HOPING HALL WILL BE WELL
Building survey to provide answers for viability of site
Funding has been secured to begin work on a building survey which will provide crucial information on the condition of one of Crieff’s most historic locations.
Volunteer- led group Friends of Old St Michael’s successfully applied for £15,000 from a combination of the Architectural Heritage Fund, the William Grant Foundation and Perth and Kinross Council in order to run the rule over the former St Michael’s church hall in the Strath capital’s Church Street.
Friends of Old St Michael’s secretary Craig Finlay has been working with a local architect over the past 12 months putting together a funding bid to enable a project viability report to be produced.
And it is now hoped professionals will now be able to investigate the roof, walls and the tower of the building over the summer months.
It is understood pipe work and drainage channels around the building will also be inspected.
Preparation for the survey work began last year when volunteers cleared two tonnes of rubbish from inside the building, and a large volume of pigeon mess was cleared from inside the hall’s tower.
Craig said: “We’re always asked about the building and why nothing is being done with it. It is the oldest public building in Crieff and has lain abandoned since 2012.
“When completed, the project viability report will provide any interested party with a true assessment of the building’s current condition and this will be vital to any future funding bids.
“The report may, of course, highlight that the building is in poorer shape than we think – which is also important to know.
“Countless buildings around the town have been allowed to rot around us, but our group has managed to keep the hall presentable, with almost no money.
“What is clear to us is that many people have fond memories of the hall and it has had a long life in the heart of Crieff.
“Whether there is any life ahead remains to be seen. We’ve worked extremely hard to protect Old St Michael’s and will continue doing all we can.”
Meanwhile, contractors have been busy within the churchyard recently clearing large sections of ivy from the south boundary wall.
Craig explained: “As with all old structures, the wall is in need of maintenance and I’ve been in discussion with Perth and Kinross Council about having repair work included in this year’s budget.
“I’m pleased to say that the removal of the ivy will allow the local authority to inspect what remedial work is needed.”
Many people have fond memories of the hall and it has had a long life in the heart of Crieff Craig Finlay