Call for action to be taken to prevent deterioration of empty A-listed Old High Church in Inverness
Concerns continue to be raised over the fabric of Inverness’s oldest building as its sale is yet to be concluded almost 11 months after it was agreed.
An offer for the A-listed Old High Church was accepted by the Church of Scotland last November after it was placed on the market for offers of over £150,000.
But as negotiations continue, concerns are growing over the empty building which occupies a prominent position overlooking the River Ness and has important links with the Battle of Culloden, Highland regiments and the globally popular historic drama series, Outlander.
In recent weeks, a panel on the north face of the clock went missing, leaving an open gap into the tower. Now another panel is missing.
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The Old High Church dates from 1769/1772 with a late 16th century tower with lower structure dating from 14th century. It houses the city (old burgh) clock and curfew bell.
The church hosted its final service last year after it was judged to be no longer financially viable to operate and placed on the market by the Church of Scotland which described it as a once-in-a-lifetime purchase opportunity for the right buyer.
Although a campaign was launched by the Friends of the Old High Church in a bid to give the ancient building a new life as a multi-purpose venue while respecting its background as a place of worship, an offer from a mystery buyer was accepted in November.
Chris Lewcock, who has been acting as planning adviser to the Friends, recently noticed a panel on the north face of the clock has gone and pigeons are flying in and out.
He has now noticed another clock panel has gone missing.
He has written to Highland Council asking it to use its planning and conservation powers to ensure that repairs take place and that there is no further deterioration.
“Early action to avoid any further neglect and deterioration is surely obligatory,” he said.
“This is a historically, culturally and emotionally a treasure for many people in Inverness.
“It is also a huge resource for visitors.
“It is very sad it is just being left.”
However, the council has told him that the clock is the property of the Church of Scotland and the responsibility for the repair and maintenance falls to them.
Previously, the council told Highland News & Media that during the time the building was used as a church, the Inverness Common Good Fund provided occasional support to the operation of the steeple clock as it was seen as a civic asset.
Following the decision of the Church of Scotland to cease the use of the building as a church, clarification was sought on the status of the steeple clock which led to a determination that the clock and the steeple were the property of the Church of Scotland.
A Church of Scotland spokesman said: “The Old High Church remains under offer and we hope that the sale will be concluded soon.
“As this is a commercially sensitive matter, we are unable to make further comment.
“We are aware of the condition of the clock face and arrangements are under way to carry out the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.”
