Highland Council workmen erected a safety fence around the south and west sides of St Comghan's church on Wednesday. Since Highland Council owns the church and graveyard, it is responsible for maintenance, so this was possibly done because they have identified a crack in the door lintel which was declared dangerous.
At almost the same time Ardnamurchan Community Archaeology heard from Francis Shaw, the architect at Mingary Castle, that he had obtained Sceduled Monument Consent for the work he and structural engineer Brian Smith had identified as urgent, which includes strengthening the dangerous lintel and the tops of the three arches.
Francis also informs us that Historic Environment Scotland has allocated a Monument Management Grant of up to £4,000 for St Comghan's. The proposed work includes putting a hidden stainless steel support under the lintel to make it safe, and rebuilding the stonework above the arches so that the weight stabilises them.
All this is excellent news, and we are very grateful indeed to Francis, Brian and our friends at Archaeology Scotland for all the help they have given us.
This is brilliant news!
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