Staffin church repairs get lottery fund boost
THE HERITAGE Lottery Fund (HLF) has backed a project to bring a Staffin church back into community use.
Kilmuir and Stenscholl Church of Scotland in north Skye is to receive development funding of £25,400 for essential repairs.
Rev John Murray, local parish minister, said: ‘We’re delighted the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this initial support. Public worship has been a feature of this building for the past 187 years and it’s great we are a step closer to preserving this heritage for the community.’
The building had been used continuously since 1830 until structural issues led to its closure last year. It is a Grade B listed building with links to Thomas Telford and a close association with the area’s Gaelic community.
Lucy Casot, head of HLF Scotland, added: ‘Scotland’s historic and diverse places of worship are so often at the heart of our communities. Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF funds urgent structural repairs and improved facilities and visitor information.
‘Developing our heritage to be at the heart of community life at Staffin is an excellent example of how HLF can help conserve a much-loved building so it can continue to serve its local community.’