The Trust aims to safeguard outstanding places of worship of all denominations, at risk of being lost to the Scottish nation through redundancy. Places of worship are taken into Trust care and made accessible to the local community and to visitors. Occasional services are held, together with events, exhibitions and lectures.

Buildings are repaired and conserved using best practice and with an emphasis on the use of traditional materials, skills and techniques. St Peter's Kirk in Orkney, acquired by the Trust in 1998, was extensively repaired and conserved in 2002-3, winning a Europa Nostra Award, an RIBA Conservation Commendation and a Civic Trust Commendation.