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Fire fund burnout?

A campaign to raise the £2.5 million needed to fund an innovative replacement for a fire-ravaged Perthshire church has reached a critical point, supporters claimed yesterday.

Bankfoot residents have been left without a permanent place of worship since a blaze ripped through Auchtergaven and Moneydie Parish Church in February, 2004, causing more than £1 million worth of damage.

Now, following a concerted fund-raising effort, the shell of a new, state-of-the-art building has been erected at the village’s western edge to compensate for the loss of the B-listed 19th Century kirk, that still stands ruined on top of the prominent Cairneyhill.

As well as a church, the £1.8 million 'green' premises at Tulliebelton Road will provide a range of facilities for use by various sections of the local community, including a sports hall and day care centre.

However, the local minister yesterday refuted suggestions that the project could founder unless campaigners are able to make up a funding shortfall.

"We have about half the money in hand and continue to put out applications and are trying to raise around £100,000 locally," said Reverand Ian McFadzean. "We started about five weeks ago and already have about £35,000 so I'm fairly confident.

"As long as money is pledged we know we can carry on and do it. Ultimately, the project is underwritten by the general trustees of the Church of Scotland, but we'll have to pay back what we borrow from them."

Full story at the Perthshire Advertiser.