After more than a century of being blasted by salty sea air a Moray church could face closure unless major repairs can be funded.
Buckie North Church has stood at the corner of the town’s square with its striking crown at the top of its spire since the 1870s.
But now its prominent position overlooking the harbour could be its undoing as the historic stonework begins to crumble.
The Church of Scotland congregation is currently faced with a £320,000 repair bill to ensure the doors stay open at their place of worship.
Events have already been organised in order to make a dent into the imposing total but applications for funding bids are also being prepared.
The church’s fabric convener Ian Moir said: “Our building is only 140 years old so it’s not as old as a lot of other churches in the area. It’s made of sand stone though – it just wears in the wind.
“The building’s fine inside at the moment. If we don’t take action though then in a few years it could deteriorate to the point where we can’t use it any more.
“The church is right in the centre of Buckie. It would be a shame to see it deteriorate.”
Extensive repointing of the stonework needs to be done in order to secure the future of the Victorian church.
Mr Moir is preparing a bid to Historic Environment Scotland for funding to protect the grade B-listed building.
Fundraising efforts from the congregation began at the weekend with a coffee morning.
And on Friday, April 28 children from Cluny Primary School will join Keith and District Silver Band in a concert inside the church.
Buckie resident Kathryn Cowie, who is a member of the church’s congregation, is eager to see the building restored to its former glory.
She said: “It’s just been exposed to the salty sea air for too long. It’s eroded and it’s certainly needing a lot of repair.
“It’s going to be a long haul to raise the money. It needs to start with the tower. The crown at the top is very special and is such a striking part of the town centre.”
Friday’s concert begins in the church at 7pm. Tickets cost £5, including refreshments, and can be bought on the door.
