Kirk concern over closure of Aberdeen alcohol support centre

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland General Assembly, the Rt Rev Sheilagh Kesting, has voiced her concern at plans to withdraw an alcohol support service in Aberdeen city centre.

Aberdeen City Council and Grampian Health Board announced that funding would not be renewed for the Crown Street Alcohol Centre and it will close on 31 March 2008 after thirty years in operation.

In 2007, there were over 300 referrals to the centre to help those suffering with alcohol addiction.

Rev Kesting, embarking on a three-day tour of Aberdeen Presbytery on Friday, expressed her deep regret at the decision.

"The problems caused by the abuse of alcohol in our society are felt by everyone and concern us all.

"In my year as Moderator I have seen the devastating effect that alcohol can have on people's lives and recognise the need for places which offer help and support.

"It is always a concern when any available help disappears."

Earlier this week, ministers across Aberdeen spoke of their angst at the closure of the Crown Street facility.

Rev Marian Cowie, Aberdeen Presbytery press officer, echoed the Moderator's fears.

"It is alarming that this closure has come against the back cloth of increased levels of alcohol abuse in the North East," she said.

"Only too recently the national news carried disturbing images of the consequences of alcohol abuse in our city centre.

"We can now only hope that another charity will come forward."

This property was gifted to the Aberdeen Presbytery in 1977 by the Temperance Association.

Whilst the presbytery's role was as landlord to the charity, it did not contribute to any staffing salaries or the ongoing funding of the project. As landlord it requested a peppercorn rent which it never actually collected.

Miss Kesting will lead worship in King's College Chapel in Aberdeen on Friday, and later that day she is presenting long service certificates at Rubislaw Church. Among those being honoured is Aberdeen Presbytery Moderator Maureen Simpson.

On Saturday, she will have lunch with various ministers and elders at Midstocket Church Centre, and the final day of her visit is back at the university, where she will preach at its Founder's Day celebration.