How do I get involved?

Become a member, donate, visit, or host an event. 

What is the Structure of the Charity?

A 3-tier structure to manage the Charity. 

Registered as a SCIO on October 31, 2025.  Registration number  SC054709

1. The Board of Charity Trustees

This is made up of those initial trustees involved in the creation of the charity (4) and those elected by the Members from the list of Members, up to the maximum of 9 in total. All are subject to annual resignation and possible re-election.

The board holds regular meetings and generally has an overview of the activities of the organisation, but most importantly the board is responsible for monitoring and controlling the financial position of the organisation. We are delighted to confirm that Sir William Jardine, clan chief has agreed to be the first Chairman. There will be a minimum of one meeting per annum (the AGM) and more as agreed by the board or requested by the members. The intention is there will be no more than 4 meetings a year. These will involve the Board of Trustees and any Members who can attend. Meetings will be held both physically and via video link to overcome any geographical complications and inconvenience for overseas Members.

2. Members

We are looking for Members who will be involved in all the key decisions regarding the day-to-day aspects of running and maintaining the building; they will have the right to participate in Members meetings (including any annual members’ meeting) and have important powers under the constitution; for example, the Members elect the Charity Trustees to serve on the board and take decisions on changes to the constitution itself. In addition, the Members will, under delegated powers from the board, be responsible for the day-to-day running of all practical aspects of the charity. Members will help constructively to find appropriate uses that are complementary to the church’s spiritual and historical significance, including weddings, blessings, funerals, but many other uses too.

In addition, Members will help with fundraising, maintenance, curating, and all other practical issues. Of course, much of this will need to be budgeted for and out-sourced, but volunteers from the Membership will be needed for certain activities, to make running the charity as cost-efficient as possible.

Also, Members will be invited to put themselves forward to join the Board of Trustees, should they be interested. New applications for Membership will be decided at the Members meetings.

3. Friends

In addition to Members there will be a 3 rd , more informal but vital level of support called Friends of Applegarth Church. This is a category of non-voting supporters– including, but not restricted to, those living overseas - who wish to support the purposes of the organisation, but who do not wish to become active voting members. Friends are those who care about what happens to the church building and its environment, but do not have the time or geographical proximity to offer practical help.

Friends will be kept informed by a newsletter, Facebook and a dedicated website of progress including any new ideas for uses of the church and fundraising campaigns. The board will determine from time to time the criteria, benefits and expectations for Friends of Applegarth, provided this status does not confer any voting or governance rights.

Whilst there is no required fee for any tier of membership there is a request for either an initial donation or a smaller annual donation, the amount being whatever an individual can afford.

Can I book the Church for my event?

Please send us information about the desired event at admin@applegarthchurch.org and we will respond with more details and if the church is available. 

Do you own or manage the Churchyard?

No, the cemetery is owned by the Dumfries & Galloway Council, but we are happy to help find a grave if we can. You can also reach out to the Dumfries and Galloway Family History Society for the detailed memorial inscriptions book. 

How do I visit?

The address is Applegarth Church, Lockerbie DG11 1SX, United Kingdom and you can schedule a time to enter by emailing us or visiting during one of the scheduled events or opening houses.