A community organization in a Galloway village has begun a formal effort to purchase a local church building, which they describe as a site of significant historical importance. The group intends to repurpose the structure into a dedicated center honoring James Clerk Maxwell, the 19th-century physicist often referred to as the 'forgotten Einstein' for his foundational work in electromagnetism.

The project is currently in its early stages, with organizers emphasizing the need to secure the building to preserve its connection to Maxwell, who is buried in the nearby Parton Kirk. While the community group has expressed optimism about the potential for a heritage site, the initiative faces the immediate challenge of raising sufficient funds to compete for the property. The campaign is framed by supporters as a way to boost local tourism and provide educational resources regarding Maxwell’s scientific contributions, which are widely considered to be on par with those of Albert Einstein.

At this time, there is no indication of competing bids for the property, nor has the current owner publicly disclosed a specific asking price or timeline for the sale. The community group is currently focused on building public awareness and establishing the financial viability of the project before moving into formal negotiations. The effort highlights a broader trend in rural Scotland of community-led initiatives attempting to take ownership of local landmarks to prevent them from falling into private development or disrepair.