For immediate Release.
Local groups secure funding for emergency works at church sites.
Two of Kintyre’s charitable organisations have worked together to benefit from grants totalling £40,000 from Historic Environment Scotland and The National Heritage Lottery Fund as well as from local charitable groups.
The two groups, Laggan Opportunity & Amenity Fund (LOAF) and Killean & Kilchenzie Churches Preservation Association (KKCPA) have used joint funding to complete emergency works at the medieval church sites at Kilkivan, Killean & Kilchenzie.
Over the next few years, in collaboration with Argyll and Bute Council who own the sites, the groups hope to obtain more funding to completely make safe these medieval sites and create a Heritage Trail in Kintyre, which will permit locals and visitors to Kintyre to enjoy and learn more of Kintyre’s ancient past.
Valerie Nimmo, from LOAF, said: “At Kilkivan, the eight medieval carvings depict a range of characters, from a mediaeval knight in full body armour, to an abbot delivering a mass. At some time in the past, the stones were removed from their original position and laid in a line along what had been the east wall of the church. Since the 1960s, the effect of weathering, exacerbated by acid rain, has had a profound effect on the mediaeval slabs. The emergency grants, provided by Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Fund, have facilitated the stabilisation of the south wall of the church and the removal of the grave slabs to Edinburgh where it is hoped that the stone conservator can return them to their former glory, after which they will be brought back to Kilkivan and displayed in a suitable shelter.”
Marion McDonald of KKCPA, continued: “Several years of ivy overgrowth has resulted in additional damage to the ancient walls of the church at Killean. It is now impossible to view the intricate carvings on the east gable wall windows. The emergency grant has enabled temporary bracing to be placed at the most vulnerable areas. A topographical scan of the structure has also been undertaken, which will assist in a much larger, 3 year, project to consolidate the ruins and the 14 medieval grave slabs contained within the ‘Largie Vault.’
At Kilchenzie, it was necessary to use specialist limecrete bags to shore up some ‘voids’ found in the crumbling walls and lay at least one of the 7 medieval grave slabs flat to prevent it from cracking.”
The three ancient buildings are of enormous historic significance nationwide, having been built when Kintyre was still part of the Kingdom of the Isles. In fact, the political turmoil of the last century of the existence of the Kingdom is reflected in the development of the churches. The elaborate unique architecture of the east end of St John Church at Killean is of particular importance. The churches at Kilchenzie and Kilkivan were named after saints Kenneth and Kevin respectively, associated with the cult of St Columba. The churches became important burial places for local people of the time and each one is fortunate to have some of the most important 14th and 15th century carved grave slabs in Scotland. Their intricate carvings are grouped as West Highland School, and reflect the Celtic and Viking cultural association.
Again, these temporary measures were funded by the emergency grant, and now put all three churchyards in a good position to move forward together with a large grant application to various funding bodies for the money needed to consolidate and stabilise the ancient walls, and also to provide a safe space in which to display the wonderful collection of grave slabs.
The joint group will be having another public meeting soon to explain their plans for a Heritage Trail and any suggestions, help and support would be most welcome. It is envisaged that the Trail could include, as well as the three churches listed, Southend, Kilchousland, Saddell and Skipness churchyards.
The groups would also like to acknowledge the funding received from local sources, Campbeltown Community Windfarm Fund, West Kintyre Community Windfarm Trust, Tangy Windfarm Fund, Drumlemble Hall Fund, and Machrihanish Community Airbase Charitable fund.
Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Services, said: “Having been involved personally in this project in the early stages I am delighted to see it move forward in such a positive way. I congratulate everyone concerned for their tremendous fundraising success which will help preserve key aspects of Kintyre’s heritage for many more years to come. As a council we are keen to develop local partnerships as communities can often draw down additional funding that the council cannot access. I’m delighted we have a great opportunity to show what can be achieved when council and community work together.”
