Local and global Jardine community spearhead move to save historic Applegarth Church

November 22ND 2025 - Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire

Worldwide Jardine Clan members spearhead move to save Dumfries & Galloway clan church

In an emotional show of unity and pride, Clan Jardine members from around the world have stepped in to save ancient Applegarth Church near Lockerbie.

This ancient Church of Scotland building is the historic and spiritual home of the Jardine family. The Jardines were among the infamous reivers who terrorised the borderland between England and Scotland in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

Earlier this year the building was up for sale, but an appeal through the Clan Jardine Facebook group sparked an extraordinary global response. Within just 48 hours, pledges totalling nearly £70,000 poured in from across the globe.

The campaign has been mounted by Andrew and Kirsteen Michell of Applegarth House. They live next door to the church, and their determination has galvanised the international community.

Andrew Michell says: “There is so much history in this hamlet. We believe there has been a church at Applegarth since around 600 A.D. This is the heritage of the Jardines and other families. We couldn’t see it lost.”

The chief of Clan Jardine, Sir William Jardine of Applegirth Bt., praised the collective effort, noting the emotional ties that bind the Jardine diaspora to their ancestral lands. These links also extend to other families. The names Porteous, Rogerson, Bryden, Johnstone, Dinwoodie and Boyes also have their past rooted at Applegarth.

Jardines from South Africa, America and beyond now plan to travel to Dumfriesshire to celebrate the transition to a new charity. ‘Friends of Applegarth Church SCIO’ will own the historical asset for the community.

A ceremonial handing over of the keys, followed by a blessing, will take place at 2pm on Sunday 30^th November. The clan chief, Sir William Jardine will be there with his family and all are welcome to attend. This vision for Applegarth Church extends far beyond preservation. The plan is that the site will become a community hub, a heritage and educational venue, and a place for blessings, weddings and funerals.

Contact: Kirsteen Michell at admin@applegarthchurch.org 07791 561618

Andrew Michell – 07802 247294

www.applegarthchurch.org – under construction. FACEBOOK – Friends of Applegarth Church SCIO