Inverness Cathedral ding-dong after historic pews replaced by stacking chairs
AN unholy row has rocked Inverness Cathedral after traditional pews were taken out and replaced with stacking chairs.
Ex choirboys are leading the protest, with a former head chorister using unchurch-like "sweary" language on social media to vent his fury.
Gavin Nicol accused Inverness Cathedral of St Andrews management of cultural vandalism by selling off the hardwood pews in the 153-year-old Scottish Episcopal riverside landmark and replacing them with what he calls "office furniture."
Mr Nicol is supported by other choristers, all obviously singing from the same hymn sheet.
Mr Nicol, Peter Rhind and three others went social media to object to the removal of "lovely hardwood pews".
"This is cultural vandalism, and whoever signed this off should hang their heads in shame," they said.
Church trustee Ley-Anne Forsyth hit back saying: "You assert that this is cultural vandalism but also admit you don’t know why they’ve been removed? Would it not be more prudent to contact the cathedral directly to find out why rather than launching a sweary Facebook frustrated attack?
"The reasons relate to accessibility concerns and indeed to have a more usable community space as part of an ongoing effort to keep the Cathedral alive in our community.
"I strongly suggest, that if you feel so passionately about this, that you contact the Cathedral and get involved to ensure that the life of the Cathedral is maintained as you so ferociously desire."
A robust ding-dong between Mr Nicol and Ms Forsyth ensued.
Mr Nicol asserted: "Previous cathedral events have had the pews removed and later replaced."
He demanded to know the cost of the new seating, what has happened to the pews, and if the wider community involved in the decision making process, and if not, why not?
He added: "Yes, I do level the accusation of cultural vandalism as I believe this decision to be a dereliction of the stewardship the cathedral rightly deserves, and have every right to do so as a former head chorister who devoted many years to this Inverness institution."
Ms Forsyth responded: "The cost and all accounts are presented to members of the cathedral. If you are this concerned then I would suggest to you, and anyone who wants the cathedral to still be a space which is open to everyone, to put their time/energy/money where their mouth is and get involved rather than being mad at an arms length about this church and it’s work/running."
Cathedral Provost the Very Reverend Sarah Murray: "The move to chairs provides a flexible and accessible space for worship and other community events, such as concerts. The layout didn't allow for people who require a softer seat to be able to attend church nor did they enable people in wheelchairs to be fully part of the congregation.
"Pews were not designed to provide comfort and like all furniture doesn't last for ever.
"The chairs are specifically made for churches by a specialist church furniture manufacturer and have supplied many different churches with chairs. Concerts often require the moving of pews/chairs to make the most of the space (especially in a Covid safe world) for creative and flexible worship, for orchestras/choirs etc; the use of chairs make for a safer workspace for staff and volunteers responsible for the layout for these events.
Re some claims the chairs look less attractive the Rev Murray said: "The chairs open up the space and allow the eye to be drawn to the architecture of the cathedral, the pillars, the stained glass and as was intended to draw the congregations attention to the high altar and the stained glass behind it to the climax of the Christian story which is depicted there."
Cathedral events manager Kerry Kendell added: "The move to chairs is permanent. The flexible space provided by having chairs meant that the cathedral was able to respond very quickly to the Ukraine crisis and overnight provide a large space for processing over four tonnes of donations for refugees."