It was the first new cathedral to be built in Britain after the 16th century Reformation(s) in Scotland and England, but now the fight is on to save the Cathedral Church of St Ninian in Perth.
A public fundraising campaign has been launched to restore the architectural and historical “gem”. One of the city’s few “A” listed buildings, it is in urgent need of repair.
The main threat is that rainwater has saturated the internal walls and unless something is done soon, dry rot will set in damaging fixtures and fittings, including the organ, which is recognised as being among the finest in Scotland.
The problems facing the cathedral only became apparent after an annual inspection carried out in 2014. This was followed by a five-yearly survey last year, which confirmed the full extent of the damage and the challenge facing the congregation.
A total of £750,000 is needed for the first phase of the project, making the 19th century building able to withstand the weather. The Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and a number of trusts have already stepped in with initial offers of help, but the restoration committee set up by the cathedral is still facing the immediate prospect of raising £140,000.
Two more phases are planned. The second is to repair the masonry and stonework and is the most expensive, estimated at £2m. It is also hoped that a third phase will allow the restoration of the unique stained glass windows.
If the church, designed by the renowned architect William Butterfield, is to be fully restored a total of £3 to £3.5m will be needed.
The established Church of Scotland had owned all the old mediaeval cathedrals, while south of the border the Henry the Eighth- led Reformation had left the Church of England in control of its cathedrals. But in 1847 two wealthy aristocrats decided it was time the Scottish Episcopal Church, which had suffered for its support for the Jacobite cause, had a cathedral again. Perth was chosen was the place to build it, on ground that originally formed part of the Blackfriars Monastery.
It was consecrated in 1850 and is the “mother church” for congregations across the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
The Most Reverend David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, said: “I sometimes watch people who come into our cathedral for the first time. Their eyes light up when they see how beautiful it is.
“We need to restore and preserve this wonderful building for future generations. But of course, our cathedral is more than a building and a place for prayer and worship. It is widely used for concerts and other events by the whole community in Perth. In its ministry, it serves the Perth community and is a sign of the presence of the Scottish Episcopal Church, one of the historic churches of Scotland.
“The sums of money required for this restoration sound daunting. Unfortunately, large, beautiful and historic buildings are very expensive to maintain. I have no doubt that we shall succeed in what we are doing because it is a sacred trust. We need to hand on our cathedral to future generations as a place of beauty dedicated to the glory of God.”
Cathedral Provost, the Very Reverend Hunter Farquharson said: “Sadly the resources of the Scottish Episcopal Church are already spread very thinly, therefore the bulk of the necessary money has to be raised by the congregation. We are an active congregation who, though not in the first flush of youth, connect well with the local community. Our worshippers have been almost sacrificial in their giving, but a project of this magnitude is simply beyond our means."
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