Perthshire’s churchyards are to be restored to preserve them for future generations.
A two-year project costing in the region of £100,000 will begin with distressed sites in the east of the region.
The work will be led by the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, which has already earmarked Coupar Angus, Meigle, Collace and Kinfauns for the first phase.
While some churchyards have become places no one wants to visit, the heritage trust believes they have a rich history, and is hopeful through the awards from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Gannochy Trust they will can be rescued and enhanced.
“Graveyards give us a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those that played a role in the history of their community,” Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland manager Colin McLean said.
“We are delighted to be able to support a project which will encourage local people of all ages to get ‘hands on’ in restoring this part of their heritage, while hopefully learning more about the people that shaped their community into what it is today.”
The awards have been welcomed by Councillor Alan Grant, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s environment committee.
“I am delighted that this initiative has begun,” he said. “The gradual decline of Perthshire’s unique collections of headstones has long been a concern.”
He added, “There is also scope for attracting larger audiences including tourists which could benefit the local economy.”Public consultationAmong the work planned is the clearance of vegetation from walls and ruins a process successfully piloted at Westown and Rait.
There is also a plan to reinstate the soil around tombstones.
Fiona Fisher, the heritage trust’s full-time project officer, said, “My twin aims will be to raise awareness of the project to as wide an audience as possible and to arrange for essential repairs to be carried out to the most important gravestones and structures.
“There is scope to widen the project and for volunteers to help with family history and basic grounds and gardening work.
“I would like to speak to different groups from kirk sessions, to family history enthusiasts, to primary school children.
“Anyone interested in helping should contact the trust.”
A first public consultation on the project will take place at The Coupar Angus Horse Fair on Saturday, March 26.
For further information please contact Ms Fisher on 01738 477085 or email fcfisher@pkc.gov.uk.