Highland councillors will today (Thursday) be asked to approve a payment of £50,000 towards the conservation of Cromarty’s historic East Church, parts of which date back to medieval times.

The church came to fame across Britain two years ago when it reached the finals of the BBC’s Restoration Village series fronted by actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones. Although it was pipped for the top spot, the publicity it received helped bring it into the spotlight and kick-started a massive fundraising campaign.

The £50,000 council payment is the final piece of funding required and it is hoped that, if approved, work can get underway this summer on vital works to help save the Category A-Listed building for future generations.

Major contributions have come from The Heritage Lottery (£641k) and Historic Scotland (£347k). Other contributors include the Scottish Churches Architectural Heritage Trust and the Cromarty Trust, as well as local fundraising.

Bob Cameron, the council’s corporate manager for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, will recommend that councillors approve the £50,000 payment when they sit in Inverness today.

In his report Mr Cameron said: “Members will note that the council’s contribution is vital to the progress of this project. It also levers in over £1 million in funding from other bodies. I consider that the cost to the council represents good value for money.”

The Scottish Redundant Churches Trust (SRCT), which now owns the building, has appointed David Alston and Caroline Vawdrey as part-time community and education officers to organise a range of events, activities, exhibitions and volunteering opportunities over the three-year restoration period.

Councillor David Alston by Cromarty East Church. Derek Gordon 07778 044112

They will provide information on the progress of work at the church and keep the local community and the wider public up to date with developments.

SRCT director Victoria Collison-Owen said: “The support of the people of Cromarty during our Restoration Village bid was fantastic and we are looking forward to working with the community again as the church undergoes major conservation and repair work.”

Plans are currently being made for an open day at the church before it closes for restoration so local people can have a last glimpse of the old-look church, as well as for a final church service to be held in the building.

j.mackenzie@spp-group.com

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