Relief over church’s first indoor WC for 165 years

FLUSHED: Mearns congregation move into the 21st Century after five years of local fundraising

Members of a Mearns congregation are feeling flush after five years of fundraising to provide their church with indoor toilets – for the first time since 1854.

Faced with an ageing building which was no longer fit for purpose, they undertook an ambitious development programme which culminated in the creation of a new, multi-purpose first floor space for use by the St Cyrus community.

Work included the redevelopment of an under-utilised gallery, the installation of a lift and a new kitchen and toilets at the Mearns Coastal Parish Church.

The £80,000 project was part funded by a £10,000 grant from the Tullo-twinshiels Community Benefit Fund for the lift, with the remaining £70,000 paid for entirely by the 80-strong congregation and local businesses.

Property convener Marion Brownlie said: “This has taken us five years and we are now in a position to invite local groups and organisations to come forward to say how we can use the new building.

“We started with the electrics – which cost almost £20,000 – and we needed another £60,000 for the rest of the work.

“We had a lift installed to make the building accessible for everybody – those with less ability and mothers with children in buggies.

“We had to put in a new fire exit, fire alarms, smoke alarms and emergency lighting.

“We had so much work done by volunteers – the kitchen was donated by a member of the congregation and we had a TV and camera donated which we can use if there is a big funeral.

“If the downstairs is full we can use upstairs, with the service viewed on a monitor.

“Members of the congregation have done everything, from dismantling the

“We are now in a position to invite local groups to come forward. MARION BROWNLIE

dilapidated old toilet block outside to carrying out painting work, which saved us money.”

The church’s work in the community has been curtailed over the years due to the condition of the building.

Now, members are keen to open the doors to others.

An open afternoon is being held on Saturday from 2-5pm where views can be shared on how the renovated building can be used.

Anyone unable to attend but who would like to contributed can contact Marion on 01674 850308.

Picture: Paul Smith. The new St Cyrus church centre has indoor toilets for the first time since 1854.