Extension planned at historic church
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A £100,000 project to provide a small hall, kitchen and disabled facilities at a historic Sutherland Church, has taken a step forward.
Rogart Church of Scotland has just lodged a planning application to double the size of a small 1970s extension at St Callan’s, located on a single-track road outside the village.
The extra space is needed following the sale of Pitfure Church, where the Rogart congregation worshipped on alternate Sundays but which was deemed surplus to requirements.
The new development will accommodate a meeting room and kitchen – needed following the sale of Pitfure Church. Disabled access and toilet facilities will also be provided.
Funding for the development will come from the sale of Pitfure and a legacy left by the late Alison Ramsay.
The category B listed St Callan’s, which can seat 200, is thought to have been designed by local architect James Boag and bears the date 1777, which is when it was rebuilt.
A simple, oblong building, its exterior is white-harled and it is surrounded by a graveyard.
The church boasts an imposing panelled, hexagonal pulpit, pine pews and stained glass in its east windows.
In a design statement submitted to planners, Fergus Stevenson of HRI Architects Ltd, states: “The congregation require cooking facilities and a hall space which the church does not currently possess.
“There is also a need to improve the accessibility of the facilities adjoining the church as well as access into the hall.
“The extension has been designed to follow in scale, materials and detailing of the existing vestry.
“In summary the proposed alterations - for the most part - affect only the contemporary elements of the listed building and do not affect the original features of the church.”
