Rope rail would help with ascent of tower
Cash raised and application submitted
It takes more than 100 steep steps to reach the top for one of the best views in Ayr.
But the ascent of St John’s Tower proves a bit of a struggle for some visitors.
Now dedicated volunteers at the The Friends of St John’s Tower have raised cash to solve the arduous problem.
A planning application has been submitted for listed building consent to install a hemp rope handrail for people to grip as they climb the winding stone steps.
Any building work has to be painstakingly delicate because the historic landmark is all that remains from Ayr’s original 12th- century Parish church.
Yolanda McCall, a treasurer of FROST, said: “We had noticed that some visitors struggle with the narrow spiral staircase, and having seen a rope installation at Tantallon Castle, we wondered if the same could be provided for visitors to St. John’s Tower.
“The Friends of St. John’s Tower have raised funds to cover the cost of materials, and South Ayrshire Council has provided planning advice and will arrange for the rope to be fitted. It will make it easier for people to climb the staircase.”
Secretary Peter McCall said: “The Friends of St. John’s Tower have worked well with South Ayrshire Council over the last 17 years and the addition of a rope handrail will be very much welcomed by our visitors.”
Yolanda said she can’t divulge the exact number of steps over 100 as school children get a prize for counting them on open days.
A supporting satement for the application from South Ayrshire Council said: “On completion of the works the tower staircases will have improved usage without damaging the integrity of the existing features. The hope is that this will improve the visiting experience for visitors to the tower.”
It added: “The goal is to preserve and improve the historic features of the building for future generations and to make the building more user- friendly in a manner that is appropriate.”
The hemp rope will be “sympathetic to the historic sandstone” with “minimal anchoring points.”
The tower will be open on Doors Open Day on Sunday September, 9 from 12pm to 4pm. Groups can contact the Friends’ through their website to arrange visits at other times. A virtual tour of the tower is availableat : www. stjohnstower. btck. co. uk