Glebes
A growing number of glebes are used for community and missional work.
Glebes historically formed part of a minister's living so, in the modern era, the proceeds of glebe rents and sales are applied to support the ministry costs of the parish in which the glebe is situated. Glebes are predominately let for agriculture however a growing number are used for community and missional work. Some land is suitable for sale for housing development; this allows capital to be generated to support the work of the parish.
Although final decisions are made by the Trustees' Glebes Committee and management and legal advice is available from 121, we rely on working hand in hand with the local Church Sessions, who are also encouraged to review their glebes to make a positive choice as to the best use of the land, particularly at lease ends. Advice on legal and planning implications is available from the team at 121 and loans can be made available for glebe improvement and safety works.
We no longer require glebes to be inspected annually but it is good practice to do so. Please use this checklist to help you and return a copy to gentrustees@churchofscotland.org.uk
These address regular queries which we receive about glebes and we hope they will help. However, if you have any question which is not addressed here please contact us: gentrustees@churchofscotland.org.uk
There is restricted insurance cover for glebes. You will find a summary of the cover here and recommendations for managing risk.