Parish Church - Update

From Fiona Ogg:

Restoration of the Church of Scotland Parish Church continues. Currently the Kirk Session is awaiting an estimate for work on the south wall, the wall that faces the road.

One of the challenges faced is funding the work. As many readers of this blog and those who worship in the building already know, serious fund-raising has started.

The Ceilidh held at Sonachan Hotel in May was great fun and over £750 was raised. Application forms for various funds cover my desk.

Each Wednesday through June to August the church building will be open from 2.00 - 4.00pm. Visitors, local and passing, are welcome to go in for a look around, a quiet moment, a chat, a look at the books available and to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a scone and jam. For all this there is no charge but donations are very welcome.

Work on the south wall will start as soon as possible. The congregation is very glad of the support of, and donations from, the local community, who, in feedback from last spring’s questionnaires, are keen for the building to remain viable; and for the support of the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, who own the building. This building is one of many listed buildings cared for by the Church of Scotland and current congregations; as such, responsibility for the work is challenging and must be undertaken within the guidelines of both the Church of Scotland and Historic Scotland. This happens under the guidance and supervision of a General Trustees approved architect.

All this means that the work may well take longer than might be hoped and, perhaps, be more demanding than first thought – but, the result should be a building fit for purpose now and in the future.