A piece of Dundee’s history has been given a role for the future thanks to the efforts of a local community group.
The Friends of Balgay have placed alpine plants amongst the frame of the Rose Window. It was once part of the old St Mary’s Church but has lain in Balgay Park for over 100 years.
The group were helped by a £150 contribution from Barney’s Fund, a charitable fund created by Barnetts Motor Group, that purchased the plants.
Dr Hilda Spear, from Friends of Balgay, said: ”We are very much looking forward to the window’s restoration as an attractive flowerbed in the park with the help of Barney’s Fund.
”Alpines take a while to grow, but when they do they will look lovely in the window.”
The frame, which was removed from the shell of the church following a fire in 1841, has resided on a slope on the south side of the park since 1873. It was recently earmarked for removal and to be preserved elsewhere.
That plan was halted when the Friends of Balgay volunteered to maintain the condition of the frame an agreement that has satisfied both Historic Scotland and Archaeology Scotland.
Barney’s Fund was created earlier this year and offers cash donations to local groups or charities in the Dundee and Fife area. The funds are available to any group that makes a difference in their local community and Barnetts is keen to hear from any cause that is seeking money for future projects.
Councillor Fraser Macpherson, chairman of Barney’s Fund, welcomed the donation, saying: ”The fund is a really good idea for getting extra money to community groups. The Friends of Balgay do a lot of good work in Balgay Park and encourage other people to do the same.”