A public fundraising campaign has been launched to save and restore one of Perth’s architectural and historical gems the Cathedral Church of St Ninian. One of the city’s few ‘A’ listed buildings, it is in urgent need of repair work on the roof and its drainage system to stop rainwater penetration destroying the stonework and unique interior features.
A total of £750,000 is needed for the first phase of the project, making the 19th Century building weathertight. 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, and if the Cathedral, designed by the renowned architect William Butterfield and consecrated in 1850, is to be fully restored to its former glory, a total of £3 to £3.5 million will be required.
The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane says “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.”
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.
Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the campaign can do so by sending it to the Appeal Treasurer, Perth Cathedral, St Ninians, North Methven Street, Perth, PH1 5PP Cheques should be made payable to St Ninians Cathedral. Further information from provost@perthcathedral.co.uk
