Prayers answered as home to secret community of priests to be restored
Catholics trained in clandestine set-up when the religion was illegal
A group of historic buildings in the Cairngorms where Catholic priests were secretly trained are to be restored.
Scalan was a small, clandestine community set up in the 18th century in the Braes of Glenlivet at a time when the religion was illegal.
The planning committee of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has now granted planning permission to Crown Estate Scotland to carry out a variety of works at the site.
These include the restoration and repair of the north and south mill buildings, bringing a timber waterwheel back into working order and creating new access paths.
Planning officer Stephanie Wade said: “The proposed works look to help preserve the historic fabric and integrity of the mill buildings while giving members of the public greater accessibility to the site.
“It is very much supported by both Historic Environment Scotland and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland and the plans meet with our own policies around the reuse of old buildings and our support for cultural heritage projects.”
Peter Argyle, planning committee vice-convener, said: “I am delighted to support this application, with Scalan being so historically and culturally significant.
“Making the site safe and easier to access will result in this hidden gem being a must see for visitors to the area.”
Dr Fiona Mclean, a member of the committee, said: “I know this site very well and it is of considerable cultural heritage value nationally and also at considerable risk so I am delighted to see this appli
“The proposed works look to help preserve the historic fabric and integrity of the mill buildings”