We host both regular weekly coffee mornings on Thursdays and a Saturday monthly coffee morning in the small hall to encourage fellowship between our members and the community. We also run several social events including both Summer and Winter Fetes, Afternoon Teas and Games Nights.
The Ladywell Ladies Group and our Crafternoon Chat Group run on alternative Monday afternoons and are regularly attended by members of the community.
APPENDIX 1: BASIS OF DEFERRED LINKAGE
Presbytery of Perth
BASIS OF DEFERRED LINKAGE:
Bannockburn Allan and Bannockburn Ladywell
The congregation of Allan Church of Scotland, Bannockburn (SC002953) and the congregation of Bannockburn Ladywell Church of Scotland (SC011345) shall move into deferred linkage on 6th June 2024, or on another date to be appointed by Presbytery. On the demission of Rev Elizabeth Robertson from Bannockburn Ladywell, the linkage shall be immediately effective, on the following terms and conditions:
1. Transfer of Property and Funds: The property and funds belonging to, or held on behalf of, each congregation shall remain the property and funds of each congregation as at present.
2. Places of Worship: Both churches at present used and occupied by the congregations shall be the places of worship of the linked congregations.
3. Territorial Responsibility: The bounds to be served by the linked charge shall be the bounds of the present congregations, or as the Presbytery shall determine.
4. Kirk Sessions: The Minister of the linked charge shall be the Moderator of each Kirk Session. The Kirk Sessions may meet together, as they deem it desirable.
5/ Congregational Management: The temporal affairs of each congregation shall be administered as at present. The office-bearers of the congregations shall meet annually to decide on their portion of ministry expenses (as listed in the Regulations for Remuneration and Reimbursement of Parish Ministers 2015) and costs for the maintenance of the manse, with any dispute subject to the approval of the Presbytery.
6.Minister: The congregations to be linked shall proceed to the appointment of a minister who shall be inducted in the first instance as minister of Bannockburn Allan, provided that, on the demission of Rev Elizabeth Robertson as minister of Bannockburn Ladywell, the linkage shall immediately be effective under the minister so appointed and inducted. The minister shall be inducted on the basis that the charge shall be a seven-year reviewable tenure charge.
7. Manse: The manse of the congregation of Allan Church of Scotland, Bannockburn shall continue to serve that purpose.
However, within three months of the demission of Rev Elizabeth Robertson as minister of Bannockburn Ladywell, the kirk sessions shall meet to decide, subject to the approval of presbytery, which manse shall serve as the manse of the linked charge. If the kirk sessions cannot reach agreement, the decision will be made by the property committee of presbytery.
The other congregation’s manse shall be sold, let or otherwise disposed of, subject to the titles on which it is held, and subject to the approval of the Presbytery and, if necessary, of the General Trustees or the General Assembly. The free proceeds of any such sale or let shall: (a) if falling within the scope of the General Trustees (Delegated Powers) Act (Act 7, 1995), be credited to the benefit of that congregation in the Consolidated Fabric Fund; or (b) if not falling within the scope of the said Act, be held and applied for fabric purposes in connection with the properties of that congregation.
8. Ministerial Support: The Stipend of the Minister shall be payable in terms of the National Stipend Scale.
9. Power to Readjust: While the articles and terms shall form the Basis of Linkage for the two congregations to be linked, the linked charge shall be free, like other congregations, to adjust arrangements under the authority of Presbytery as need may arise.
Our main Sunday worship is at 11:15am. Although, broadly traditional in format, drama, stories and other less formal elements are often included. We have an enthusiastic choir and an organist with a new digital organ and keyboard.
Sunday worship is mainly led by the minister, but Elders and other members participate on a regular basis by reading Bible Passages, leading Prayers, sharing personal experiences or participating in small dramas and sketches. which are always appreciated by the congregation.
We use a mixture of CH4, Mission Praise and Songs of Gods People for our hymns.
Some of the highlights of the year are the special services consisting of Easter Sunday, Harvest, Remembrance Sunday, Blue Sunday Service, Christingle and a Nativity Service.
Every Sunday the church is decorated with a floral arrangement, after the service the arrangement is made into several bunches of flowers which are delivered to members of the congregation to let them know that Ladywell is thinking of them in times of celebration, illness or in sympathy for a bereavement.
We celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion five times a year in January, March, June, September and November. There is also a joint Communion during Holy Week with the other local churches.
The Minister posts a weekly prayer on our Facebook page.
PASTORAL CARE
Our Elders are the key link between the church and our members who don’t attend church on a regular basis. They deliver our Church magazine four times per year and try to ensure that each member visited at least twice a year.
The Minister is advised of anyone in need of a pastoral care and will arrange visits to those in Hospital, at Care Homes or at their own home.
When requested, a home communion service will be arranged for any housebound member.
A transcript of the weekly service is prepared and sent out to three members who are unable to attend.
In 2026, we will be resuming monthly services of worship at Fairview Care Home, and we hope that this can become a joint service along with members from the Allan Church.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
We are very aware of the importance of trying to attract younger adults and children into the church family and 2025 was a very positive year with three young adults and a new young family with three children starting to attend on a regular basis.
In September 2025 we also restarted our Sunday School and now have a regular attendance between three and six children. This has been encouraging and we look forward to trying some other activities such as Messy Church or Café Church in the coming year with the hope that it may encourage more young families and children to attend church on a regular basis.
WORLD CHURCH
As part of our annual Harvest celebration, we collect cash donations which go to Farm
Africa. We also regularly support Christian Aid and hold collections for other Disaster Relief Funds.
We proudly supported Souper Sunday and its work to raise awareness of the many issues around HIV, as well as to raise money for HIV initiatives around the world.
Closer to home, we regularly donate goods to Startup Stirling, and in the winter of 2025, we began to support Reverend Neil Galbraith’s work as Chaplain to the homeless in Glasgow by donating Hats and Gloves for distribution to those in need.
Historically we used to maintain links with Malawi via the Mamie Martin Fund and we would be keen to rekindle these links in the future.
STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE
Our treasurer works tirelessly to ensure that all our income and expenses are recorded accurately and reports on our financial position to the Board and Session at our regular monthly meetings.
Our revenue mainly comes from our Weekly offerings and donations, which are boosted by the meticulous work of our Gift-Aid Convenor and from the various Hall Lets.
We strive to make sure that no penny is wasted and where possible we try to link our donations to causes which have directly impacted on the members of our congregation and to those in the community around us.
Our latest accounts are available on request.
STAFFING
Apart from our organist, who is self-employed but dedicated to Ladywell, there are no other paid staff at Bannockburn Ladywell. Elders, board members and volunteers fill the positions necessary to oversee the church’s commitments including, but not limited to a Church Officer, Treasurer, Session Clerk, Clerk to the Board, Fabric Convenor, Safeguarding Coordinator, Health & Safety Officer and Gift Aid Convenor.
We also have two trained worship leaders, flower arrangers, cleaners, and a maintenance team who all help keep necessary costs to a minimum.
CHURCH, HALLS AND MANSE
The church buildings comprise the church itself, a large hall, a carpeted small hall, a kitchen, a vestry and a Session Room. The Church and halls are in good condition and are well maintained. Two new boilers were installed in 2020, and the electrical wiring throughout the Church and Halls was replaced in 2023.
LADYWELL MANSE, which like the church is in a good state of repair, is situated in the parish at 57 The Firs, on a main bus route. It is a substantial sandstone building, containing on the ground floor three public rooms, kitchen and cloakroom. Upstairs there are three bedrooms, a boxroom and bathroom with shower. The house has full gas central heating.
There is a small sloping garden at the front and a large mature garden at the rear. There is a garage.
Scottish Charity No. SC002953 Scottish Charity No. SC0011345
APPENDIX 2:FIVE MARKS OF MISSION
The following provides a summary of how we currently fulfil the Five Marks of Mission.
To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.
• Ecumenical Services with other local churches.
• Weekly online prayer.
• School Chaplaincy.
To teach, baptise and nurture new believers.
• Offer study groups.
• Encourage young people through weekly Children’s / All Age Talks and School Chaplaincy.
To respond to human need by loving service.
• Providing fellowship opportunities such as through our Ladies Group, Crafternoon Chat Group and both weekly and monthly coffee mornings.
• Supporting local foodbanks.
• Actively support pastoral care needs of housebound and those in care homes through Home Communion and regular visits.
• Deliver bunches of flowers to members of the congregation to let them know that Ladywell are thinking of them in times of celebration, illness or in sympathy for a bereavement.
To seek to transform unjust structure of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.
• Support of Christian Aid, Farm Africa and other Disaster funds.
To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
• Recycling of as much church waste as possible.
• Planting of fruit trees.
• Leaving a wild patch for wildlife in our garden to promote biodiversity and provide a habitat for local plants and animals.
• Moving services into the small hall during the colder winter months to reduce heating costs.
• In conjunction with the other local churches we help provide refreshments to those attending the Annual Bannockburn BioBlitz
* Ladywell only
Weekly and community use includes Highland Dancing School, Line Dancing, Adult Ballet Class, Yoga, Dance fitness and Pilates. The large hall is also available for children’s parties. All these events give us an opportunity for outreach. Some pictures below of other recent events including Daffodil tea, pumpkin class and VE & VJ Day. .
WEB LINKS & CONTACT DETAILS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Link to Allan Church website: https://www.allanchurch.org
Link to Ladywell Church website: https://ladywellchurch.wordpress.com
Link to Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ladywellchurch
Contact Addresses of Nominating Committee
Convenor: Ronald McMurray beetlejuice41@icloud.com
Vice Convenor: Richard Johnston rjohnston.ladywell@gmail.com
Clerk: Karen Christie karchris2306@gmail.compe your paragraph here.
ALLAN MANSE - A Welcoming Home for Our Future Minister
Our church manse offers a comfortable, well-maintained, and thoughtfully upgraded family home in a peaceful setting on the outskirts of Bannockburn.
The property features a spacious living and dining room, ideal for both everyday family life and hospitality, alongside a separate family room and a dedicated study, perfect for quiet reflection, preparation, or home working.
At the heart of the home is a modern kitchen with integrated appliances, complemented by a practical utility room. There are four generous bedrooms, excellent storage throughout
with ample cupboards.
The manse benefits from gas central heating and has been fully upgraded throughout, offering a warm, efficient, and move-in-ready home.
Outside, there is a single garage, garden shed, and a beautifully enclosed garden, providing a safe and peaceful space to relax, entertain, or enjoy time outdoors.
Set in a quiet location yet close to local amenities, this manse is a welcoming and supportive home for the next chapter of ministry in our church.
BANNOCKBURN LADYWELL
With roots dating back to 1843, the Bannockburn Ladywell Congregation moved from the centre of Bannockburn Village to its current location as a Church extension charge in 1957 to serve the new housing area, known as Hillpark, which had started construction during the early 1950’s.
The Parish is a relatively small, densely populated parish lying between two main roads, the A872 Stirling to Denny/Glasgow and the A9 Stirling to Bannockburn/ Edinburgh, with the Bannock Burn forming the third side of a roughly triangular shape. The Parish is predominantly urban with three small pockets of shops.
JOINT INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY
The congregation of Bannockburn Allan Church of Scotland (SC002953) and the congregation of Bannockburn Ladywell Church of Scotland (SC011345) moved into deferred linkage on 6th June 2024 as part of the current Perth Presbytery Plan.
The recent deferred linkage of the Allan Church with Ladywell Church has opened new avenues of joint worship, shared mission and fresh ideas. We can learn a lot from each other. Both churches within the deferred linkage have hardworking committees and teams, are well resourced and share a passion for taking the love of Christ out into our communities in service and care.
We are both looking at various ways to engage with the young people in our community as well as those of all ages. We are both committed to supporting and working closely with a new minister to introduce new ideas and challenge existing practices. This is our mission, our vision and our challenge.
The Kirk Sessions have both voted to depart from the historic current practice in order to permit the appointment of a Minister who is in a civil partnership or same sex marriage. The intention is for a new Minister to initially become the Minister of Bannockburn Allan and in time, to become the Minister of the linked charge, when the current Minister of Bannockburn Ladywell, Rev. Elizabeth Robertson, retires or demits the charge, and the linkage will be activated immediately. This has been laid out in the current Presbytery Plan. The Presbytery shall review the appointment of the minister within six months of the end of a seven-year period from the date of his or her induction.
Thank you for taking the time to read our Parish Profile and to consider whether God may be calling you to serve alongside us in Bannockburn. If, as you read on, you sense a connection with our story and our hopes, we would warmly welcome a conversation. Wherever your journey leads, we pray God's blessing upon you in your discernment.
Bannockburn Allan in Deferred Linkage with Bannockburn Ladywell
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Bannockburn Allan Bannockburn Ladywell
In recognition of our key location in Hillpark and our duty of care to our community, a defibrillator was installed on our church building.
BANNOCKBURN ALLAN
The Presbytery plan has created a linkage (currently deferred) with Bannockburn Ladywell Church where there is an incumbent Minister at present.
The Allan is the Parish Church of Bannockburn, it was built in 1838 and is a focal point of the village. The Church is a B listed building being of historical importance and was listed in 1979.
OUR VISION
To be a Christ-centered, biblically based charge, grounded in prayer and serving our communities in love – a place which welcomes all and attracts the young with a balance of traditional and evangelical worship.
We are a congregation rooted in the heart of our community, proud of our history and deeply aware of the changing landscape of our Church and society.
We are not a perfect Church, but we are a caring one — faithful in worship, committed to pastoral care and eager to continue serving Bannockburn with compassion and hope.
The Allan has long played a central role in the life of the community, particularly through occasions of remembrance, reflection, and shared gathering. These moments matter deeply to us and to those beyond our regular congregation. We value being a Church that is present at significant times in people's lives, offering welcome, comfort and prayer.
As we look to the future, we do so with we do so with honesty and openness. We recognise the challenges faced by many congregations today, and we are ready to explore new ways of being a Church while holding fast to what grounds us in faith. We are seeking a minister who will walk with us - someone with a pastoral heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to help us discern together where God is leading next.
You would find in us a supportive Kirk Session, dedicated volunteers, and a congregation that values relationships, community presence, and thoughtful worship.
We are ready to encourage, support and work alongside our next minister in mutual trust and partnership.
The Church includes the community in any services or events that it holds and actively encourages engagement.
We have a strong, committed core group looking to the future with faith and hope. Our Elders visit their districts four times a year with our magazine and communion cards encouraging people to come along and share in fellowship.
We hold regular coffee mornings, Church social events such as a Winter Festival, Easter breakfasts, monthly Sunday soup lunch, Valentine’s Day lunches and a St. Andrews Day festival.
Scripture Union makes use of our Church Hall for various events throughout the year with Allan Church volunteers participating, this includes a summer holiday club and both Easter and Christmas journeys.
We have close links with the local High School and every Tuesday an elder visits to help pupils learn about the Bible and play games. A group from the local High School also participates in the Scripture Union events.
The Allan has two school chaplains who lead assemblies in the local primary and high schools.
WORSHIP
HALLS
Ladywell Church aims to provide a place of worship and fellowship where all are welcome, to identify the needs of our community and those further afield and to fulfil those needs through Christian love and action.
The Church has been a focal point for the community ever since opening its doors in 1957 and with the addition of the two church halls, has provided a location for many groups over the years. Currently our main hall is in use on six of seven days by various external groups consisting of a mix of Martial Arts, Dance and Exercise Classes and our small hall is used twice a week by Kumon for afterschool Math’s and English lessons.
CONTENTS
1. Joint Introduction and Welcome to our Community
Bannockburn
Ecumenical Context
2. Bannockburn Allan – Our vision
Worship
Pastoral Care
Resources
Church, Halls and Manse
3. Bannockburn Ladywell – Worship Life at Ladywell
Pastoral Care
Christian Education
World Church
Stewardship & Finance
Staffing
Church, Halls & Manse
4. Closing Comments
5. Web Links & Contact details
Appendix 1: Basis of Deferred Linkage
Appendix 2: Five Marks of Mission
We currently have a team of four Worship Leaders, who arrange Services when required. Worship is at 11.15am.
Our Worship style is traditional; however, we are open to challenge and change.
Our Sunday School Children share and interact in the first part of the Service before leaving to enjoy Sunday School activities.
The Sunday School enjoys regular discussion and activities from the Bible and take part in
several key services throughout the year, including Christmas and Easter.
We use overhead screens for Bible readings, Hymns and intimations for the congregation and use CH4 and Mission Praise for our hymns. Musical resources consist of an organ and digital hymnbook and occasionally an mp3 player.
Data protection is used and Safeguarding procedures are followed.
Children and young people are always made
welcome and we have a Children’s/All Age
Address every week where the children are
encouraged to participate.
PASTORAL CARE
Our Pastoral care group arranges visits to those who are ill, either in Hospital, a Care Home or their own home.
A home Communion service is available for any housebound member.
RESOURCES
The Session Clerk deals with any enquiries and communications, and we have trained worship leaders to assist with services.
We have two property conveners who deal with any bookings for our Church halls and any other property matters. We have a willing team of volunteers who tend our gardens and help maintain the high standard of our buildings.
Our church officer oversees any funerals being conducted.
ALLAN CHURCH
The Church building is well maintained both inside and outside. It is fully accessible with a ramped access, compliant facilities, wheelchair space and baby changing. There is a modern sound system, projector and screens, loop system and digital hymn technology ensuring worship is inclusive and adaptable. The property convenor and the treasurer deal with any reports.
WORSHIP LIFE AT LADYWELL
Our Communion Roll as December 25 stands at 140 with an average regular attendance of 35 worshippers. We do have members who are physically unable to attend church as they are either housebound or reside in care homes and these are regularly visited by either our Minister or their District Elder.
The Charge follows the Model Deed of Constitution, and we currently have thirteen active Elders and four additional members on the Congregational Board. Both Board and Session meet monthly on the 1st Tuesday of each month. We are looking to move towards UnitaryConstitution.
BANNOCKBURN
Many years ago, the village of Bannockburn was involved in weaving both tartan and floor coverings and coalmining.
Bannockburn, whilst referred to locally as a village, is in fact more like a small town, which is made up of predominantly working-class people with a large and increasing number of residents from outside the immediate local area. Due to recent and ongoing house building expansion, the village has grown rapidly over recent years. Many residents commute to work taking advantage of the excellent road, bus and rail links available.
The population of Bannockburn has grown rapidly over the years with many new houses being built in and around the village. A new housing development is currently under construction in the area with around eight hundred houses proposed, with a further development of up to three thousand houses at theDurieshill site. This presents us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with families moving into the area.
Bannockburn is classed as an urban area. The community facilities consist of a Forth Medical Group (Bannockburn Medical Practice), a Dentist, two Primary Schools, one High School, two Care Homes, Sheltered Housing, Post Office, Coffee House, Hairdressers, Pub/Restaurant, two Funeral Directors and various takeaway shops.The community facilities consist of an Alba Medical Group (Bannockburn Medical Practice), a Dentist, two Primary Schools, one High School, two Care Homes, Sheltered Housing, Post Office, Coffee House, Hairdressers, Pub/Restaurant, 2 Funeral Director and various takeaway shops.
Stirling Community Hospital is less than 10 minutes away by car.
Bannockburn Allan has two School chaplains who lead assemblies in the local Primary and High School.
There are two council run Community Centres – The Hillpark Centre which is open five days a week and Bannockburn Centre which is open on evenings only.
ECUMENICAL CONTEXT
Both congregations have always had good relationships with all our neighbouring churches, including all those in our Church of Scotland Grouping (Bannockburn Allan, Bannockburn Ladywell, Cowie, Plean and Fallin) along with the Murrayfield United Free Church, Our Lady & St Ninian Roman Catholic Church, Christadelphian & Brethren Churches. Even greater interaction is hoped for in the future.
As local Churches we do come together and share in events and fellowship regularly.
Joint Services are held on World Day of Prayer, Palm Sunday, Holy week, Remembrance, Family Christmas and Advent services .
The Bannockburn Ladywell Minister is a member of three ministerial gatherings.
JOINT CLOSING COMMENTS
In other words, both Bannockburn Allan and Bannockburn Ladywell are in a good financial position with well-maintained buildings. We have close links with each other and to the local community and have an opportunity to expand our congregations with the new housing developments currently planned and under construction.
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