As of May 2020 the restoration work has still to be completed. The process has been suspended, due to the restrictions imposed by the UK lockdown in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. In July 2020 Ayr Presbytery granted permission for the project to resume, thereby bringing it to a conclusion in the near future.
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Church Restoration
The restoration story began almost eight years ago (2011), and it seems that the time has sped by as we near the end of this major project. The Kirk Session noted the deterioration of our external harling, stonework and roofing, with signs of water penetration on all external surfaces, loss of slates and decayed leadwork. There were also signs of internal water penetration especially in the chantry chapel. An independent 'condition survey' was first commissioned by the Kirk Session in 2011, and some urgent repairs were carried out on the east gable of the nave, and on the roof of the chantry chapel. Further surveys carried out in 2013 and 2016 by our conservation architects, ARPL of Ayr, confirmed the ongoing deterioration, relating to roof covering decay and problems with the harled stonework. |
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It became clear that the building was at risk of serious damage if the water penetration problems were not addressed. The Kirk Session then deemed it necessary to look at how they could raise sufficient funding for a comprehensive restoration of our A-listed historic property.
In addition to the main external and internal fabric repairs, we wanted to improve the interior, making the church more flexible for various activities. With an upgrading of the heating and lighting systems, we believed it would be a good opportunity to incorporate this into a bigger project of full restoration.
All ecclesiastical and statutory consents were sought and granted, and thereafter an application was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Environment Scotland. Our applications were successful and permission to start was obtained on 5th February 2018.
The Kirk Session acknowledges the support received from Ayr Presbytery and the Church of Scotland General Trustees, and also the excellent advice from staff at The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which proved invaluable throughout the process.
In addition to the main external and internal fabric repairs, we wanted to improve the interior, making the church more flexible for various activities. With an upgrading of the heating and lighting systems, we believed it would be a good opportunity to incorporate this into a bigger project of full restoration.
All ecclesiastical and statutory consents were sought and granted, and thereafter an application was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Environment Scotland. Our applications were successful and permission to start was obtained on 5th February 2018.
The Kirk Session acknowledges the support received from Ayr Presbytery and the Church of Scotland General Trustees, and also the excellent advice from staff at The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which proved invaluable throughout the process.
The main purpose of the restoration project was to conserve the building, making it watertight, strengthening the fabric and upgrading the interior to enhance the ambience of the Church for both congregation and visitors.
A summary of the work:
The initial works started in April 2018, and as the roof tiles were removed, it became clear that the timbers beneath were in better condition than anticipated - a most welcome prospect. It should also be noted that the main contractors, DM Roofing, were able to salvage a significant number of the old tiles for re-use. Throughout the process there were fortnightly site meetings, though by December 2018, and in the later stages, these took place every three weeks. These meetings were attended by representatives from the main contractors and the Church, together with architects, quantity surveyors and others involved in the project.
It is believed that the main objectives of this project have been achieved, making the building weatherproof and watertight, while the heating and lighting systems have been improved, adding to the ambience and comfort of the interior. There are particular areas, however, that still need to be brought up to standard during the defect or
'snagging' period.
There remains one area of concern:
The walls of the chantry chapel are taking longer than anticipated to dry out, and remedial work has been delayed. The professional advice is that this work will be completed prior to the end of the defect period.
Latest update:
At the moment (November 2019), the chapel pews have been removed and scaffolding installed. A rough coat of plaster will be applied to the west wall, and finished with a texture similar to what it now looks like, with no application of a final smooth coat, thereby leaving the gable end of the chapel as it is at present.
This project has been a lengthy one. Nevertheless, it is hoped that it will not only preserve our historic Church as a place of Christian worship, but increase its community use and raise its awareness among visitors and others for many years to come.
A summary of the work:
The initial works started in April 2018, and as the roof tiles were removed, it became clear that the timbers beneath were in better condition than anticipated - a most welcome prospect. It should also be noted that the main contractors, DM Roofing, were able to salvage a significant number of the old tiles for re-use. Throughout the process there were fortnightly site meetings, though by December 2018, and in the later stages, these took place every three weeks. These meetings were attended by representatives from the main contractors and the Church, together with architects, quantity surveyors and others involved in the project.
It is believed that the main objectives of this project have been achieved, making the building weatherproof and watertight, while the heating and lighting systems have been improved, adding to the ambience and comfort of the interior. There are particular areas, however, that still need to be brought up to standard during the defect or
'snagging' period.
There remains one area of concern:
The walls of the chantry chapel are taking longer than anticipated to dry out, and remedial work has been delayed. The professional advice is that this work will be completed prior to the end of the defect period.
Latest update:
At the moment (November 2019), the chapel pews have been removed and scaffolding installed. A rough coat of plaster will be applied to the west wall, and finished with a texture similar to what it now looks like, with no application of a final smooth coat, thereby leaving the gable end of the chapel as it is at present.
This project has been a lengthy one. Nevertheless, it is hoped that it will not only preserve our historic Church as a place of Christian worship, but increase its community use and raise its awareness among visitors and others for many years to come.
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