A number of historic Hamilton churches face uncertain futures following the launch of "radical" plans by the Church of Scotland.
Earlier this month we told you numerous parishes in Lanarkshire could be set to close due to congregations suffering dwindling numbers.
The Church of Scotland is currently drawing up plans to determine the future of local parishes and their sustainability for their respective communities.
Head organisation the Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale said "change is necessary" as consultation continues with church members.
In Hamilton, proposed changes would see the merging of a number of churches within two separate areas of the town - one covering United Gilmour and Whitehill, Hamilton Old Parish, Hillhouse, and West; and the other area covering United Cadzow, Quarter, South, St John's and Trinity.
Similarly in Blantyre, the three churches within that area would be merged - Blantyre Old Parish and Livingston Memorial with St Andrew's.
The overall mergers would see the allocation of either one or two designated Ministers of Word and Sacrament.
In the first Hamilton area, the main church centre and place of worship will be Hamilton Old Parish, which in the proposals says is "an excellent base for mission that is prominently located in the middle of Hamilton.
"To ensure a continuing worshipping and missional presence in the wider parish, we are retaining Hillhouse Church and Hall."
In a statement outlining the rationale behind shaping this area, it says: "The proposed plan seeks to maintain the existing relationships established by the linkage between Gilmour and Whitehill and West, whilst drawing in the expertise, resources, and members of all the congregations in this area."
The second area of Hamilton sees the merger of four congregations with St John's becoming the main church centre and place of worship, with reasons again citing its central location in the town.
The proposal states: "The proposed plan seeks to maintain the existing relationships established by the linkage between Quarter and South, whilst drawing in the expertise, resources, and members of all the congregations in this area.
"The proposed union will be able to draw upon a significant and diverse range of gifts, talents, and resources across the area to facilitate new and exciting missional endeavours. Drawing in parishes in the south of Hamilton, this union creates a geographically coherent parish that facilitates mission to the whole area.
"Trinity parish is on the Priority Area Supplementary List. The proposed ministry allocation creates possibilities for significant engagement with the distinct needs of this area. Further uniting mission allows for deeper engagement with existing work in the community to alleviate poverty and to support the most vulnerable."
And in Blantyre, it is proposed that the Livingstone Memorial building will be initially used as the main place of worship for the united congregation and has been chosen because of its central location and large capacity.
Initially all buildings will be kept to allow an extensive building assessment to be made and to facilitate mission across the new united parish
No decisions have yet been finalised as the consultation process continues.
It comes as dozens of local churches in South Lanarkshire are impacted by falling parish members, a lack of ministers and a reduction in financial contributions.
The Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale will now share their draft mission plan with affected churches which show how funds are allocated over a five-year period.
A Church of Scotland spokesman told Lanarkshire Live : “The Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale is drawing up plans at the behest of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland against a backdrop of declining numbers of people training for the ministry, a reduction in financial contributions and falling membership.
“Presbyteries are using a toolkit created by the General Trustees and Faith Nurture Forum to determine which buildings are required to achieve the Church’s primary purpose of worship and mission."
“No final decisions have been taken as this work is in progress and subject to change", the spokesperson added.
"Draft mission plans must be agreed by presbyteries, the Faith Nurture Forum and the General Trustees by December 31.
“Approved mission plans will be reviewed on an annual basis.”
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