Praise be! Repair  work gives Duncansburgh Macintosh Church a new lease of life 

For one hundred and 38 years Duncansburgh Macintosh Church has stood on Fort William’s Parade. Like the town itself the church has changed names several times until arriving at its present day title. However, time had taken its toll on the building – requiring some major work to be undertaken.

The tall bell tower became a major and urgent issue when water ingress became so serious that the main entrance had to be shut off due to flooding. As a Grade 3 listed building any work had to be carefully monitored and carried out  within strict regulations, which, as to be expected, also added to the cost.Repairs had also become a matter of urgency and several companies were approached for quotes. The contract was eventually awarded to local company Thistle Access who had both experience and ability to start very quickly. Through various fundraising events, the church managed to raise the resources to meet most of the £65,000 cost while an application was made to the National Churches Trust who agreed to assist with £10,000, allowing work to start once the contractor became available. Duncansburgh Macintosh Church Trustee Elder and Finance Convener, Sheana Fraser. Much of the work involved working a high level, repairing and replacing pointing on the mix of granite and sandstone materials as well as replacing some of the original external wooden louvres around the bell matching exactly their look and colour.

In total the work was completed over a four week period even with with several interruptions for various church activities. One condition of funding from the Churches Trust was that the Duncansburgh Macintosh building was to be open to the public for 100 days a year outwith church services which is now being met with volunteers from the congregation welcoming people at the door.

In addition to this information sheets in various languages have been produced detailing the history of the church. With a thought to younger visitors the Guild has produced bags containing various activities to keep them amused. For some time, both church halls have been in regular use for a number of community activities by various groups, from Yoga and dance classes to training sessions for various official bodies, music and choirs.

To further capitalise on this and take the pressure off the volunteers who currently spend quite some time organising these bookings, the Church has appointed Hannah Bateman to manage use of the hall, which can now also be booked online.

Thanks to Iain Ferguson, local journalist, reporting in Lochaber Times this week

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