MacMoray Festival organiser Andy Macdonald hopes to transform Lossiemouth’s St Gerardine’s Church into ‘global music destination’
The man behind Elgin’s ever-popular MacMoray Festival hopes to turn a town’s out-of-use church into a “global music destination”.
Andy Macdonald has submitted an offer to purchase St Gerardine’s Church in his hometown of Lossiemouth.
His aim is to give the church - which is for sale for offers over £150,000 - a “new lease of life” and turn it into a “unique” venue for music, as well as community events.
St Gerardine’s Church has been closed since 2023 after being shut as part of major Church of Scotland cuts.
Andy said that the building holds a “special significance” for him as it is where his parents got married and he and his brothers were christened.
He said: “I see enormous potential in giving St Gerardine’s Church a new lease of life at the heart of the community.
“I believe the church could become a powerful and inspiring venue for music, arts, and community events, while still respecting and preserving the character of the building.”
Since 2022, Andy has been running MacMoray Festival in Elgin - with 20,000 people regularly turning up at Cooper Park for weekend-long events.
He believes he could tranform Lossiemouth into a “beacon” for music tourism - but is also determined to respect the history of St Gerardine’s Church, with the exterior to remain “untouched”.
“The goal is to transform St Gerardine’s into a unique live music venue that attracts global talent while supporting local culture,” Andy added.
“The venue would host not just concerts, but also community events, workshops, and cultural activities that benefit residents year-round.
“Lossiemouth could become a beacon for music tourism, boosting local business and the wider Moray economy.
“I believe in preserving the character of St Gerardine’s Church - the building’s exterior and architectural legacy would remain untouched and respected.
“This project isn’t about ‘taking over’ a church - it’s about breathing new life into it while honouring its past. Any refurbishment would be tasteful, sensitive, and in keeping with the church’s heritage.”
Andy also hopes the church will continue to have a community focus.
He added: “I want this space to serve the people of Lossiemouth. I’m open to hosting community services, charity events, school performances, and more.
“This will be more than a music venue - it will be a living part of the town’s cultural heartbeat.”
He said the church would be “soundproofed” and managed with “full respect to its neighbours”.
The closing date for offers was 12 noon on June 24 and Andy expects to hear back from The Church of Scotland in due course.
