Plans are being developed to preserve a historic church in southern Scotland connected to renowned physicist James Clerk Maxwell, whose scientific discoveries helped shape many technologies used around the world today.

Maxwell is buried in the graveyard at Parton Kirk, a small village church located between Castle Douglas and New Galloway. Despite his enormous contribution to science, he is sometimes described as “Scotland’s forgotten Einstein”.

His pioneering work in electromagnetism laid important foundations for technologies including radio, television and mobile communications, making him one of Scotland’s most influential scientific figures.

However, the future of Parton Kirk has become uncertain because the Church of Scotland no longer requires the building. This means the historic property could potentially be placed for sale on the open market.

Efforts to purchase and preserve the church could help protect its connection with Maxwell while creating an opportunity to celebrate his scientific legacy and educate future generations about his achievements.

Supporters hope securing the building will ensure that the site remains connected to the story of the physicist and preserves an important piece of Scotland’s scientific and cultural heritage.