly over the eighteen months leading up to the vote on the Union. The two session clerks built a strong working relationship in this time and between the steering group, the clerks and the two ministers the route to union became clear. Both the present and future congregations have much to thank the individuals for in this work on their behalf.

Under this plan, in team ministry, Rev. Moira MacDonald of Corstorphine Old Parish Church will serve as parish minister, Rev. Alan Childs as pioneering minister will serve the thousands of new residents expected in the western expansion of Edinburgh. Elaine Wood (Deacon), recently appointed to the post of parish assistant, will be employed within the team at the newly united charge with a focus on young families and community outreach.

The Spirit Endures

Faith lived out in action, fellowship, and creativity.

As Craigsbank prepares to unite with Corstorphine Old Parish on 1 January 2026, its story continues – this is not an ending but a new beginning. From the cycling ministry of Rev. Little in 1937 to Rev. Alan Childs’ pioneering vision of today, Craigsbank has always been about movement – about taking faith out into the world. Every generation from those first, courageous pioneers, has carried this torch forward. Farmland was purchased speculatively for the building of the original Craigsbank as an extension church to St Ninian’s in the 1930s with roads being laid out and plans for housing all around the proposed site. As Corstorphine expanded once again, land was purchased at East Craigs, on what had been land belonging to the old Seed Testing Station, for the eventual building of East Craigs Church Centre. At the time of writing, no land has yet been purchased in the western expansion, but the church again will look to former farmland to plant the seed from which a physical church might grow. Our roots are deep in land that has sustained through produce and environment, not only the immediate community but the wider district through good times, through war, and through hardship and pandemic.

At the point of writing this chapter of the story of Craigsbank, the future of the existing buildings is not clear. The Craigsbank Church sanctuary and halls, the East Craigs Church Centre, and the Old Parish Church and halls have all been given equal temporary retention status. In due course, Presbytery will work with the new session to decide which buildings will remain within the Union and which will be sold. It is hoped that all will be retained with Craigsbank acting as a creative Christian centre as well as a worship centre and East Craigs as a community hub – again, in addition to serving as a worship centre.

The much-loved and cared for buildings have always been important, busy hubs and sites of worship, but as George Grubb said in his introduction to the first part of the history of Craigsbank:

‘The building projects have continued over the years, but the Church is people – young, middle-aged and old – all worshipping and praising the Lord. We must never lose sight of that simple truth. The Church is also that great company of people who have gone before us into the closer presence of our Lord – family and friends who walked in the way of faith.

The legacy of Craigsbank lives not simply in its architecture but in its people – in every prayer spoken, every hymn sung, every hand extended in friendship. It lives in laughter over coffee, in the stillness of Forest Church, in the joy of children singing in music clubs and in play at summer clubs and Messy Church.

Seven of those represented at the opening service for the new Craigsbank in 1966 still have descendants in the church today – Elaine Thompson, daughter of Russell and Betty Gourlay; Jan Rutherford and Gillian Small – daughters of Ian and Gladys Small and granddaughters of Edward (Ted) and Peggy Small; Alan Kennedy, son of Ian and Margaret; Linda and Moira Kinnear, daughters of Lena and Andrew; and Janice Walker, daughter of Netta and John Law.

In 1987, at the close of the first section of this history, Craigsbank had a congregation of 1,309 and more than 60 organisations meeting every week in the halls. At the close of 2025, it has a congregation of 284 and in line with other Church of Scotland congregations, approximately 80 attend in person every week with a further 50 engaging online. The flame that was kindled more than half a century ago is still burning bright, but it is fragile. Church is no longer defined by numbers in a service on a Sunday morning but by the activities undertaken by the congregation for their community and the wider world in the name of Christ. We have returned to outward-facing and outward-reaching mission. Craigsbank’s story – rich with grace, music, and service – will carry on through the life of Edinburgh: Corstorphine Old and New Church of Scotland, and in every act of faith that follows. 2026 is not is not the end of a story, it is just the beginning of a new chapter.

Updating information from the first part of Craigsbank history:

Ministers

1937-1951 Rev. Graham Little

1951-1971 Rev. James B. Donald

1971- 2001 Rev. George D. W. Grubb

2003 -2018 Rev. Stewart McPherson

2019 – present Rev. Alan Childs

Interim Ministers

2001- 2003 Rev W. John Harvey

2019 – Rev Peter Wood – Locum Minister

(others to be added if names could be provided?)

Community Minister

1980-1983 Rev. Robert Kerr

Associate Ministers

1986-2001 Rev. Ann Inglis

2009-2012 Rev. Steven Manners

Children and Family Worker

• 2016 – 2020 – Lesley Lawrie CHECK DATES

Session Clerks

1937-1942 Mr J. Adam (St Anne’s)

1942-1947 Dr N. J. Hunter

1947-1952 Mr D. R. Barr

1952-1956 Mr A. Dickson

1956-1969 Mr J. Suttie

1969-1984 Mr W. Coventry

1984- ? Dr N. Leitch

2004 – 2007  Doreen Henderson and Julie Wilkinson

2008 – 2013  Carol Turnbull

2011 – 2013  Carol Turnbull and Elaine Thompson

2014 – 2018  Elaine Thompson and Margaret Adair

2018 –  2025  Elaine Thompson

Congregational Board Clerks

1938-1940 Dr J. Hunter

1940-1948 Mr D. R. Barr

1948-1956 Mr J. Suttie

1956-1960 Mr J. Kay

1960-1965 Mr W. Whitelaw

1965-1973 Mr J. Baggaley

1973-       Mr T. Hamilton

2012 – Sheena McCulloch

Note: The unitary constitution came into being in 2014, bringing to an end the Congregational Board

Treasurers

1937-1946 Mr J. Thomson

1946-1947 Mr J. Bradie

1947-1954 Mr R. Nicholls

1954-1961 Mr W. Rumbles

1961-1962 Mr D. Brown

1962-1987 Mr J. Johnston

1987- Mr J. Millar

? Archie Gibson

? date Ewan McLay

? date Alan Kennedy

Students and Assistants                            

1955-1956 Seth Newton

1956-1957 Roderick Pettigrew

1958-1959 Colin Norton

1959-1960 Fred Bronkema

1960-1961 Callum Carmichael

1961-1963 Ian Williamson

1963-1964 Mary Williams

1965 1966 Bill Addley

1966-1967 Alastair Logan

1967-1968 Paul Sewell

1969-1970 William Black

1970-1971 George Grubb

1973-1974 Reid Stewart

1974-1975 Victor Laidlaw

1975-1976 Hugh Adamson

1976-1977 Shona Morris

1977-1978 Graham Deans

1978-1979 Robert Kerr

1980-1981 Ann Inglis

1981-1982 Jim Cowan

1982-1983 Liz Henderson

1983-1984 Peter McDonald

1984-1985 Robert Smith

1984-1985 Jared Hay

1985-1986 Steve Haas

1985-1986 Derek Gunn

1986-1987 Victor Murphy

2008-2009 Andre Groenewald

Organists / musicians

Pre-war Campbell Young – dates??

1941-1951 Rena Scott

1970-1987 John Young

Iain Whyte – dates??

Paul Christie ? to 2016

2016?- 2019 Moya Boonzaaier

2019-2025 John Patterson

Few-line quotes for use in history, on socials, on website – memories from members of the session/congregation.

• I remember being made very welcome on my first time in Craigsbank. The lady I happened to sit next to enthused about the choir and how much she enjoyed the services. What struck me particularly was the lay out of the Sanctuary and how nice it was to see people’s faces instead of the backs of heads! 
  • The Summer Fayre was held at East Craigs after Phase 1 of the Church Centre was opened. This took place on the large grass area that stretched from our building across to the Safeways Supermarket. It was a great occasion and involved many people/activities from the local community. It is continued today by the annual barbeque.
  • The Craigsbank minibus was a distinctive vehicle as it was purpose- built with a higher domed roof to allow easy movement inside and a chairlift at the rear. In 1980, the minibus was gifted to the Three o’clock club which offered fellowship and support for the disabled. created the opportunity to provide transport for the wide range of youth activities, congregational functions and the Gogarburn Group. When not in use by the church organisations it was available for hire by members and good use of it was made for over a decade.
  • During busy services at Craigsbank, the ‘Blue Room’ (painted by the Breakfast Club members) was used as a creche and also for the many buggies and prams. Members of the congregation looked after the babies and young children to allow the parents to attend the services (as long as they could be called through if required).
  • More and more people came by car, and this inevitably created some congestion. It was often a feature of the intimations that a registration was highlighted and the owner requested to move the car to allow others to pass – only after the ‘walk of shame’ exit from the sanctuary.
  • ‘George Grubb was invited to the Jubilee Celebrations for the Girls Brigade as they celebrated in a service at St Giles. As the service was about to start, a figure in an old coat and hat, shuffled down to the front of the congregation, causing some surprise and not a little concern by their manner and appearance. The service continued until the main address, when the figure stood up and moved to the centre of the church, casting off coat and hat to reveal George himself who introduced himself as the speaker and the subject, ‘Do not be quick to judge others’ – certainly made an impact!’
  • The Craigsbank Visitor was printed 4 pages, b/w on newsprint in1988 and distributed widely across the parish. It was delivered in advance of a visit from George and/or Ann who aimed to visit every home in the parish in that year. And they did it!
  • In Summer 2017, the first full colour issue of ‘The Bulletin’ was printed.
  • Paul Spencer and Jackie Rankine were involved with the Breakfast Club around the late 1990’s (along with Bob Goldsmith). They met for an hour with a few of the youngsters active within the Church at the time in the Blue Room for bacon rolls prior to the Sunday morning service. Jenny Allen and Andrew Brough were two who regularly attended as we discussed Bible topics and the news at the time. The kids painted the room Blue (no-one can remember why we chose Blue) and has remained that colour ever since.
  • Like yourself so many others, I have been on the margins of so many lovely times at Craigsbank but if I must choose I think my work with the young folks has always made special memories for me. I have been involved in Junior Choir… Brownies… Signpost,,, Beginners Section of Sunday School…Eco Group… Women’s Guild… Senior Choir… and Fairtrade Church… Edinburgh Food Initiative in provision of ‘shop’ at Laura Ferguson Court before The Co-operative Shop opened to replace the previous supermarket.  My highlights are difficult to mark-up but I have enjoyed being involved in the lot! Craigsbank has meant a great deal to me and the family.
  • The feeling of belonging to and being supported by a church family through difficult times.
• The buses for the Sunday school picnics at the Bush. Colourful paper ribbons streaming out the windows and a little paper poke filled with sandwiches and sweets and buns’
• ‘Christmas Extravaganzas – the congregational meal and dance that took place every Christmas for years. It was organised by the Youth Fellowship who put in a great deal of work to make sure that every person who came through the door had the best possible time.’
• ‘Dancing at the annual Christmas Extravaganza – my Dad was like Fred Astair!’
• ‘Support for the entire family at that most difficult of time. I’ll never forget it’
• ‘My Craigsbank family – as simple as that’ 
• ‘The YF being thrown out of the Mid Yoken pub en masse when the group went out for a glass with the assistant minister!’
• ‘The Christenings of both of our babies – so special. A real feel of belonging and being included in an extended family there to support and guide’
• ‘THAT 24-hour fundraising disco – and the arguments with some of the older members of the congregation who could not sanction dancing on the sabbath.’
• The flower show of 2016 with the stunning displays around the sanctuary at Craigsbank.
• ‘It’s not easy – so many things and thoughts over the many years. What do I choose to fit into a couple of sentences. It can’t be done. So, after much thought here i go: With many highs and a few lows over the years I think just knowing I have a church family. Like-minded people who I can rely on to be there for a chat or a phone call. Enjoying the different types of services over the years and the small personal communion services and Winter Wednesdays.’
• ‘Dressing up to take to the stage in the hall. Creating mischief. Scout camps.’ – (Former member in his eighties)
•  ‘I was five. The Sunday School Christmas party was in full swing. Santa Claus was resplendent in his plush red suit with white fur trim… and Dad’s work boots. Santa had morphed into my dad! That took some explaining.’
• ‘When we had a weekly Sunday School (Stepping Stones) I always looked forward to the last week prior to the Christmas holidays when the leaders would run a games competition for the kids. These would be accompanied with Christmas music. The parents would come into the large hall after the service to watch the end of the games. 
• The thing that really struck with me was towards the end the kids would get on the stage and dance to the music.
• We should make more use of the stage…’

CRAIGSBANK

THE FIRST 50 YEARS

The story of Craigsbank really begins, not in 1937, but in March 1933 when the Church of Scotland feud a triangular piece of land on Corstorphine Bank Farm. All around, streets were being laid out and houses were being built; the National Church Extension Committee foresaw the need for a new parish to serve this developing area. Almost fifty years later, the Church of Scotland acquired land at Southfield Farm, East Craigs with a view to expanding the parish into another developing area. As it celebrates its Golden Jubilee, Craigsbank Church is planning a further extension to cope with the ever­ increasing demands on its accommodation.

The history of Craigsbank falls into three phases, connected with building: the original church/hall with its 1954 extension; the new church opened in 1966; and the 1984 Church Centre at East Craigs. It is a happy coincidence that there have also been three ministries: those of the Reverend Graham Little, the Reverend James Donald and the Reverend George Grubb.

The foundation stone of the Church/Hall (now the Large Hall) was laid on 27 January 1937, by the Secretary of the Home Board and in September, Mr Little, then at St Serf’s, Dysart, was appointed minister. Five elders from St Ninian’s and five from St Anne’s Churches formed the new Kirk Session. On 15 October 1937, the Hall was dedicated and Mr Little inducted. There was no charge to the congregation because there was as yet no congregation. The new parish had been created although it was not until a vote by the members in March 1938 that Craigsbank became the official name, beating the other suggestions of Craigs, Corstorphine West and St. Cairn’s.

There were many problems to be sorted out in the early days. On the first Sunday, twelve children turned up but no Sunday School teachers; the ground round the Hall badly needed levelling, the work finally being done by one of the assessor elders, Mr Gray of South Gyle Farm; there must have been complaints about the cold at services because a thermometer was purchased! However, the congregation grew rapidly, Mr Little was assiduous in visiting new residents in the district, travelling about on his bicycle. Many were attracted to the church by his friendly approaches and were also impressed by the welcoming manner of those on door duty and by the fact that no seats were reserved, unlike many of the older city churches.

In the Hall, the seats for the Sunday services faced b1st towards the stage with the pulpit (which came from Garelochhead Church) on the left. Mr Little wore a frock coat and a top hat to church until the war when he relaxed the formality slightly and purchased a lomburg. At first there was no official choir but gradually some ladies, appalled by the standard of singing began to sit in the front row to lead the praise. Eventually the choir sat at right-angles to the congregation, in line with the draught from the outside door, as one member recalled ruefully.

On September 3rd, 1939, Mr Little brought his wireless to the morning service so that the congregation could listen to Chamberlain’s announcement of the outbreak of war. When this had finished, he said a short prayer and closed the service. As people made their way home, they heard the first air-raid sirens sounding. The size of the congregation had grown from 69 to 263 in less than two years but now war meant an end to house-building in Corstorphine and to hopes of a church for Craigsbank for many years to come.

For six years the small congregation struggled with the problems of wartime. There was an ARP unit housed in the small shed in the church grounds; sandbags filled the corridor; blackout restrictions made evening meetings impossible for a while; coal for the boiler was hard to get and many members enlisted in the armed forces, leaving gaps in the organisations. Much of the work of the church fell on Mr Little’s shoulders and also those of his family: Mrs Little commented that she sometimes felt as if they did everything but preach. Gradually life began to resume some normality and activities reflected the need to support the war effort. The church grounds were dug up for allotments and fund­ raising events, such as dramatic performances and sales of work, raised money for ambulance wagons and comforts for the forces. The number of members remained at roughly 350 for these years with almost one­ sixth of them away on active service.

The end of the war was celebrated at Craigsbank by the granting of “full status” by the General Assembly. The deed of constitution was handed over on 13 October 1946 and the assessor elders from St Ninian’s and St Anne’s were released from duties which they had performed so faithfully for nine years. Craigsbank was no longer a Church Extension charge but a full church. The Kirk Session consisted of nine elders elected since 1941 while a Congregational Board was created out of a committee of management which had been operating since 1938.

The next few years saw the resumption of building and another spurt in the growth of the congregation. Fund-raising efforts were made to pay off the debt to the Church Extension Committee for the building; this was finally achieved with the help of an anonymous donation in 1951. The same year Mr Little accepted a call to Eddleston and the vacancy committee unanimously recommended the Reverend J.B. Donald to the congregation which now numbered 415. He was inducted on 14 November and immediately began campaigning for a new church as promised in the original plan.

In October 1952 the Church Extension Committee rejected this idea because there was greater need elsewhere but agreed to build an extension to the West end of the existing Hall, which would increase seating from 270 to 460 and could be partitioned off for weekday use. In addition, a hut-hall was to be provided. Both were dedicated in the presence of 370 people on 26 November 1954. Gifts for the new Hall­Church included a stained-glass window from the Social Centre, a carpet from the Women’s Guild, a Bible from the Scouts and a bell which was inscribed:

“May it peal loud in the air, And call men to prayer!

The window and the bell were transferred to the new church in 1966.

The congregation now found itself facing West instead of East and singing to the accompaniment of an electronic organ instead of a harmonium. A permanent Communion table stood in the Sanctuary, an area which was reserved solely for religious use.

An important step in the growth of Craigsbank was the decision to buy a manse. Mr Little had always lived in his own house at 6 St John’s Road, and Mr Donald, a bachelor, lived in “digs” in Balgreen Road, not a very satisfactory arrangement. A Manse committee was formed in 1956 and viewed several houses. The difficulty was to find one with seven apartments and in the right price range and the search in fact took four years while a Manse Fund was accumulated. At the church’s 21st anniversary celebrations in 1958 an appeal for money for this and a Building Fund for a church was launched. Over 80% of the members contributed about £1,000. In February 1960 an offer to purchase 22 Belgrave Road was accepted.

No sooner was the manse acquired, than Craigsbank was looking ahead to the final fulfilment of the original plan: the construction of a church. Meetings were held with the Home Board at which it was pointed out that the congregation, which was growing in line with expansion in house building round about, had now almost reached the thousand mark. Similar points were made during the Quinquennial Visitation of 1962 with the result that plans for the new church were submitted to the Dean of Guild Court in February 1963 and building work began in the following August. The hut-hall had to be demolished causing great accommodation problems for the next 21/2 years: the Sunday School occupied a caravan and a cottage-type tent in fine weather.

On 22 February 1964, the foundation stone was laid by the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Very Reverend J. Stewart. Three Sunday School children presented a casket, containing coins and documents, which was placed under the stone while the service was relayed by closed-circuit television to the congregation in the Hall. In the best Craigsbank tradition, the ceremony was performed in bitter weather.

The architect of the new church was Mr W. Kinninmonth, of Rowand, Anderson, Kinninmonth and Paul. The site made his work quite difficult because the 1954 extension had taken away some of the ground. To allow him to go down rather than outwards, he conceived the idea of the “conventicle” church to remind people of the hillside hollows where the seventeenth century covenanters gathered round their ministers. The excavations to achieve this effect went down sixteen feet and were frequently flooded by the natural springs which abound in this area. Other unusual features were the absence of windows, the white walls, the placing of the communion table in the centre of the semi-circle and the flat roof, which Mr Kinninmonth maintained would contrast well with the neighbouring houses. Little did the congregation realise just how much this last idea was to cost in repairs over the next few years, although on one occasion it did provide lodging for an intruder who lived up there for a week.

The opening of the new building was eagerly anticipated throughout 1965 and there were several complaints about delays. Finally, on 8 January 1966, the service of dedication was conducted by the Moderator of the Presbytery of Edinburgh, the Reverend T. Maxwell, while the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Reverend Archibald Watt, preached the sermon to a congregation of about 750. The following day, the Moderator-Designate, the Reverend Leonard Small, took the first Sunday service and on three evenings that week socials were held to celebrate the event. As in 1954, gifts were presented, including a carpet for the Chancel area from the Women’s Guild and Social Centre, a font from the Young Wives’, a bible from the Sunday School, hymn books from the Youth Fellowship and other items from individual members. In return, Craigsbank was able to donate the old pulpit and communion table to the recently renovated Longniddry Church and the organ to St John’s, Oxgangs.

One problem that has faced Craigsbank for most of its 50 years has been that of raising money. The first priority had been to find enough money to pay a certain part of the minister’s stipend in order to obtain “full status”, as well as establishing a Building Fund. Then there was the cost of the 1954 extension followed in 1966 by that of the church, in both cases one fifth of the total. Various schemes were devised, such as sales of works, giving a day’s pay and covenants. That last idea was adopted after a visit to the the Edinburgh Synagogue in 1951. Craigsbank was justly proud that the final instalment of £1,000 for the new church was presented to the Depute Secretary of the Home Board on 27 December, 1970, less than five years after the dedication service. This was a record repayment of the debt.

Three months later Mr Donald announced that he was accepting a call to St Bride’s, Callander. Among the candidates considered by the Vacancy Committee was the Reverend George Grubb, who happened to be Craigbank’s assistant minister. He had been ordained in the Methodist Church and became an RAF chaplain; at that time he was studying at New College and had been admitted to the Church of Scotland. He was recommended unanimously to the members and inducted in December 1971 to a charge now numbering 1,118.

With a clear vision of his ambitions for Craigsbank, Mr Grubb brought enthusiasm tempered with reality to the task. His ministry has been steadily progressive, taking the church to the people, not least so by innovative approaches such as the establishment of activities like the Gogarburn Group and the Three O’Clock Club.

It was, as it turned out, a good time for a younger man to take the helm for in the offing was a major development which would pose challenges for the minister and congregation and dominate Craigsbank’s life in the 1970s. In April 1972 there is the first mention in the Session minutes of the new housing development in the North-West of the parish. At first a suggestion was made that the dwindling congregation at Wester Coates Church should be transferred to East Craigs but this was not seen as a satisfactory arrangement and from then on the need for a church presence there became a major concern for Craigsbank. In 1977 the Church of Scotland took up the option on a site beside the Bughtlin Burn but very soon decided that it could not afford to establish a new parish. Craigsbank was required to fill the gap; a hall would be built as a centre.

Plans for the hall were approved in 1981 while a house was bought for a community minister. The Home Mission Committee had recommended the appointment of a full-time minister to work with Mr Grubb. He (or she) would be a young, married person who would live in East Craigs and have a special responsibility for the area. As a result, the Reverend Robert Kerr was appointed in 1980. He had already established an excellent working relationship with Mr Grubb as his assistant in 1978-9. Many people have vivid memories of their famous “double acts” at children’s addresses during morning services; on one occasion a police dog appeared to round up an apparently “errant” minister to the delight of both young and old. Mr Kerr served the parish for three years before moving with his family to Canada.

The house was occupied for about a year by Assistant Minister the Rev. Derek Gunn. On his departure the Kirk Session decided to inform the Church of Scotland headquarters that the house was not suitable as a manse and that Craigsbank would have no further need of it.

In October 1986, The Rev. Ann Inglis, a former student at Craigsbank, was ordained and appointed as Associate Minister.

In March 1984 the East Craigs Church Centre was opened and amongst the gifts received were a large external cross from St Bernard’s, Stockbridge, a small one from Craigmount School and a communion table from Logie Parish Church. An important feature of the area round the centre is the presence of three sheltered housing complexes, Balfour and Stuart Courts for the elderly and Laura Ferguson Court for the disabled. Services are held regularly in each one and the church mini-bus ferries residents down to Craigsbank every Sunday. The church centre has access for wheelchairs and in 1987 a young trainee for the ministry paralysed after an accident, was able to complete a student attachment there. A second hall is now under construction to maintain the church as one of the focal points of the new community.

The history of Craigsbank can be told through its buildings but it is also seen in the activities of the people who have used these buildings over half a century. In his first pastoral letter to the congregation after his arrival in 1951, Mr Donald wrote: “Let me say how impressed I have been by …  the way in which, under Mr Little’s ministry, there has been built up in Craigsbank a tradition of friendship and fellowship.” This tradition is reflected in the flourishing organisations that have developed from the early days at the Sunday School to the “Teapot” club at East Craigs.

The Sunday School was formed in January 1938 with a staff of seven and boys and girls strictly segregated. Very soon the tradition of the Sunday School picnics began and trips were organised to such places as the Deer Park at Hopetoun, Liberton Park, The Bush Estate and Heriot-Watt University. Where war or oil crises restricted travel, venues included a field on Corstorphine Bank Farm or the playing fields of Craigmount School. Highlights have included the year Mr Donald was seen going down the chute at Newcraighall Park and the annual display of football skills by adults of various ages. In 1952 the church magazine reported “Hearts’ management might send along one or two scouts to keep an eye on the fathers.” In 1958 panic set in when it was realised that the destination – Linlithgow Palace – had a ban on football.

In 1942 a Bible Class was formed. For years it could boast a membership of over 30 including children from the Trefoil School. On one occasion some members formed a small orchestra to entertain children from the Pleasance Sunday School. There have been many Sunday School choirs performing at Christmas and Easter services as well as in special productions such as “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”, while various Nativity plays have been presented. Amongst fund-raising events organised have been the collecting of ship halfpennies, “the chantants” and modelling the church in coins. In recent years the Junior and Senior Sunday Schools have been updated into a group called “Signpost” while in 1981 a Sunday School was opened in East Craigs Primary School and transferred to the Church Centre when it became available.

Activities have sometimes been organised in the school holidays. In 1958 the Reverend H. C. Hamilton of Orlando, Florida, exchanged pulpits with Mr Donald for the months of June, July and August. He ran a “Vacation Bible School” for three-to-eight year olds which attracted an average daily attendance of 60 children and which was copied for the next three years. The idea has recently been revived in the Holiday Club at East Craigs which was organised in 1987 by Ann Inglis and her husband.

To cater for the teenagers, a Youth Fellowship began in 1942 when twenty young people came along. During and after the war, the absence of many youngsters on National Service restricted the numbers but activities were varied; a baby-sitting service was set up, charging 1/6d. an hour, to raise money for the Building Fund while the bread­ and-cheese lunch for Christian Aid has been going since 1962. In 1980 a Young People’s Group was created for those young adults who were beginning to feel a little old for the Youth Fellowship.

Several times since 1944, attempts have been made to run a Youth Club. At first the Youth Fellowship and Bible Class got together to organise this; in 1968 a group of parents formed a committee to open one on a Saturday night and soon attracted average attendances of over 70. However recurrent problems with vandalism and gate-crashing forced the eventual closure of the club.

The musical side at Craigsbank has been served by the Church Choir, first organised by Mr Campbell Young before the war and for the last seventeen years led by Mr John Young – it can certainly be called “young at heart”. A particularly memorable organist was Miss Rena Scott who, for ten years from 1941, travelled several times a week from her home in Rosewell to lead the praise. Among outstanding choir performances have been a “Moodey and Sankey” evening and another of Wesley hymns while the choir has frequently been asked to sing at events outwith the parish such as the International Clan Gathering.

In May 1938, a Boys’ and Girls’ Club was formed for evening meetings of games and sing-songs. Six months later the Girls’ Club was transformed into the 103rd Edinburgh Guide Company while in 1939 Mr Little, an enthusiastic Scout for many years, disbanded the Boys’ Club and started a Scout Troop and Wolf Cub pack, the 26th Midlothian. All the groups were soon flourishing although the war caused a serious gap in the ranks of leaders and Mr Little was called upon to act as Scoutmaster for some years. At this time activities included looking after the allotments in the church grounds. The Cubs, “dug for victory” and raised money by selling the vegetable produce, while a former Cub remembers berry-picking at the Blairgowrie Camp in 1943 when the fruit fetched three-farthings a pound and he raised the princely sum of 10d. After the war the Scouts began a series of annual concerts, such as “April Foolers” in 1948, “Together Again” in 1951 and “Wild West” in 1954. So popular were these that there was frequently standing-room only in the audience. In 1957 the pantomime “Red Riding Hood” was reported as “bringing the house down”. Eventually the Scouts and Guides began to expand their talents to include wider audiences in the Edinburgh Gang Show.

Rover (later Venture) Scout and Ranger Units were set up for older teenagers and a Beaver pack for pre-Cubs in 1982. Many Craigsbank members have happy memories of their days in these organisations which were well supported by parents’ committees which organised jumble sales, dances and Bonfire Night parties on what is now East Craigs School playground.

With the development of East Craigs and the growth in the young population of the area, Boys’ Brigade pre-junior and junior sections were established in 1980 followed by a company section, the 63rd Edinburgh, in 1981. Four years later the Girls’ Brigade was added to groups which now cater for many youngsters of all ages.

Amongst the adult organisations of the church, the first to be put on a formal footing was the Woman’s Guild, which was inaugurated on 25 October 1938 when thirty ladies enrolled and Mrs Little was elected President. Within two months, a sale of work had raised £84 for the Building Fund. At first, meetings were held on Tuesday evenings but during the war they were moved to the afternoon and it was only in 1953 that evening meetings were resumed. Today’s Guild has both, while a Women’s Fellowship at East Craigs meets on Thursdays.

Apart from the well-known activities of coffee mornings, work parties and talks, a highlight of the Craigsbank guild in the early days was the Dramatic Section. This was formed in 1941 to help church funds and remained a part of the guild until the end of the war. Then it became a separate organisation and continued to present productions until 1951. In ten years, many plays and sketches were produced, including such gems as “The Black Bull” “Lonesome Like” and “The Spent Match”. The performances were not without incidents, such as the occasion on which a certain lady lost her teeth in mid-speech, necessitating frantic “ad-libbing” by the rest of the cast, or the evening when the illicit substitution of home-made sherry for the usual stage drink of cold tea resulted in a more than usually powerful entertainment.

In October 1959 a Young Wives’ Group was formed with more than one hundred members. It took charge of the Cradle Roll which had been organised by Miss Calder for twenty-one years; visits were made to the elderly and fund-raising included in 1976 a sponsored “scrub-in” of the church lasting ten hours. In 1975 the men of the church began a group for regular talks and outings.

In the May 1946, issue of the church magazine, a notice appeared under the heading “Stop Press”; it announced the calling of a meeting “to consider further the formation of a Social Centre … ex-servicemen and women please join us”. This stemmed from an idea of Mr Little who was very anxious to provide some activity for those returning from the forces where they had been used to much organised entertainment. As a result, a new club was born. Each Tuesday, it would provide a recreational evening of dancing, games and talks for adult members and friends of Craigsbank, all for an annual fee of 2/6d. A badminton section was soon initiated and on 1September1947, a Flower Show, the first of many, was held. The committee wrote to “Amateur Gardening” promising to deliver advertisements for that magazine in return for prizes. In 1948 there were 221 items from 45 entrants and shows continued to flourish until 1962; the construction of the new church caused the cancellation of the 1963 Show and it has never been revived.

Other events for which the Social Centre was famous were the Burns Suppers (“tickets are as difficult to get as those for a Hearts cup tie” said the 1956 magazine), and the Fancy Dress parties. On one occasion, Mrs Little came as the minister with Mr Little as “his wife”! The badminton section eventually became a separate club, meeting on Mondays and Thursdays, while a junior section was formed for members of the Bible Class. When Bainfield Bowling Club sold off their carpets for indoor bowls for £10, the Social Centre treasurer seized the chance to buy although, as he was only authorised to spend £5 at one time, he had to make the purchase in two weekly instalments. Bowling, along with country dancing (where in the early days there was “a shyness among the male members to take part in this”) have continued to attract a good attendance at Craigsbank halls on Tuesday evenings.

Craigsbank has always been involved with caring for the people of the church and the local community. This trend has increased under Mr Grubb’s ministry in the 1970s and 1980s, starting with the opening of playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups which meet in the church hall and at East Craigs. A major innovation occurred in 1975 with the creation of the Gogarburn Group: two teams of helpers began to entertain patients from Gogarburn Hospital for the mentally handicapped on Thursday afternoons. This was the first venture of its kind in Scotland. In 1979 the Three-O’Clock Club, a support group for disabled people, was started. Helped by the generous gift of a mini-bus from a charity organisation, it has given an opportunity for people in restricted circumstances to meet others similarly situated. In 1980 a Focus Group of the Kirk Session was created to assist and encourage the student ministers placed at Craigsbank. In order to involve the elderly housebound in the life of the congregation, a Friendship Club, meeting once a month, began in 1984. Volunteers ferry members to the church for a cup of tea and a chat, giving the chance of renewing acquaintances that had lapsed when age made travel increasingly difficult.

In 1983 Craigsbank had a festival year. To coincide with the Edinburgh Festival the church staged its own three-day festival on the theme “Flowers and Music in Harmony.” Complementing the flower arrangements which adorned the church were musical contributions by Craigmount Fiddlers’ Group, Corstorphine Music Club, East Craigs school pupils, young people of the church, Royal High School FP Singers and Fauldhouse Youth Brass Band.

In 1985 the youth groups of the church combined to mount an ambitious charity fayre to mark International Youth Year.

In 1987 Craigsbank has a congregation of 1,309. The Kirk Session numbers 74 including 8 women. The first women elders were ordained in 1978, 32 years after the church voted 46-18 against such an event. The Congregational Board has 104 members while there are 269 in the Sunday Schools, Bible Classes and Youth Fellowship and over 400 in the uniformed organisations.

It seems appropriate to close the story of Craigsbank with words from Psalm 16, quoted by Mr Little in his first pastoral letter:

‘The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.’