Kick it Up for Kilbride raises funds for preservation work
FRIENDS of Kilbride, the charity dedicated to the preservation of the important historic site centred on the mediaeval kirk in Lerags, raised more than £1,800 at a céilidh that kicked off their capital fundraising campaign.
Kilbride was the main parish for Lorne until the 18th century, and was the site of a piping school and learning centre for the sons of Argyll’s clan chiefs from the Middle Ages.
The site was originally established by followers of St Bride in the sixth century.
The earliest written reference to Kilbride is attributed to the 13th century, King Alexander II. However, it is likely that Kilbride has been an important cultural centre since the Bronze Age, given the propensity for the early Christian missionaries to superimpose their own religious structures on those of pre- existing pagan societies.
Friends of Kilbride was established as a charity in 2015 to preserve the ancient kirk and graveyard, and members have donated hundreds of work hours and more than £20,000. With the help of local conservation firm, Shauna Cameron Architects, the charity has recently developed a management plan that has been approved by Historic Environment Scotland.
At Kilmore Hall on April 21, more than 60 people enjoyed a three- course dinner by Silver Laced Catering, a dance by the Hollow Mountain String Band and a raffle of prizes donated by local businesses.
Liam Griffin, Friends of Kilbride co-founder, commented: ‘Our inaugural fundraising céilidh to raise funds for Kilbride’s preservation plan was not only a financial and social success, but we were encouraged that local folk and busi- nesses enthusiastically expressed support for our aims.’
Friends would like to thank the local businesses, too numerous to mention individually, who contributed a host of prizes and services.
The public is invited to visit Kilbride, which is located past the turn- off to the Barn Bar on the Lerags Road, to explore the site and the newly-built visitors’ kiosk. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit friendsofkilbride.scot.