Dornoch Cathedral's clock tower set to reopen to visitors as church looks to raise funds
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Plans are under way to reopen Dornoch Cathedral’s clock tower as a visitor attraction later this year.
Church officials hope the move will not only provide an extra attraction for the town, but also help raise funds for the upkeep of the historic monument, which celebrates its 800th anniversary this year.
The tower, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the town has not been open to the public for several years.
Willie Mackay, convenor of the cathedral’s property committee, said visitors had to climb 52 stone steps to the first floor and then two ladders to reach the viewing platform.
He recently took a group of visitors up to the tower to get their feedback.
“To test the water I took up visitors from overseas and the UK. They were just gobsmacked at the view,” he said.
However, it has been agreed that some health and safety work needs to be carried out before the tower can be reopened with church trustees recommending the installation of emergency lighting and additional railings on the two ladder sections.
The tower would be manned with a person on the ground floor and one on the first floor with two at opposite corners of the parapet.
Mr Mackay said it was hoped that the tower would open this year to coincide with Dornoch Pipe Band’s evening performances in the town square on Saturday evenings from May to September.
A survey found the cathedral to be structurally sound but in need of maintenance with leaks discovered in the pulpit and organ, blocked drains and nail rot in the slates.
The building also needs a new heating system for which costings are currently being sought, and a new audio visual system.
Mr Mackay said: “Things have been difficult since the coronavirus pandemic and with an ageing congregation. In order to do the necessary we have to pay for it and not enough income is coming in at present so we have to raise funds.”
He added that it had been suggested that the first floor could be used for history and heritage events.
Meanwhile a service of union will be held at the cathedral on Sunday, March 10, to celebrate the new charge of Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland.
The charge was formed on January 1 and unites the congregations of Dornoch Cathedral, Creich and Kincardine, Croick and Edderton.
Rev Carol Ann Porter is the locum minister but permission has now been granted by the presbytery to call a new minister.
