An historic Perthshire church at the centre of an ambitious community buy-out bid has collapsed.
The landmark tower at the ruined Auchtergaven and Moneydie Parish Church, on the edge of Bankfoot, came crashing down during an early morning rain storm.
The building, which was left a blackened shell after a fire in 2004, was poised to be handed over to the residents’ group which has spent years raising thousands of pounds for its restoration.
Campaigners say they have been left devastated by the collapse, which has thrown their restoration plan into doubt. Engineers are now assessing the site to check if any of the building can still be preserved.
Safety barriers have now been installed around the kirk, closing off the surrounding cemetery.
Local minister Rev Adrian Lough said: “We are just thankful that no one was hurt.
“It was fortunate that the building collapsed in on itself, so the rubble came down into the body of the church.”
Half of the church tower came down at around 3.30am on Thursday, as torrential downpours battered the area.
“We are still waiting to hear how bad the damage is,” said Rev Lough.
“I’m no expert in structural engineering but I’ve seen the remains of the tower and I’m definitely not going to go anywhere near it.
“It’s a shame that we have had to close off the cemetery. We never wanted to stop people visiting the graves, but public safety is paramount.”
Alan Ilseley, secretary of the Auchtergaven Old Church Community Restoration Group (AOCRG) said: “We are absolutely devastated that part of the tower which we were planning to restore has collapsed.
“After some 15 years, it appears the weather has finally taken its toll.
“The building ownership was in the process of being transferred to the AOCRG, but at this moment in time it is still in the ownership of the Church of Scotland who we understand have instructed a structural engineer to assess the damage and determine if the tower can be saved.”
Mr Ilesley said that fundraising will continue with carol singers out collecting on Monday evening.
Perth and Kinross Council confirmed an assessment was under way.
“We expect that a plan to ensure the safety of the public by securing and making safe the site and structure will be prepared and implemented,” a spokeswoman said.
“Our building standards and planning staff are working with the owner and their representatives to ensure that required actions are carried out.”
