By Liz Fowler

THE SHOCK discovery of rot in the roof of Brechin Cathedral could see the congregation and wider network of supporters digging deep to help save the ancient building.

Dry rot has been found in the Canadian pine timbers of the cathedral roof, which has led to the erection of scaffolding and the need to raise cash for a repair bill that could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Minister Scott Rennie said the problem first appeared in an area of the Queen’s Aisle on the west side of the church in November but architect Stuart Carr had provided invaluable advice on the best way to attempt to isolate the outbreak.

The discovery comes 10 years after completion of a £250,000 restoration project that included replacing rotten roof timbers.

“Even in a best-case scenario we are looking at a sizeable repair bill,” said Mr Rennie. “There is little doubt with a project of this magnitude, we will need support from the wider community. We will also do our utmost to access as many possible sources of funding from outside the church as we can.”

Organisations like Historic Scotland he hoped might play a leading role as they did in the previous restoration project in helping remedy the roof damage. But even in the best-case scenario, he said, grant aid was only likely to cover half the cost, leaving the congregation with a formidable challenge.

Early estimates indicate the cost could be as high as £150,000 but diagnosis is still at an early stage and the church will bring in a structural engineer to do a full survey.

The cathedral dates from the founding of the diocese of Brechin and Bishop Samson’s appointment by King David I in the 12th century.

Paying for the last major restoration was a labour of dedication for the congregation, supported by the Society of Friends of the Cathedral with help from Historic Scotland.

Much work concentrated on the 13th century square tower with repairs to the spire, restoring the stained glass and replacing pinnacles and finials damaged over the years by the weather. Roof leading and suspect wiring were renewed, rotten timbers and slates replaced.

Oak timbers came from Dalhousie and Kinnaird estates and stonemason Tom Church replaced crosses on the chancel’s east gable.