Cockenzie House & Gardens
Event at a glance:
Location: East Lothian
Date: 1 November 2025
Number of Staff & Volunteers: 12
Number of Attendees: 150
First-time participant? Yes
Bursary support received: Yes
What they said:
“It’s Ours” event was the launch of Cockenzie House & Garden’s acquisition of the Auld Kirk and its Hall.
We decided to take part in the Festival because Community Land Scotland helped us so much in the acquisition of the Auld Kirk in ways that the legal profession – by their own admittance – could not. Our inclusion reinforced to all those involved, all those who came to event and the local community to realise how significant community ownership is. We were part of something national and historic.
Our event was very well attended and it was so great to hear everyone’s whoops of delight at how we had refurbished the building, the new historical facts which we had uncovered during the refurbishment. So many reactions of the type, “so glad this is not being made into houses”. Very touched and felt privileged by the support and approval the refurbishment received from the last congregation of the Auld Kirk.
Challenges
Getting the building ready.