Yester Parish Church

Heritage Lottery Fund Stage One Pass: £107,500
Development funding £10,100
Historic Scotland Stage One pass: £107,500

Yester Parish Church has been a landmark at the top of Gifford Main Street for 300 years.
The first service was held in the white harled building on 24 September 1710. It’s most famous association is with John Witherspoon ,
son of Yester’s minister, Rev James Witherspoon who was inducted in 1720. John followed his father into the ministry and 
in 1768 he was invited to become President of the College of New Jersey, later to be the world famous Princeton University.
Impressed by the education he had enjoyed at Edinburgh University he recreated that system at Princeton.
He was the first moderator of the Presbyterian Church of America and a signatory to the American Declaration of Independence in 1776.

 Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, said: “Places of Worship have been an essential part
of Scottish life both in terms of community identity and archaeological and historical importance.

 “Our commitment to the grant-aided projects reaffirms that those places will continue to be an integral part of local communities,
and, on a national basis, exemplifies the breadth of Scotland’s built heritage for people to recognise and enjoy.

 “I’m delighted to offer our support to each of the projects and look forward to seeing them succeed in the future,
ensuring these buildings remain part of our heritage in the future.

Commenting on today’s announcement, the Heritage Lottery Fund Manager for Scotland, Colin McLean, said:

 “A church is an integral part of any community, not just in terms of worship. Its architecture often gives the area an identity,
while community space inside provides a hub for people of all ages to meet and share similar interests, from Cubs to concerts.
The Heritage Lottery Fund is pleased to be able to help secure the future of these fine buildings so that the local community
and Scotland’s heritage may continue to benefit from their existence.”