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A fundraising campaign has been initiated by residents of Parton, a village in the south of Scotland, to acquire a local church connected to James Clerk Maxwell, often referred to as “Scotland’s forgotten Einstein.” The community faces an urgent deadline: they must raise the required funds before 1 November, giving them less than two months to secure the building.
James Clerk Maxwell, the renowned scientist whose discoveries laid the foundation for technologies like mobile phones, radios, and television, is interred in the churchyard of this building. The villagers aim to collect £70,000 to purchase the property, ensuring it is properly maintained against the elements and eventually transformed into a centre dedicated to science and community activities.
Following a recent meeting held in the village, a steering group was formed, accompanied by a fundraising webpage to support the effort. Paul Hodson, chairman of the community council, expressed confidence in meeting the financial target, highlighting generous pledges already made by various local families. He stated, “Several individuals and families in the village have already pledged to donate. So we are hopeful that with wider help we will be able to meet our target, however the deadline of 1 November gives us less than 60 days to do so.” Hodson also emphasized the potential positive impact on the region, noting that securing the building could help counteract rural decline and invigorate the community by celebrating Maxwell’s legacy.
Born in Edinburgh in 1831 but raised in Galloway, James Clerk Maxwell developed the theory of electromagnetic radiation, which played a critical role in the development of Einstein’s special theory of relativity. He passed away in Cambridge in 1879 but was laid to rest in Parton, close to the church in question. The Church of Scotland has agreed to sell the building to the community if they can meet the £50,000 requirement by the November deadline. Should the community be unable to raise the funds, the church will be offered on the open market. Last year, nearly one-third of Church of Scotland properties sold were acquired by community groups, with proceeds being reinvested to support existing congregations and their properties
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