Fundraising bid to save historic church
Cash also needed for famous stained glass window
Efforts are underway to raise money to pay for vital repairs to a 19th century rural church.
Cash is needed for a complete programme of water proofing at Port of Menteith Church.
Plasterwork also requires repair around one of its most recognisable features, a trefoil window by famous Scottish stain glass artist Stephen Adam.
Money for the window was given to the church by Henry Campbell Bannerman, who served as Prime Minister from 1905 to 1908 and was Liberal MP for Stirling Burghs. His grandparents lived in Port of Menteith before moving to Glasgow.
People come from all over the world to view the window, widely considered one of Stephen Adam’s finest works.
The fund-raising bid has been boosted 70-year-old Rosemary Hill, from Strathblane. She is a member of Scotia Racewalking Club and one of fastest female race walkers in UK in the over 70 category.
On November 9, in Dumfries, she will be doing a sponsored `kiltwalk’ with her club and donating the proceeds towards the church restoration fund. The Hunter Foundation, set up by Scottish philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter and his wife, has promised to add 40 per cent to the amount she raises.
Rosemary said: “I want to make a difference by raising funds for the charming Port of Menteith Church that urgently requires this work.
“For a small community the task of raising funds is extremely daunting but they are determined to succeed. Please help me help them by giving whatever you can.”
The church was built in 1878 to a design by the Glasgow architect John Honeyman, whose firm Honeyman and Keppie employed Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
It was constructed on the site of earlier churches with medieval connections. Port of Menteith Church was one of the five churches administered by Inchmahome Priory in the 13th Century. There has been a place of worship on the site since then and the building on the site today is thought to be third church to be located there.
Edinburgh-born Stephen Adam (1848–1910) designed and founded one of the most successful stained-glass businesses in the West of Scotland. He was a pioneer of the art in Scotland and carried out commissions for many churches.
Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl said: “This is a beautiful church and the community have always taken a proactive role in looking after it.
“Rosemary’s fundraising effort can make a real difference, especially with the extra contributions from the Hunter Foundation. If you can support I know that will be very much appreciated.”
The link to the page to give a donation is https:// popupkiltwalk2019. everydayhero.com/uk/rosemary