Repairs to Tain church a "matter of urgency"

An application for listed building consent to make "urgent" repairs to the bellcote and roof structure of a church in Tain is being considered by Highland Council.

The need for repairs to St Andrew's Episcopal Church on Manse Street is said to be the result of "significant deterioration" of the vertical supporting posts forming the structure of the steeple – putting the public and church goers at risk.

A structural assessment of the category B listed building determined that the timbers forming the support mechanisms of the steeple are in a "precarious and worrying condition", and that recommendations are being made that the condition of the bellcote be remedied "as a matter of urgency".

The Vestry Of St Andrew's Church are now seeking consent from the local authority to proceed with repairs.

The exact extent of repairs are to be confirmed following a full structural survey.

The existing St Andrew's Episcopal Church was built in 1887 by local craftsmen, using local stone, to replace a tin tabernacle (iron church) which was originally opened on the same site in Tain on September 17, 1878.

The 136-year-old church is listed B by the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Department of the Scottish Development Department.

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