The Restoration
In 2011/2012, detailed discussions took place with Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund – Your Heritage Programme, Renfrewshire LEADER and a number of smaller funding bodies with a view to raising grant funding and donations for the implementation of the preservation project.
In 2012/2013 formal applications for funding were made and approved raising on paper, a total of £209,600. Also, during the year the Kilallan website (www.kilallan.org) was significantly upgraded and launched afresh as part of the process of attracting external funding. Glasgow University Archaeological Research Department (GUARD) assisted in the identification of points of interest for the virtual tour which is part of the website.
The year 2013/14 saw the Trust fulfil its short term ambitions to conserve the structure of the Kirk. Following the implied promise of funding seen the previous year a specification was worked up and agreed with Historic Scotland which allowed applications to be made for Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent and following this, the work to be tendered. Project Managers, a Project Director and a Project Officer were then appointed. Tenders closed on 26th August 2013. Four tenders were received ranging from £99,065 to £106,426. The tender process was overseen by CKD Galbraith as Project Managers. The tender was awarded to CBC Stone at a Trustees meeting on 6th September 2013. Total building costs of £157,035 including VAT, fees, CDM and other items were approved by the Trustees.
Over the course of the summer and autumn the schools and outreach programme continued apace under the enthusiastic leadership of Lynn Rew, the Project Director and Marie Clare Ingram, the Project Officer. This included a gravestone recording project run by GUARD; a film of the project with the assistance of the University of the West of Scotland and the setting up of a Renfrewshire Branch of the Young Archaeology Club.
Following a highly successful press launch on 24th September 2013, which saw national coverage in newspapers, radio and television, works started with the erection of a scaffolding encapsulation to protect the works from the elements.
The removal of cement render and significant plant root growth showed the structure to be in considerably worse condition than originally supposed. It is clear that unless something was done a partial collapse of the building was inevitable. Work to replace the cement render with lime mortar continued over the winter which fortunately remained mild, allowing the mortar to cure. Additional stone was brought in from local sources to rebuild the wall heads in places. They were then finished with a turf capping. The work was largely completed by 31st March 2014.
Following a Trustees Meeting on 28th February 2014, the Rev. Georgina Baxendale stood down as a Trustee. The Trust would like to put on record their appreciation of her enthusiasm at the start of the project which was largely instrumental in getting it under way.
During the year 2014/15 activity centred on completion of the works, pursuing grant funding and inaugurating the long term management plan for the property. Leaflets and a film were produced.
On the 22nd August 2014 a service of thanksgiving and rededication to the community was held to mark the end of the conservation works.
In 2011/2012, detailed discussions took place with Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund – Your Heritage Programme, Renfrewshire LEADER and a number of smaller funding bodies with a view to raising grant funding and donations for the implementation of the preservation project.
In 2012/2013 formal applications for funding were made and approved raising on paper, a total of £209,600. Also, during the year the Kilallan website (www.kilallan.org) was significantly upgraded and launched afresh as part of the process of attracting external funding. Glasgow University Archaeological Research Department (GUARD) assisted in the identification of points of interest for the virtual tour which is part of the website.
The year 2013/14 saw the Trust fulfil its short term ambitions to conserve the structure of the Kirk. Following the implied promise of funding seen the previous year a specification was worked up and agreed with Historic Scotland which allowed applications to be made for Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent and following this, the work to be tendered. Project Managers, a Project Director and a Project Officer were then appointed. Tenders closed on 26th August 2013. Four tenders were received ranging from £99,065 to £106,426. The tender process was overseen by CKD Galbraith as Project Managers. The tender was awarded to CBC Stone at a Trustees meeting on 6th September 2013. Total building costs of £157,035 including VAT, fees, CDM and other items were approved by the Trustees.
Over the course of the summer and autumn the schools and outreach programme continued apace under the enthusiastic leadership of Lynn Rew, the Project Director and Marie Clare Ingram, the Project Officer. This included a gravestone recording project run by GUARD; a film of the project with the assistance of the University of the West of Scotland and the setting up of a Renfrewshire Branch of the Young Archaeology Club.
Following a highly successful press launch on 24th September 2013, which saw national coverage in newspapers, radio and television, works started with the erection of a scaffolding encapsulation to protect the works from the elements.
The removal of cement render and significant plant root growth showed the structure to be in considerably worse condition than originally supposed. It is clear that unless something was done a partial collapse of the building was inevitable. Work to replace the cement render with lime mortar continued over the winter which fortunately remained mild, allowing the mortar to cure. Additional stone was brought in from local sources to rebuild the wall heads in places. They were then finished with a turf capping. The work was largely completed by 31st March 2014.
Following a Trustees Meeting on 28th February 2014, the Rev. Georgina Baxendale stood down as a Trustee. The Trust would like to put on record their appreciation of her enthusiasm at the start of the project which was largely instrumental in getting it under way.
During the year 2014/15 activity centred on completion of the works, pursuing grant funding and inaugurating the long term management plan for the property. Leaflets and a film were produced.
On the 22nd August 2014 a service of thanksgiving and rededication to the community was held to mark the end of the conservation works.
Achievement and performance
Having clarified most of the costs involved in meeting its objectives and identified the potential sources of funding required in the previous year, the Trust is proud to have achieved the delivery of this substantial project. None of this would have been possible without the co-operation of the regulators and the generosity of our funders:
The Trustees would also like to thanks those who have contributed in a non-financial way.
During the course of the project substantial outreach and public participation took place:
Having clarified most of the costs involved in meeting its objectives and identified the potential sources of funding required in the previous year, the Trust is proud to have achieved the delivery of this substantial project. None of this would have been possible without the co-operation of the regulators and the generosity of our funders:
- Historic Scotland
- Heritage Lottery Fund
- Renfrewshire LEADER
- The Dalrymple Donaldson Trust
- The Catherine Mackichan Bursary Trust
- BAA
- Elderslie Estates
The Trustees would also like to thanks those who have contributed in a non-financial way.
During the course of the project substantial outreach and public participation took place:
- 85 schoolchildren carried out archaeological fieldwork on site with Archaeology Scotland and worked on the development and delivery of two family heritage exhibitions.
- 10 adult volunteers took part in gravestone recording, magnetometer and resistivity training with GUARD Archaeology.
- 20 adult volunteers from Gryffe Camera Club took part on a photo safari.
- 50 plus people visited the site and took part in activities on Doors Open Day 2014.
- 2 trainees in conservation work were employed by the conservation contractors.
- 1 new events management graduate trained 85 children in events management.
- 1 new creative media graduate worked with KKPT as a project officer and produced a documentary film called Kilallan Kirk – Living Ruin.
- Several local residents were interviewed for the documentary and the film.
- The Gryffe Advertiser published a monthly article on the progress of the project throughout its duration.
- Four talks were given to new audiences, one out with the local area.
- 2 scale models were built by local schoolchildren – one “before” and one “after”.
- Interpretation leaflets were designed and produced for circulation.