Cromarty East Church and Restoration Village

Cromarty’s historic East Church is one of 21 buildings throughout the UK taking part in a new series of BBC2’s Restoration Village, which starts on Friday 28th July. This is the third series of the popular television programme presented by Griff Rhys Jones, and this time the focus is on buildings that are important to rural communities.

A public vote will decide which of the contestants is most deserving of the prize – funding towards a restoration project to breathe new life into an historic building.

If the East Church is successful in winning the public vote, the prize money will go towards a vital project to restore the church and to enable everyone to enjoy visiting, using, and learning about this beautiful building. The East Church was once the parish church of Cromarty and parts of it probably date back to medieval times, though most of what is seen now was built in the eighteenth century. It is one of the most important churches of its type in Scotland and is listed Category A by Historic Scotland. Click here for more information about the East Church and its history.

But the East Church is just as important as a part of Cromarty’s history, and has a fascinating story to tell about the town and its people through the centuries. The reason why the project is needed is that the East Church is a building "at risk". This is because it is no longer in regular use as a church and for decades the building has been deteriorating due to age, damp, and poor maintenance.

To save the church, its contents, and its history, over a million pounds must be raised. A million pounds for an old church that doesn’t even have a congregation any more may seem a bit much, but this is no ordinary church AND it is no ordinary restoration. Part of the money is for the repairs, but a huge amount is for activities, training and education both during and after the restoration. The restoration process itself is a brilliant opportunity to get lots of people involved in heritage, conservation, and volunteering, and to have the chance to learn new skills, explore new interests and make their own little contribution to history.

The restoration project is being carried out by the SRCT, and we are working with the community to help save a priceless part of their - and Scotland’s - heritage. Once the East Church is restored, it will be used for educational visits, community events, concerts and exhibitions, as well as continuing to be used for occasional services. It will not be changed, converted or modernized, just repaired and conserved to preserve the very special sense of place and extraordinary atmosphere that is felt by everyone who visits.

DONATE TO THE EAST CHURCH RESTORATION FUND

The SRCT has already received many generous offers of support from people from across Scotland, the UK, and the world, wanting to contribute money towards the East Church. This is incredibly welcome, and much appreciated by the people of Cromarty and the SRCT. Donations can be made in the form of a cheque from a UK bank account, or travellers cheques, and these should be made payable to The Scottish Redundant Churches Trust (Cromarty East Church) and sent to the SRCT at 4 Queen’s Gardens, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TA. UK taxpayers should remember that Gift Aid can add 28p to the value of every £1 donated. Please contact us if you would like further information about making a donation, or leaving a legacy to the East Church. Thank you for supporting the East Church.

Links
Cromarty Community website www.cromartylive.co.uk – find out more about what’s happening in Cromarty, and see the community’s own Restoration Village page.

BBC Restoration Village website www.bbc.co.uk/restoration - information about the series and other participating buildings.

Highland Council website www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/news/newsreleases/2006/July/2006-07-10-04.htm
– see what Cromarty’s local authority has to say about the East Church.