Grand Theft Auto developer buys historic Edinburgh church

The boss of the publisher behind Grand Theft Auto and other popular games has bought a historic Edinburgh church.

St Stephen's Church was put on the market last year by the Church of Scotland for offers of over £500,000.

The Church said at the time that the decision was made to sell because the historic Georgian building was "surplus to the requirements of the local congregation".

The church dates back to the 1820s and was designed by Edinburgh architect William Henry Playfair.

It has been used as a community centre for the last two decades. 

The president of Rockstar North, which publishes the phenomenally successful Grand Theft Auto franchise, Leslie Benzies has stepped in to preserve the building for community use. 

A spokesman for Benzies, known as the Godfather of Gaming, told the Edinburgh Evening News that it was "an entirely philanthropic purchase" to retain St Stephen's for community use.  

The building boasts a 160ft tower with the longest clock pendulum in Europe and an 800-capacity hall that has become a popular venue for the Edinburgh Fringe festival. 

Benzies is the lead developer in the Grand Theft Auto series and is a resident of the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, where St Stephen's is situated.

News
Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson dies at 84
Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson dies at 84

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights activist and former presidential candidate who garnered controversy over his political activism and personal misconduct, has died at age 84.

Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology

The Alliance Defending Freedom warns of more such arrests if the government introduces its much-maligned definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?

17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs

Most CoE choirs currently have no children involved.