Funding package will aid essential cathedral repairs
BRECHIN Cathedral is amongst five distinguished churches and one cathedral to have urgent and essential repairs carried out thanks to a funding package announced last week by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.
The cathedral has been awarded a total of 82,000 which will be utilised in the continuing fight against wet and dry rot in the building.
The money is made up of Heritage Lottery Funding of 27,000 and Historic Scotland Funding of 55,000.
Session clerk Douglas Taylor said the news of the grant money was very much welcomed by the church committees and congregation alike and would finally allow much-needed repair work to get underway.
"It's fantastic news for us get this kind of money to help with renovations of this vitally important ancient building," said Doug. "Although we still have a couple of loops to go through until the money is actually in hand it's safe to say we are over the moon with this announcement.
"It's super that we have been given the money that has been required for the dry up for the last two years.
"Everyone is very grateful for this a substantial amount of money, meaning we can probably get all the work done in one go, rather than in a piece-meal fashion a bit at a time.
"A meeting took place on Friday of last week to progress matters with the architect as far as we possibly can and review everything.
"The cathedral congregation will now have to play their part as we have a substantial amount to raise ourselves to complement this grant award."
Situated close to the town centre, the history of Brechin Cathedral began in the late 900s when King Kenneth II of Scotland endowed a monastery to the site.
The cathedral developed over the following centuries and the Round Tower, one of only two remaining in mainland Scotland, was added in the 14th century, originally as a separate building.
Since 1902 an impressive range of stained glass, created by some of Scotland's most famous artists and craftsmen, have been donated to the building.
Three months ago an archaeological dig there, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund through Brechin's Townscape Heritage Scheme, uncovered pieces of medieval pottery and several 14th century coins.
The Heritage Lottery Fund grant will help complete urgent repair work to counter the effects of wet and dry rot.
Repointing of Stonework on the Round Tower will be carried out separately by Historic Scotland, who will also treat moss and algae growth, slate repairs and dry rot.
Parts of the Round Tower are particularly badly affected by this and are likely to suffer recurrent outbreaks according to the architects because of the lack of "poor natural ventilation".
North Tayside MSP Mr John Swinney has welcomed news of the grant to Brechin Cathedral.
Commenting, he said: "Brechin Cathedral has played a tremendous role in the history of Angus and I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland have decided to contribute the cathedral's restoration.
"A recent archaeological dig in the grounds of the cathedral uncovered a number of artefacts, which have helped us to understand the position the cathedral played in the local area and how the community operated.
"Brechin Cathedral is a beautiful building and I am pleased that this investment will be used to carry out urgent repairs which will ensure that the it remains in tact for years to come."
Angus MP Mike Weir also spoke of his delight at the grant award.
"This is another good news story for Brechin thanks to the Scottish Government who earlier announced the successful bid of 1.8million from the town regeneration fund and funding to assist in rebuilding Brechin High School.
"The cathedral is of huge historical importance to Brechin and began in late 900s when King Kenneth II of Scotland endowed a monastery to the site.
"Three months ago an archaeological dig there, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund through Brechin's Townscape Heritage Scheme, uncovered pieces of medieval pottery and several 14th century coins.
"Brechin Cathedral's Round Tower is one of only two remaining in mainland Scotland and this makes its important to the history of Scottish Architecture.
"I am delighted funding has been given to help complete urgent repair work to counter the effects of wet and dry rot as this iconic building will continue to be a centrepiece for generations of visitors to the city."
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Weather for Brechin
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 14 C
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