Scot Art Chief Operating Officer Iain Sneddon recently joined SchmuFM to talk about the future of the Kirk of St Nicholas, the work under way to reopen its doors and the role this remarkable building can play in the future of Aberdeen city centre.

For Iain Sneddon, the ambition for the Kirk of St Nicholas begins with something very simple: opening the doors and welcoming people back in.

Sitting at the heart of Aberdeen, the Kirk has been part of the city for centuries. Now, work is under way to give it a renewed purpose, creating a place that respects its history while becoming part of everyday city life once again.

Speaking to SchmuFM, Iain discusses the many possibilities for the Kirk and the opportunity to create a space that gives people another reason to come into Aberdeen city centre, spend time there and return regularly.

Bringing people back into the city centre

Like many cities, Aberdeen is considering how its centre needs to evolve. Shopping remains part of the picture, but increasingly successful city centres also need to give people experiences, activities and reasons to visit throughout the day and into the evening.

The Kirk has the potential to contribute to that.

From events and performances to exhibitions, gatherings, activities and everyday opportunities to explore and enjoy the building, there are many ideas for how the Kirk could be used. Some are already beginning to take shape, with events bringing people through the doors and demonstrating what the building can offer.

For Iain, it is about thinking beyond individual events too. How can Aberdeen attract more events to the city? What will encourage people to spend more time in the centre? And what can the Kirk offer on an ordinary Tuesday as well as on a Saturday night?

Reopening the building creates another destination within the city centre and, in turn, an opportunity to encourage people to explore more of what Aberdeen has to offer.

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