TWO local churches are to receive cash for repairs from a newly-announced £1.3 million fund.
St Thomas Junction Road Parish Church in Leith and Yester Parish Church in Gifford will both benefit from a package announced today by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland.
The fund is to help repair dilapidated churches across Scotla
nd.
St Thomas Parish Church was built in 1822 by William Bell, in response to the congregation's call for a "permanent and respectable place of worship".
It is now in poor condition, having deteriorated considerably over the last ten years. It suffered a significant fall of internal plaster from the ceiling in 2005.
Despite this, the building is well used, with around 550 people a week going through its doors, either to worship or take part in community activities.
The church will receive £175,000 towards repair work that will ensure it remains safe for public access.
Yester Parish Church has been a landmark at the top of Gifford Main Street for 300 years. It will receive more than £215,000 to carry out much-needed repairs as part of the grant scheme.
Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, said: "Places of Worship have been an essential part of Scottish life both in terms of community identity and archaeological and historical importance.
"Our commitment to the grant-aided projects reaffirms that those places will continue to be an integral part of local communities," she said.
The full article contains 254 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
