THE Church of Scotland has insisted it is working towards a "solution" for an historic church, which has closed for the last time, to become a community hub.

Earlier this year, Cockenzie House and Gardens received a £227,400 grant from the Scottish Land Fund to buy Cockenzie Old Parish Church and Hall in order to use it as a community hub.

The church held its final service on October 20 and its congregation has now merged with that of the former Chalmers Memorial Church to form Cockenzie and Port Seton Parish Church, holding services in the former Chalmers church.

However, the Church of Scotland has explained that there are some "complex" issues surrounding the sale of the Auld Kirk.

READ MORE: Congregations of two Cockenzie and Port Seton churches merge

A spokesperson said: “Conveyancing takes time and unfortunately there are some complex aspects around the sale of Cockenzie and Port Seton Old Church and Hall.

“We have corresponded extensively with all the parties involved and will continue to do so as we work towards a solution.

“We are again offering to assist the buyers in engaging with the funders to see if flexibility can be offered in terms of the funding deadlines in these circumstances.

“The Church of Scotland is supportive of the transfer of the property to the buyers once the legal complexities of the sale have been resolved."

Previously, a spokesperson for Cockenzie House and Gardens said that negotiations with the Church of Scotland had stalled due to an issue regarding the ownership of the land on which the church hall stood.

The spokesperson had said: “ This land is currently regarded as ‘ownerless’. We have explored the possibility of purchasing only the church and leasing the hall until the ownership is properly established. We are awaiting a response from the Church of Scotland.

"Cockenzie House and Gardens have invested many hours of preparation to take over both buildings.

"We are anxious to progress matters as quickly as possible in order that our Scottish Land Fund award is not jeopardised given the extent of community interest and support for the venture."