Backing for church’s listed building status
Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has come out in support of the proposal for the Boghall Parish Church to become a listed building by Historic Environment Scotland.
The proposal to list the Boghall Parish Church is in large part due it’s unique and striking roof design.
Boghall Parish Church was built between 1963 and 1965 is a notable example of a post-war church due to odd yet innovative roof design that is very rare in Scotland.
The form of the swept roof gives the building its sculptural or ‘expressionist’ appearance - the official name for the roof design is a ‘hyperbolic paraboloid roof ’.
These types of roof were favoured in the mid 60s as their sculptural appearance and engineering possibilities could be achieved at a relatively low cost, only requiring basic materials and finishes.
Boghall was the second church in Scotland to have been built with this particular type of hyperbolic paraboloid roof, the first being Hamilton-Bardrainney in Port Glasgow (now demolished).
The quality and ambition of the design of Boghall Church is unusual for a small, provincial church that was built for a newly established local authority estate.
Designation consultants found that Boghall Church ‘reflects the aspirations of the designers and of the Church of Scotland, but also the activity and optimism of a period which sought to make real improvements to the socioeconomic fabric of Scotland through design and urban planning.’
Historic Environment Scotland have launched a public consultation to gather the community’s views on the potential listing of the building.
Fiona Hyslop, MSP for Linlithgow, commented: “The Boghall Parish Church deserves recognition not only for the beautiful building but for the work the parishioners do for the community and local people. They play an important role in the community and in supporting the people of Boghall.”
West Lothian locals can submit their views at: https://haveyoursay. historicenvironment.scot/ heritage/designating-boghallparish-church/