Standing proudly above the picturesque village of Leuchars, St Athernase Church is regarded by many as the finest Romanesque ecclesiastical building in Scotland.
Now, after almost 900 years of history, the congregation has launched a £1 million+ restoration project that aims to preserve the historic place of worship and reach out to the wider community by making it a potential revenue-generating visitor attraction.
To help raise awareness of the project, The Courier was given a special video tour by volunteer guide Roma Roy. Watch above as she takes us through the church’s history, pointing out some of the fascinating architectural features.
Having appointed Broughty Ferry architects Nicoll Russell Studios earlier this year, significant progress has already been made in a four-year project.
Now the wider public are being invited to get involved with presentations by the architect taking place in the church on Wednesday and Sunday.
This will detail the progress made to date and seek views and comments from interested parties.
Regeneration team manager Carol Petrie explained where the congregation’s ambitions lay.
Mrs Petrie said: “We are working closely with Nicoll Russell Studios (NRS) – specifically partner Mr Doug Binnie, conservation architect Mr Bob Heath and their supporting team.
“NRS have made significant progress during April/May 2014, including various meetings with general trustees of the Church of Scotland, Historic Scotland, Fife Council, CARTA and Heritage Lottery Fund.
“In addition, contact has been made with The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.
“The Regeneration Project Team presented a detailed summary of progress at a meeting of the Congregational Board on Wednesday June 6.
“Now the Regeneration Project’s Consulation and Communication Programmes will commence.”
Mrs Petrie described what was being proposed as a “huge project”. But she warned that if nothing was done, the church will just “crumble away”.
She added: “We are in the process of regenerating the church. It’s not just sorting out the roof, the damp, the dry rot and the wood worm, it’s making the building fit for the next 100-150 years.’We want to engage with the community’“This is one of the most important churches in Scotland. The Church of Scotland and others such as the Heritage Lottery Fund are very supportive at what we are doing. It’s a very, very special building.
“On September 24 and 28 we want to engage with the community. We’ll chat through what the architects have come up with and what’s possible.
“This is the biggest thing from an investment point of view that is happening to Leuchars – outside the military base. If we don’t do something the church will just crumble away.”
Mrs Petrie said that with the RAF leaving Leuchars and the Army due to arrive next year, now is a good time to be reaching out to the community.
She continued: “This has got to be a democratic decision – although we in the church would like to see certain things. Years ago the church used to be central to the community. That’s sadly gone.
“But I don’t see why it can’t come back again. I think with the change at RAF Leuchars it might be a good time to engage with the new people coming in.
“For sustainability we’ve got to be able to fund it. For example, it might be we can turn the neighbouring Coach House into a visitor centre/high class cafe. That would be way way in the distance.
“But these presentations will show whether or not people are going to buy in to that. So far they have been. People have been very supportive.”
The meetings take place at the church on Wednesday at 7pm and on Sunday at 12.15pm. All are welcome.
Visit www.leucharsstathernase.org.uk for more information.