Sannox Christian Centre, Sannox, Isle of Arran, KA27 8JD

01770 810201

Development and Plans

Sannox Christian Centre – Development and Vision

The vision for the Sannox Christian Centre is unfolding step by step, shaped by prayer, generosity, and a deep desire to create a place of restoration, hospitality, and encounter with God. The journey so far has already transformed the site, and much remains ahead. What follows is an overview of what has been achieved and what we hope to complete in the years to come.

The Journey

The story of the Sannox Christian Centre is one of vision becoming reality through God’s provision.

  • First came the refurbishment of Dundarroch Cottage and the creation of the Gatehouse.

  • The Central Cross was then erected, marking the site with a powerful symbol of faith.

  • Most recently, the full restoration of Sannox Church has been completed, bringing life and worship back to the centrepiece of the community.

Looking forward, the development of the new residential block, manse, activities area, cloistered garden, and Beehive Chapel will continue as resources allow. Each phase is an act of faith, building on what has already been achieved.

The Centre is not only about buildings, but about people — a community gathered around prayer, creativity, hospitality, and healing. With God’s help and the support of many friends, the vision of Sannox as a place of encounter and mission is steadily coming to life.








Completed so far

From small beginnings, the Centre has already seen a number of significant milestones:

  • Dundarroch Cottage – This accommodation block has been fully refurbished and now provides four en-suite bedrooms, sleeping 9–10 people. With its own kitchen, dining room and lounge, Dundarroch is a welcoming base for groups and individuals who come to Sannox for retreat and fellowship.

  • The Gatehouse – our office and small meeting space.

  • The Central Cross – Standing tall and visible in its commanding position, the cross is a constant reminder of the heart of the Centre’s mission.

  • Sannox Church – The historic church building, at the heart of the site, has now been fully restored. This flexible and beautiful space is once again alive with worship, gatherings, and community events. Its completion marks a major step in the rebirth of Sannox as a place of prayer and mission.

Current Vision and Future Phases

Although much has been accomplished, the wider vision remains a work in progress. Development is carried out phased and prayerfully, dependent on available funds and donations. The guiding principles of every stage are:

  • Sustainability – Building and operating in ways that are environmentally responsible, drawing on local resources and labour wherever possible.

  • Quality – Striving for excellence in construction, in hospitality, and in all aspects of ministry.

  • Heritage – Honouring the story of Sannox and the Celtic Christian tradition through design, symbolism, and spiritual life.

 

Planned and future facilities include:

  • The Beehive Chapel

    • Designed as the spiritual heart of the Centre.

    • Built in stone with a simple white interior, featuring three narrow stained-glass windows facing south, east and west, filling the space with shifting colours throughout the day.

    • Capacity for around 30 people, offering an intimate and prayerful setting for daily worship.

  • Residential Area

    • The already completed Dundarroch Cottage.

    • A new accommodation block designed to host up to 12 guests, with en-suite rooms, shared dining and lounge areas, and garden surroundings for rest and fellowship.

  • The Manse

    • To be sensitively refurbished to provide extra accommodation.

    • Will also provide a reception space for guests, a small shop, and administrative offices.

  • Centre Activities Area

    • Purpose-built seminar rooms, prayer and counselling rooms, and a creative arts space.

    • Dedicated staff accommodation and a welcoming day-visitor room where hospitality can be shared.

    • A cloistered garden, which will include a Beehive Chapel for daily prayers, surrounded by prayer cells, a communal table symbolising hospitality, and a High Cross representing mission.












Design Inspiration

The design of the Centre is deeply influenced by the heritage of early Celtic Christianity. Inspiration has been drawn in particular from Skellig Michael, the 7th-century monastic settlement off the west coast of Ireland, with its distinctive beehive stone structures.

  • The existing buildings — the church, the manse, and Dundarroch Cottage — are retained and restored with their traditional white finish, keeping them as prominent landmarks.

  • The new buildings are conceived as single-storey structures, clad in natural stone, with undulating walls that echo the rolling landscape of Arran.

  • At the heart lies the healing garden, its geometry shaped by a Celtic trinity knot overlaid on a cross, symbolising the unity of God and the centrality of Christ.

  • The design draws on the Celtic “theme of three” — Cave, Refectory, and Road — to represent retreat, community, and mission.

  • The High Cross is strategically placed so that it can be seen from all areas, telling the ongoing story of God’s work at Sannox.