From a church modelled on the hull of a boat to the first cathedral to be built in the UK after the reformation, over £1.55million of funding will ensure that these fine buildings are once again wind and watertight providing a venue for worship and a hub for community activity. The funding will also be used to explore the fascinating history of many of the churches which will be shared with the community and visitors through events, publications and digital media. Many will train volunteers to give guided tours.

[quote=Lucy Casot, Head of HLF, Scotland]"HLF is delighted that, working in partnership with the Historic Environment Scotland, we are able to help these congregations secure the future of their buildings"[/quote]

Lucy Casot, Head of HLF Scotland, said: “Scotland’s amazing array of churches provide a focus for many community activities particularly at this time of year. HLF is delighted that, working in partnership with the Historic Environment Scotland, we are able to help these congregations secure the future of their buildings. Not only will they be wind and water tight but activities and events will reach out to new generations encouraging many more through their doors.”

Receiving a grant today is St Michael’s Church in Inveresk. It is known as ‘the Visible Kirk’ as its graceful spire, which can be seen for miles around, was used as a navigational fix by ships in the Firth of Forth. The fishing heritage of Dunbar is reflected in St Anne’s Church which also received an award. Its roof interior is modelled on the hull of a boat.

Frazer Gibson, Project Officer for Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Throughout the centuries, Scottish society has been intrinsically linked with religion, with the local place of worship often forming the focal point of communities. As a result, a great deal of resource has been expended throughout those years to create some of the country’s most important and carefully constructed buildings. Nowadays many continue to serve as a hub for the communities they serve, but they can also be appreciated for their aesthetic value and historical importance. Places of worship are undoubtedly a vital part of Scotland’s built heritage, and we are very happy to be able to contribute towards their repair and restoration, along with our partners in HLF.”

The places of worship to benefit from the funding announced today are:

First-round award

• Shettleston New Church of Scotland, Glasgow - £235,200
• St Michael’s Kirk, Inveresk - £228,000
• Paisley Central Methodist Hall - £228,600
• St Mungo’s Parish Church, Alloa - £248,000
• St Anne’s Episcopal Church, Dunbar - £162,000
• St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth - £241,600
• St Mary’s Parish Church, Kirkintilloch - £203,000

Second round award

• St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Glen Urquhart - £243,400

Notes to editors

Historic Environment Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament. For more information visit the Historic Environment Scotland website.

Further information

• HLF: Shiona Mackay on tel:01786 870 638 / 07779 142 890 or Jon Williams on tel: 020 7591 6035 or email: jonw@hlf.org.uk.
• Historic Environment Scotland: Alan Bannon on tel: 0131 668 8588, email: alan.bannan@gov.scot.
• Shettleston New Parish Church Glasgow: Elizabeth Eglinton on tel: 0141 573 9823 or mobile: 07832 656 585.
• St Michael’s Kirk, Inveresk – Alex or Sandra Shaw via email: as.shaw@btinternet.com.
• Paisley Central Methodist Hall – David Jackson on tel:0141 330 4443 or mobile:07725 560 301
• St Mungo’s Parish Church, Alloa – John Caruuthers on 01259 213 670, email: sail2068c@btinternet.com.
• St Anne’s Church, Dunbar - Andrew Bain on 07929 047 896, email: andrewbain99@hotmail.com.
• St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth – Maureen Prett on tel: 01250 883 304 or email: maureenprett@btinternet.com.
• St Mary’s Parish Church, Kirkintilloch – Hugh Biggans on tel:0141 578 0586 or Rev Mark Johnstone on tel: 0141 776 1252.
• St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Glen Urquhart – Richard Constanduros on tel: 01463 870 207 or 01456 415 497.