The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

spoons · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:33 am Post subject: Funding for dilapidated Churches

I just read this item on the BBC website. Although I have put in the link, I thought I would copy the text as well, because these things don't stay there forever.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7307320.stm

Funding for dilapidated churches

Funding is earmarked for work on nine churches
Nine dilapidated churches across the country are set to be repaired using funding worth more than £1.3m.
The money, earmarked by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland, is for urgent repairs to keep the buildings structurally sound.

Each church is said to be of important architectural merit and make a contribution to its town's identity.

Those set to benefit include Falkirk Old and St Modan's Parish Church and St John's church in Dunoon.

St Thomas Junction Road parish church in Leith has had funding set aside of £125,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £50,000 from Historic Scotland.

EARMARKED FOR FUNDING
Falkirk Old and St Modan's Parish Church
St John's Church, Dunoon
St Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Helensburgh
Yester Parish Church, Gifford
St Thomas Junction Road Parish Church, Leith
St Andrew's Parish Church, Ayr
The Town Kirk of Stranraer
EU Congregational Church, Ardrossan
St Geraldine's High Church, Lossiemouth

Dating from 1822, it is now in a poor condition, having suffered a significant fall of plasterwork inside the building.

It remains well used for both worship and community activities. The money would ensure the church remains safe for public access.

Commenting on the funding announcement, Heritage Lottery Fund manager for Scotland Colin McLean said: "A church is an integral part of any community, not just in terms of worship.

"Its architecture often gives the area an identity, while community space inside provides a hub for people of all ages to meet and share similar interests."

Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said she was "delighted" to offer the government's support to each of the projects.

Funding has been set aside for the projects, but is not yet guaranteed. Each group must now fully develop their application before securing the final grant.

Plus a link to an item on the church in Falkirk

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7307638.stm