An ambitious regeneration project which aims to make one of the country’s most significant churches fit for the 21st century and beyond has been given a major boost.
St Athernase Church in Leuchars, which has been lauded by some as perhaps the finest example of Romanesque architecture in Scotland, dates back as far as 1150 and is visited by hundreds of people every year, although time has taken its toll on the Grade A listed building.
However, a scheme to restore and conserve the fabric of the building has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, meaning thousands of pounds could soon be ploughed into ensuring future generations can use and enjoy it.
The £500,000-plus project will carry out essential conservation work, including extensive repairs to the roof, walls and drainage of the church’s nationally important Norman apse and chancel, while it will also provide accessible information about the history and architecture of the church and build on the church’s place as an important staging post on the pilgrimage route to St Andrews.
Those behind the blueprint have been delighted to learn that it has received a “first round pass” from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which it meets HLF criteria for funding.
Having secured that status, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.
Reverend John Duncan, minister at Leuchars St Athernase, Church of Scotland, said everyone associated with the church had been delighted to receive such an endorsement of the future plans.
“Leuchars St Athernase are very grateful to HLF for the support they’ve given to the congregation and the encouragement to preserve our historical church,” he said.
“The church is a jewel in the history of Scotland.
“We acknowledge our sincere thanks to HLF in keeping our 12th century church as part of the fabric of Leuchars for current and future generations to realise the importance of such a church.”
The Romanesque apse is the oldest part of the church and dates from around 1150.
The church has been used for worship continuously since it was first built and later significant additions to the building include the distinctive octagonal bell tower, added in 1745, and the nave, which was rebuilt in the 1800s.
Its position on a hill at the centre of Leuchars Village has made it pre-eminent in village life for almost 1000 years and it remains a focus for worship and community life.
Confirming the funding boost, Lucy Casot, head of HLF Scotland, said: “Scotland’s historic and diverse places of worship are so often at the heart of our communities.
“Thanks to National Lottery players HLF funds urgent structural repairs and also improved facilities and visitor information.
“Leuchars St Athernase Church of Scotland’s renovation project is an excellent example of how HLF can help conserve a much loved building so it can continue to serve its local community.”
