A Mearns church associated with one of the best known episodes in Scottish history is launching a funding appeal to stop the “complete deterioration” of its windows.
Arguably the most important historic event to have taken place in Kincardineshire over the past 500 years is the saving of the Scottish Crown Jewels from the army of Oliver Cromwell.
In 1651, after the execution of Charles I, the Scottish regalia were removed to the fortified castle of Dunnottar to be protected from the clutches of the marauding Cromwell.
The minister of Kinneff Church, the Rev James Grainger, and his wife hatched a plan to remove the regalia from the castle. The most popularly known version of how this was done tells that Mrs Grainger, bringing bundles of flax from the castle, had the crown concealed under her apron and the sceptre disguised as a staff.
Another tale relates that the Crown Jewels were lowered down the castle rock to a fish wife or servant girl who “on pretence of gathering tangles” on the seashore, carried them off, “hid under dulse” in her creel.
The regalia were given into the charge of Mr Grainger, the best known of all the Kinneff Old Church ministers, while General Overton and his successors were besieging the fortress of Dunnottar to obtain possession of them.
It was by Mr Grainger and his wife that, wrapped in linen cloths, the “Honours Three” were safely buried at night under the clay floor of the ancient church.
Since the 1970s, the church has been cared for by a group of trustees and various fund-raising activities have taken place.
The main windows need major restoration to prevent further water damage.
On Friday, June 17, at 7.30pm, an appeal for funds will be launched. There will be a musical evening with contributions from Trybe, Alex Green and Madeline Miller, Kenneth Petrie, Dave Ramsay, Ross and Steve Hull and the Burnt Suppers.
Strawberries and cream are included in the ticket price of £10.
Tickets are available from Giulianotti’s, Evan Street, Stonehaven; John Callander, on 01569 763434, or Diana Peters on 01561 362412.