A NEW wedding and conference venue could be coming to Cove after a local couple completed their purchase of a former church hall in the village.

Helensburgh restaurateurs Cara and Milan Nikolic have bought the former Craigrownie Parish Church hall - originally a church itself - which has lain empty for 11 years.

And now the couple, who live in nearby Kilcreggan, have revealed they hope to turn it into a wedding and conference venue - and could even provide hot tubs for guests.

Cara told the Advertiser: “We’d like to turn it into a fabulous new wedding venue. It was originally a church before it became the church hall and has some incredible features not least the amazing stained glass windows.

“There is also a beautiful pitched pine ceiling that was previously tiled over, and intricate wooden features throughout.

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“The views are also stunning across to Arran and the Cowal peninsula.

“It may also be possible to build pods with hot tubs at the back for wedding guests.

“We had thought about housing as it has previously had permission for flats inside and houses behind.

“But hospitality and great food and drink is what we know best. We could even hold conferences and other celebrations - we are really excited about all the possibilities it holds.”

Cara, who grew up in Kilcreggan and returned to the village 13 years ago with her family, added: “We’ve learnt a lot along the way so are not fazed by this project.

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“However we won’t be rushing into it too quickly.

“We’re concentrating on getting our restaurants back up after four months of lockdown and hoping for a busy summer.

“In the meantime we’ll tidy up the church inside as it’s been quite badly vandalised over the 11 years it has lain empty.

“I’m sure when it was the church it saw many weddings. It will be great to bring it back to a similar use but in a modern way.

“I remember going to many a church jumble sale there and have lovely memories of cream teas afterwards with my mum Aileen and auntie Linden.

“We’ve had amazing good wishes of support from people who are happy to see it back in local ownership. I’d like to think the building is back in safe hands.”