SONGS of praise could be heard in Barrhead as a church congregation were handed the keys to their new community hall.

Built at a cost of more than £700,000, the latest addition to St Andrew’s Parish Church will be a “tremendous asset” to Barrhead, according to those overseeing the project.

Representatives from the church told of their excitement after the handover was completed last week.

The hall has been built to provide an alternative venue for local groups such as the Scouts and Guides following the planned sale of the old South and Levern Church, which Arthurlie Church united with to form St Andrew’s in 2013.

The new accommodation consists of a main hall that can easily be divided into two smaller rooms, along with an entrance area, fully-equipped kitchen and toilets with disabled access.

There is also a paved area to the rear that groups can make use of, with a grassed lawn to be seeded in the coming months.

The new hall will remain closed for the time being, as a result of Covid lockdown restrictions, but it is hoped an official opening event can take place later this year, once the situation improves.

The Reverend Tim Mineard, who joined the parish in September to take up his first post as a Church of Scotland minister, told the Barrhead News: “It is a strange time being in church because, obviously, we can’t meet in person, so this will give a boost to everyone and it will also be a great resource.

“We would love to see it used as much as possible by the community in the fullness of time so we can get the most out of it.”

Planning work on the new hall on the church site in the southside of town began in early 2015, with construction starting in January last year.

Some minor works have still to be carried out but, despite difficulties with the weather and Covid restrictions, construction has proceeded largely according to plan.

Long-time church member and retired structural engineer Crawford Farquhar was the main link with the contractors and architect, while Peter Inglis, chair of the Congregational Board, was tasked with overseeing the work and ensuring adequate funds were raised.

The cost of the project was met from congregational resources and fundraising, together with grants from a range of funders and trusts.

Mr Inglis said: “This is a tremendous asset not just for St Andrew’s but also for the town of Barrhead.

“We’re incredibly pleased that work has gone so well and are so excited to see what the future will bring.”