A historic landmark on the skyline of a Speyside village has secured a lottery boost for a major restoration project.
The dedicated congregation at Bellie Church in Fochabers has been fundraising for nearly two years to repair the 200-year-old tower.
Urgent work is needed to the leaking spire in the village to ensure it is wind and water tight.
Although not in immediate risk of falling down, concerns have been raised about the effects further erosion would have.
Investigation found the stonework joints needed attention and rotten wood inside.
Yesterday parishioners were celebrating the £91,200 boost to the £200,000 restoration project from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Church elder Joan Jones said: “Hopefully this will get it looking back to its best. It’s an A-listed building and it’s important to the village – it features in the square and it’s a focal point for a lot of activities.
“It’s a very well used building. Most of the work will be done inside the tower but the clock is getting a facelift and the tower should generally look smarter – and hopefully last another 100 years.”
Historic tours have begun at the church to shine a light on the stories behind the decorative stained glass windows and artefacts in the Georgian building, which dates back to 1798.
Volunteers at the church have tirelessly run fundraisers over the last 18 months to raise £13,300 themselves for the overhaul.
A four-person tower team, including Mrs Jones, helped spearhead the project, which also secured support from the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, Fochabers Village Assocation and Moray Council.
Work has now started on the tower restoration and is expected to be finished before the end of November.
Lucy Casot, head of HLF Scotland, said: “Scotland’s historic and diverse places of worship are so often at the heart of our communities.
“Bellie Parish town restoration is an excellent example of how HLF can help conserve a much-loved building so it can continue to serve its local community.”
