A category-B listed building will be re-opened to the public today after an ambitious restoration project headed by members of Banff’s Harvest Centre.
The Harvest Centre Trinity, formerly the Trinity and Alvah Church, was subject to a major programme of restoration by members of its congregation over the previous three years. It had previously been left untouched for more than two decades.
Works, both interior and exterior, included the rebuilding of the church dome and restoring the 19th century church’s stained-glass panes.
Project manager of the works, and member of the church, Michael Kitchin said he was pleased that the Trinity would now be able to open its doors once more.
Mr Kitchin said last night: “We’re delighted. It’s a culmination of three years of hard work.
“There were two aspects of the project, repairs and alterations. Being a listed building, we had to protect the heritage of the building and the design had to be sympathetic.
“It certainly has taken pride of place again on Castle Street and the town centre.
“The church will be again be used as a place of worship and provide the secondary role of being used by community groups.”
Banff councillor John Cox, chairman of the Banff and Buchan area committee, praised the work of the congregation.
“I just want to pay tribute to everyone at the centre,” he said.
“Not only is it great for the organisation, but to the wider community to see the building brought back into use. It’s really good news.
“It’ll bring a vibrancy back into the high street. It’s a dream come true for a lot of folk,” he added.