Manses
Helping provide suitable, safe and warm homes for our Ministers
In 2025, guidance relating to manses was compiled into the Manse Handbook. The Handbook is divided into sections for ease of reference. It is envisaged that the Manse Handbook will be updated on an annual basis. If you have any queries or feedback, please do get in touch gentrustees@churchofscotland.org.uk.
Section 1 – Policy and guidance
This section provides a summary of the regulations, policy and guidance to both Congregations and Ministers. It also provides guidance relating to the Manse Condition Schedule and provides useful links to further sources of online guidance.
Section 2 – Manse Condition Schedule
The Manse Condition Schedule should be completed by Congregations on an annual basis. The Schedule was updated in 2025 in consultation with Faith Action. The updated schedule confirms standards whilst
- Providing additional flexibility in the type and layout of a property that is suitable as a manse
- Reflecting the current trends for open plan layouts of new build residential property, whilst ensuring suitable space for the Minister's activities and private space for the family.
- Addressing concerns raised by Ministers
- Providing clarity to congregations
- Updating requirements as each congregation is considered to be a private landlord, to ensure that, as a minimum, they address the statutory requirements for private landlords.
Each standard is provided with a status; there are three levels outlined below
- Essential – the manse must comply with these requirements (unless specifically agreed otherwise with the Presbytery)
- Recommended – Congregations are encouraged to comply with these requirements as they are of benefit to the Minister, their family or visitors to the manse. Congregations are requested to upgrade the manse to comply with these standards.
- Suggested – these are requirements that Ministers have indicated would be of benefit and ideal in the long term.
Section 3 – Memorandum of Understanding
For completion by Ministers and Kirk Sessions, this document seeks to confirm responsibilities with regard to the provision of the manse and avoid potential disputes.
Section 4 – Guidance on the buying, selling and letting of manses
This section is under development by the Manse Working Group in conjunction with the Law Department. In the meantime, if you have any queries, please contact gentrustees@churchofscotland.org.uk
Residential Letting of Manses and Other Domestic Properties
When a manse or other residential property such as a church officer's house becomes vacant and is no longer required for ministry, the property should be sold. In terms of manses owned by the General Trustees, the capital generated will be invested and the income will help support the parish with its buildings and mission.
Only in very limited circumstances will the General Trustees permit the letting of a vacant manse.
This paper provides details on this and the reasoning behind the position taken by the Trustees.
Presbytery approval will be required in advance of the General Trustees considering an application to let a manse.