A funding package of over £450,000 has been awarded to the churches through HLF’s Repair Grants to Places of Worship scheme which funds urgent and essential repairs in order to keep these buildings structurally stable and watertight. It brings the total number of grants awarded to places of worship in Scotland by HLF to over 250, saving many buildings which were at risk of closure due to health and safety concerns.

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “These buildings are architectural landmarks in their communities. They provide a gathering place for worshippers, a meeting place for groups of all ages and a venue for local events. They are also the root of church groups and congregations who improve the life of many through the community work they do. The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to be able to secure the future of these fine buildings so that they can continue to play their valuable role in our communities.”

Dennistoun New Parish Church
HLF first round pass for a grant of £125,000
Historic Scotland funding of £17,000

The only Church of Scotland building in use in the area, Dennistoun New is home to a Church of Scotland Congregation and is used by two other congregations: St. Kentigern’s Episcopal congregation and the Lighthouse Church which is a largely Black African congregation. A  further 2000 people use it throughout the year for shared interest groups such as Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Brigade, Day Care for the elderly, Parents and Toddlers, Badminton Club, Dennistoun Community Youth Project, a bagpipe school and Dance Classes among others.

Built in 1874, the church was designed by James Salmon senior, one of Glasgow’s most prestigious contemporary architects. It’s spire is150ft high and the church houses an impressive Father Willis organ. However, it is now in urgent need of repair and works will include fixing the roof and re-pointing stonemasonry and the spire.
  
Port of Menteith Church
HLF first round pass for a grant of £125,000

Port of Menteith Church was built between 1876 and 1878 by John Honeyman in a prominent position on the shores of Lake of Menteith. It replaced a previous church dating from 1777 although historical information suggests that there has been a church on the site since before the Reformation. It is the only surviving church of the four that were dependent on the Priory of Inchmahome, which is on an island in the middle of the lake. The church features an exceptionally beautiful and important Stephen Adam stained glass trefoil window depicting Faith, Hope and Charity, gifted in his memory by the family of James MacOran Campbell, Lord Provost of Glasgow 1840 and father of Henry Campbell Bannerman, Prime Minister 1905.

Regularly used for religious service, the church also attracts some 750 visitors a year because of its stunning scenic location. Its location, however, has made it vulnerable to the weather coming in over the waters of the lake. This has caused significant rainwater damage to the building both internally and externally which can now be repaired.

St Mary's, Stirling
HLF first round pass for a grant of £68,800

With its 60ft tall Pugin and Pugin designed nave, St Mary’s RC Church is a striking landmark within the conservation area of Stirling. Completed in 1905, the church continues to play a central role in the community with well-attended masses and as a meeting place and concert venue for local groups and schools.

The project will not only secure the future of the building by making it wind and watertight but will also allow people to learn more about its history through leaflets, guided tours and through its website.

Stromness Church of Scotland, Orkney
HLF first round pass for a grant of £65,000

The wide gabled front of Stromness Church mirrors that of many other Stromness buildings which lend the town its distinctive architectural style. Built in 1862-63 to the designs of Richard Spence, who also designed some interior work for Kirkwall Cathedral, Stromness Church is now a meeting place for many community groups and a venue for the St Magnus Festival, as well as a key place of worship for the Church of Scotland in Orkney.

The building is now in urgent need of repair to bring it back into good order to preserve it impressive façade and original interior. Works will include re-slating large areas of the roof, replacing decayed and cracked stones and replacing gutters and downpipes. Its restoration will complement significant work taking place in the area through HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Yetholm Parish Church
HLF first round pass for a grant of £49,100
Development funding of £1,100

The final phase of a ten year programme of restoration, Yetholm Parish Church’s windows, which include three stain glass windows and leaded windows, need to be repaired and refurbished in order to keep the historic building watertight.

Built in the 1830’s in the Heritor’s Style, the church occupies a medieval site with some surviving carved stones in the manse garden. The graveyard contains 17th-century stones and an old church bell, dated 1643, can be found in the Church. In the tower are some stones dated 1610 and 1743 from the previous church which is believed to have been the last thatched church in Scotland.

Notes to editors

The churches applied for grants through the Repair Grants for Places of Worship scheme whereby a first-round pass means that money has been earmarked by the Heritage Lottery Fund for the project in question. Competition at this stage is tough, and while a first round pass does not guarantee funding, it is an indication of positive support, and money for the scheme is set aside. The applicant can then progress to stage two and submit a further, fully developed application to secure the full grant. On occasion funding will also be awarded towards the development of the scheme. 

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland established the joint Places of Worship Scheme in October 2002.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. To date it has invested over £500million in Scotland’s heritage.

Further information

Shiona Mackay HLF Scotland on 01786 870 638 or 07779 142 890 or Jon Williams, HLF Head of Corporate Communications, Nations and Regions on 020 7591 6035. 

Ian MacInnes, Dennistoun New Parish Church on 01505 706584 / www.dennistounnew.org.uk

Sheena Makgill-Crichton, Port of Menteith Church on 01877 385 296.

John McDonald, St Mary’s Stirling on 01786 473 749.

David Gunn, Stromness Church of Scotland on 01856 850 168.

Ben Glennon, Yetholm Parish Church on 01896 753 077.