Clock starts ticking on race to buy Scotland's 'forgotten Einstein' church in Galloway

A small village in southern Scotland is racing to raise money to buy an old church before a deadline of November 1. The village of Parton hopes to turn the building into a science and community centre. The church has a special connection to James Clerk Maxwell, a famous scientist sometimes called "Scotland's forgotten Einstein." The community has fewer than 60 days to raise the funds they need.

James Clerk Maxwell was born in Edinburgh in 1831 and moved to Galloway when he was young. He grew up to become one of the most important scientists in history. His ideas about electromagnetic radiation — the energy that travels through space as waves — helped make mobile phones, radio, and television possible. Later scientists, including Albert Einstein, built on his work. Maxwell died in Cambridge in 1879, but he was buried in Parton's churchyard, making the village an important place in science history.

The community of Parton wants to raise £70,000 to buy the church and keep it in good shape. The Church of Scotland has agreed to sell the building to the village, but only if residents can raise at least £50,000 by November 1. If the village cannot meet that goal, the church will be put up for sale to anyone who wants to buy it. Villagers held a meeting this week and decided to move forward with their fundraising plan. A steering group and an online fundraising page have already been set up.

Paul Hodson, the chairman of the community council, said he is hopeful the village can reach its goal. He noted that some families in Parton have already promised to donate money. "So we are hopeful that with wider help we will be able to meet our target," he said. He believes that saving the church could help the whole region, not just the village. He said it could "help reverse the slow rural decline of communities like ours and provide a boost for the whole region."

Last year, nearly one in three church buildings sold by the Church of Scotland went to community groups. When a church is sold, the money raised is used to help newer congregations. Those funds go toward the cost of taking care of and improving other buildings they own. The people of Parton hope their effort to save this historic church will inspire others to support science and community life in rural Scotland.