Community Hub

Old Congregational Church

Cruden Bay Congregational Church – From Worship to Community Hub

Established: 1884 — Originally known as Port Errol Congregational Church, it served as a centre for independent worship and community life in this coastal village for nearly 140 years.

In 2023, due to declining attendance and an ageing congregation, the decision was made to close the church and gift the building to the local community. Following a final service, steps were taken to transfer ownership and begin repurposing the building for wider community use.

The rear hall, which had fallen into disrepair, was demolished and replaced with portacabins, now serving as a resilience store and a new Men’s Shed for the village.

In June 2024, the official transfer of the building to the community, via the Cruden Bay Community Association (CBCA), was completed. Work is ongoing to transform this valued village asset into a vibrant community hub. In the meantime, the building is already hosting CBCA meetings and has become home to Cruden Bay IT Services, offering IT support, printing, training, and more from the Hub premises.

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All Change on Main Street – and a Sweet New Chapter for the Old Congregational Church

Cruden Bay continues to evolve, with exciting developments bringing fresh energy to the heart of the village. Following the successful opening of the new Co-op and Post Office in early April 2026 — which has already received a warm welcome from locals — there’s more positive news on the horizon.

A Fond Farewell to a Village Staple

After six years at the centre of village life, Paterson’s shop will be changing hands at the end of June. Since taking over in May 2019, George and Ruth Paterson have built more than just a business — they’ve created a vital community hub.

Their contribution was especially felt during the Covid lockdowns, when their shop became a lifeline for many residents. Their commitment, friendliness, and resilience during that time have left a lasting impression on Cruden Bay.

While their departure from Paterson’s marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of an exciting new venture.

Introducing “Sweet Fangs” at the Community Hub

In June 2026, George and Ruth — alongside their team members Nikki and Kira — will be launching Sweet Fangs, a brand-new business located within the Old Congregational Church on Main Street.

The building, now home to the village’s growing community hub, already hosts Cruden Bay IT Services, run by Ray Hyman. The addition of Sweet Fangs marks another step in transforming this historic space into a vibrant, multi-use destination for both locals and visitors.

What to Expect from Sweet Fangs

Sweet Fangs promises to bring a fun, family-friendly offering to the village, perfectly suited to its seaside setting. Visitors can look forward to:

Fresh coffee and hot drinks
Waffles and pancakes
Milkshakes and ice cream, including Mr Whippy
Hotdogs, toasties, and sandwiches
A tempting range of loaded donuts and cheesecakes (coming soon)
Sweets, crisps, and cold drinks

In addition, the shop will stock a variety of beach essentials — from buckets and spades to body boards, towels, and sun cream — as well as treats and accessories for dogs.

A Unique Setting with Community at Its Heart

With the beach just a short walk away, there are also plans to introduce outdoor seating using repurposed church pews — a creative nod to the building’s heritage and a reflection of the community spirit that continues to shape its future.

The arrival of Sweet Fangs further strengthens the role of the Old Congregational Church as a shared space for local enterprise, connection, and creativity.

Supporting Local, Then and Now

Before we look ahead, it’s important to recognise the present. Paterson’s will remain open until the end of June, and the community is encouraged to show its appreciation for everything George, Ruth, Nikki, and Kira have contributed over the years.

Their next chapter is just around the corner — and it’s shaping up to be a sweet one.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sweet Fangs and other developments at the Community Hub. Cruden Bay is changing — and it’s never been more exciting.

Cruden Bay IT – Now Part of the New Cruden Bay Community Hub

We are delighted to announce that Cruden Bay IT is now operating from the recently launched Cruden Bay Community Hub, located in the former Congregational Church building on Main Street, Cruden Bay. This much-loved building has been given a new lease of life as a centre for local enterprise, and we are proud to be one of the first businesses to take up residence.

For now, you’ll spot some temporary signs outside, but the important news is that we’re fully up and running—and yes, the kettle and fridge are in place too!

At Cruden Bay IT, we continue to provide the reliable services you’ve come to expect:

Printing, scanning, and laminating for all your document needs.
Guest WiFi that’s faster than ever, making it easy to get online when you drop in.
PC and laptop repairs, including malware removal to keep your devices safe and secure.
A selection of refurbished PCs and laptops available for sale at affordable prices.

The move to the Community Hub not only gives Cruden Bay IT a new home but also places us at the heart of village life, alongside other local initiatives. Our goal is to make technology more accessible and convenient for everyone in the area, whether you need a quick printout, a reliable device, or expert advice on keeping your tech running smoothly.

We look forward to welcoming you into the Hub—so why not pop by, say hello, and see how Cruden Bay IT can help?

Reflections on Recent History

In 2019, local historian Jill Camphorn (McWilliam) of Doric TV conducted a series of interviews with three long-standing members of the Congregational Church: Gordon and Ann Findlay, and Christian Sinclair. Each of them generously shared personal recollections, offering valuable insights into both the life of the church and the wider community of Cruden Bay.

These short but meaningful conversations not only preserve the voices and experiences of three lifelong residents, but also provide a vivid snapshot of the church as it appeared and functioned just a few years prior to its closure in 2024. Together, the interviews form an important record of continuity and change, capturing not only the memories of individuals but also the role the church played as a cornerstone of village life.

Parking and Accessibility

There is a public car park, beside the old Congregational Church, which is signposted from the main road. Another small parking area is located across the road, near the Dardanelles, overlooking the Trygve Gran memorial.

In addition to these designated areas, street parking along Main Street and Harbour Street is commonly used. However, please note that many of the charming houses in Port Errol do not have private driveways, and local residents rely on this same on-street parking to access their homes.

There are no official parking restrictions beyond general road safety and respectful etiquette. Please do not park on grass verges or block driveways, and always ensure access is maintained for emergency vehicles. Being mindful of the needs of residents helps ensure a positive experience for everyone.

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