Historic site to benefit from lottery funding
Grant success delight
Members of a Crieff community group are celebrating after securing more than £1000 in National Lottery funding.
Friends of Old St Michael’s has been awarded £1377 to support its work to protect and promote the historic Church Street site, which is thought to date back over 900 years.
The money will be used by the volunteer-led group, which was set up in 2015, to fund a third bench and more plants within the historic burial ground.
Secretary Craig Finlay declared: “We’re delighted that the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.
“Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to enhance the space for people to enjoy.
“We have two benches already, the wooden one being a favourite of local residents Kenny, Billy and dog Olly.
“The views across Strathearn are great.
“The third bench will be made from sturdy recycled plastic, sourced from Kacey Plastics in Comrie.”
The group created a memorial garden with paths and seating in 2018 and is currently working on a structural survey of the building, which dates back to 1786.
Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Claire Baker recently tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating the Friends on the funding.
Afterwards, Ms Baker told the Herald: “What was once an abandoned site has been transformed into a peaceful and popular local attraction by the hard work of the Friends of Old St Michael’s group.
“This funding award is a welcome boost which will allow the grounds to be further enhanced for the community to enjoy.”
The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in the UK, according to a spokesperson.