CHURCHES: RHU CLOCK TOWER GETS GREEN LIGHT FOR RENOVATION

by Lucy Ashton

Rhu and Shandon Parish Church has secured listed building consent from Argyll & Bute Council to begin vital repairs on its historic clock tower.

Built in 1851, the landmark requires urgent work to protect it from wind and rain damage, the project includes repointing, replacing leadwork, and repairing the tower’s parapet, clock faces, and pinnacles.

The dedicated congregation and church stalwarts have already raised an impressive £70,000 supported by the community, with an additional £30,000 provided by the Church of Scotland.

While the 2023 Tower Appeal originally estimated costs at £90,000, essential repairs are now projected to total £200,000.

Historic Environment Scotland will contribute up to 40% of the costs. To bridge the final gap, the church is currently pursuing grant applications for the remaining £50,000 needed to safeguard this local iconic building for future generations.

Meanwhile, Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, has raised concerns in Parliament about the future of funding for historic churches following the UK Government’s decision to close the Listed Places of Worship Scheme.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Chamberlain highlighted the impact that the change will have on church communities across North East Fife, many of which care for listed buildings that are costly to maintain and repair.

Wendy Chamberlain MP said she has been contacted by a number of local churches who are deeply worried about what the closure of the scheme will mean for their ability to carry out essential repairs.

Although the Government have confirmed Scotland will receive Barnett consequentials from the replacement scheme, Chamberlain emphasised how Churches are not aware and questioned what discussions have taken place with the Scottish Government and with the Church of Scotland.

In her contribution, Chamberlain asked whether the new scheme will continue to offer VAT rebates on repairs and maintenance, and whether churches in Scotland will be eligible for this support.

She also called for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to come before Parliament to provide a full update on the future arrangements and their impact on faith communities north of the border.

Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “Many of the churches in North East Fife are beautiful historic buildings that sit at the heart of their communities. They are not only places of worship but vital community hubs and important parts of our shared heritage.

“The closure of the Listed Places of Worship Scheme has caused real anxiety locally, and people want answers about what support will replace it and whether Scottish churches will be included.

“I am particularly concerned that there appears to have been little engagement with the Church of Scotland and Scottish stakeholders – the Church of Scotland say they were not informed or consulted with about any elements of the Scheme’s closure or that there will be Barnett consequentials. We need clarity on what consultations and communication steps have been taken.

“I’m pleased to have secured a meeting with the Minister where I will raise these issues to ensure that churches in Scotland are not left behind and that proper support is put in place to protect these important historic sites.

“Kemi Badenoch may have mocked Liberal Democrats as the kind of people who care about fixing church roofs but I make no apology for supporting this campaign.”