Huge appeal launched to save St John’s Kirk of Perth

A huge campaign has been launched to save Perth's oldest building.

Around £4 million is needed to save St John's Kirk, which has dominated the Fair City skyline for 900 years.

The iconic building has a leaky spire and belfry and decaying masonry.

Its roof is also deteriorating and the stained-glass window casings are compromised.

Time to widen the appeal

The Kirk session and the Trust of St John's Kirk of Perth have shouldered emergency repairs until now, but it is said that funds are running out.

Session Clerk Bill Wilson said the time had come to appeal for help from a wider audience, with the church having a "special place in the hearts of so many".

He said. “It has been a centre of worship for nearly 900 years and played a pivotal role in the history and development of Perth.

“Marriages, christenings, funerals, civic and public events and landmark Royal and historic occasions have all taken place within these ancient walls and its impact and influence have stretched far beyond Perth’s city boundary – both nationwide and internationally.

“Hopefully, its ongoing role and historic significance will not be lost on those keen to ensure its survival.”

Crisis talks to save the church have already taken place with key stakeholders and an outline strategy developed alongside a full business plan which is set to be finalised by the end of the year.

Maureen Young is Chair of the Trust of St John's Kirk of Perth, which has driven fundraising for the maintenance of the building since 1951.

She has said the future of the building is just as important as its past.

Maureen explained: “Millions have been spent on creating a world-class tourist destination housing the Stone of Destiny at the former City Hall - due to open next year - and it’s vital that the new museum’s Medieval neighbour is protected and promoted to ensure Perth’s oldest and newest attractions sit side-by-side in pristine condition."

The appeal is being supported by Perthshire North MSP John Swinney who said that St John's was “absolutely central” to the identity of Perth.

He explained: “The deterioration of St John’s Kirk has to be avoided at all costs,”

Mr Swinney continued: “It sits in the very heart of the city, adjacent to what will be one of the country’s most significant tourist attractions so it is vital the future of the Kirk is assured so that it can be part of the revival of Perth’s city centre.

“We can’t afford to turn our backs on such a significant building,” he said. “We have to corral different funding streams to help, and I am very happy to put my shoulder to the wheel and help where I can.”

The online appeal can be found here.