Next month’s open day at St Conan’s Kirk is giving people the chance to find out more about the historic building’s vision and plans for the next five years – and how they can get involved.
The kirk on the shore of Loch Awe is one of only 12 UK buildings to be included in the latest round of National Lottery Heritage funding.
The open day on Saturday November 4, from 10am until 4pm, will give visitors and residents from the area an opportunity to not only explore St Conan’s history and heritage through interactive tours, displays and talks but also to become part of its blueprint for the future.
Vice chairman of Friends of St Conan’s, Peter Hennessy, said: “Our community-led vision is to secure the future of this inspiring building by increasing its accessibility to all sections of the community, young and old.
“By further developing St Conan’s as a regional and national heritage destination it will not only help boost the local economy but also provide a resource for education and training and support wellbeing.”
St Conan’s Kirk Trust owns the building and its chairperson Rosalyn Keppie has thanked the National Lottery Heritage Fund for sharing its vision for accessible heritage.
“St Conan’s Kirk is one of the finest church buildings in the UK. This development funding will help us co-produce a community and heritage plan for the Kirk so that generations to come can enjoy this historic part of Argyll and Bute,” she said.
St Conan’s Kirk’s use as a community and heritage resource has been increasing in recent years but the latest Lottery grant represents “a significant accelerator” to engaging the community as well as making improvements to the building that will secure it as a modern visitor experience.
The funding award comes in two distinct phases. The development phase funding of £94,032 will see the Friends and the Trust work with communities to come up with a plan for the kirk that is at the heart of community life as well as design the construction works needed.
The delivery phase, costed at £1.2million is subject to approval of the development plans. Improvements could include better lighting, provide access to the Crypt and develop the Bruce Chapel basement as an education and event resource centre.