A fundraising effort has been launched to save a lochside church billed as one of Scotland's hidden gems.

St Conan's Kirk sits at the north end of Loch Awe in Argyll, not far from the ruins of the 15th century Kilchurn Castle.

And like its tumbledown neighbour, the picturesque church has seen better days.

But now a fundraising effort has just been launched to raise £1m needed for urgent repairs.

John Gleeson, Historic Buildings Consultant to the kirk trust said the present condition of both the main church and the rear walled paths and terraced gardens, is of considerable concern, largely due to water penetration, resulting dampness, damage and decay common in the Highlands.

Public lavatories, kiosk and coffee shop were also being mooted.

He continued: "The building may look in splendid condition to the passing visitor, but underneath the surface beauty lies many structural repairs needing undertaken.

"Thus we are left with this current quandary, with the need to try and increase the financial assistance currently available from visitor generosity, by improving both the experience available and advertising the kirk's needs and current condition, while also seeking external funding for what is now established as emergency repairs and conservation."

St Conan's would never be classed as one of Scotland's historic churches. It doesn't date back to Reformation times or beyond. But it has an intriguing story to tell and as an A-listed building, a genuine architectural pedigree.

Indeed it has been described as "an enigma of religious architecture" incorporating multiple styles - Celtic, Romanesque, Norman and Gothic.

It was designed by amateur architect Walter Douglas Campbell, who was the brother of the First Lord Blythswood, Sir Archibald Campbell, soldier, Tory politician, amateur scientist and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

Works began in 1881 and the original kirk was completed by 1886 as a comparatively small and simple building,.

However Mr Campbell was not satisfied and in 1907 work started on what he considered a far "nobler" building. The kirk was actually only finished and dedicated as a place of worship in 1930, but he had died in 1914. His sister Helen saw the works through to 1927 when she died . The church was finally finished under the supervision of their trustees.

Today it is not directly linked to any specific denomination, but is informally served by the local Church of Scotland minister from Dalmally, who holds regular services there

The St Conan's Kirk Trust relies entirely for its income on the public. It caters for occasional weddings and can be visited by 300 or 400 people in a day during the Highland tourist season .

But it is not commercially managed so the financial opportunities and potential gain are currently limited.