Heritage Open Day
The Kirk was a hive of activity for its 2024 Heritage Open Day, attracting more than 200 people. The event, on Saturday September 21, showcased ongoing work and plans for future restoration and development. “While we’re working hard to raise the funds to restore the fabric of the building, our most important aim is to […]
Cloister Update
OK, so this isn’t the most exciting of news for most people, but we were delighted, as today saw us moving one step closer to improving the accessibility of the Kirk and the conversion of the Engine Tower into toilets for the public. This was heralded by the arrival of the huge granite slabs that […]
The Penitent Window
After securing some initial funding we have been able to have the Penitent Window removed from the Bell Tower to prevent any further damage. We have yet to raise the funds for the repairs to be made, but in the interim, we have installed an amazing facsimile of the window. The facsimile was made by […]
The Bruce Chapel
The renewal of the Bruce Chapel roof was carried out in 2019, however it remains a damp area due to moisture penetration of the lime mortar in the walls which requires attention. Repointing of the walls and installing lighting remain key needs.
Tree Removal
It’s always a shame to cut down beautiful mature trees, however, the two non-native Douglas Fir trees that stood in the gardens at the front of the Kirk were proving to be causing multiple issues with the integrity of the building. At such a size, they were blocking out the sunlight and therefore warmth to […]
Rose Window Repairs
St Conan’s Kirk is blessed with amazing windows which allow light to flood into the Kirk through clear leaded glass windows and also with colour through the stained glass windows. However, after 100 years we have the ongoing task of conserving them. There are three main types of windows in the kirk: The west facing […]
St Conval’s Chapel
The St Conval’s Chapel is the resting place of the 4th Lord Blytheswood whose family granted Walter Douglas-Campbell the land to build the Kirk and then, with the Trustees, completed the Kirk after the death of Walter and then the death of Helen, his sister. It is a beautiful place place and we have managed […]
The Bruce Basement
Underneath the Bruce Chapel is a double height space that was never completed when the Kirk was opened in 1930. The feeling is that the Trustees had run out of energy to complete this space with the effort needed to complete the building. It is believed it may have been designed as a small accommodation […]
Heritage Open Day
Today we had our first Heritage Open Day where we shared our plans around community engagement and improving access and opportunity by opening up The Crypt, the Bruce Basement, installing better disabled toilets, adding new lighting, making the building more accessible and encouraging new community club activity as well as a programme of affordable events. […]
Hadden Gates
Walter Douglas-Campbell employed some of the leading craftsmen of the era to work on St Conan’s Kirk. This included the metalwork in the building much of which was made by the renowned arts and crafts metalworker, Thomas Hadden. The gates to St Conval’s Chapel and St Brides Chapel are especially important. After 100 years the […]
