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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Joe Sullivan

Paisley Abbey awarded 'much needed' grant funding to fight against water damage

A SCOTTISH heritage site has received "much-needed" funding to fight water damage.

Paisley Abbey has been granted a total of £60,000 to fix failing gutters and waterproofing, which have caused rainwater to be directed inside the building.

The building's stone and ironwork are being impacted by the issues, and the organ chamber is showing signs of water damage.

Staff have to climb onto the top of the building to empty buckets catching water damage to prevent pooling on the Abbey's floor.

A £50,000 grant from the National Churches Trust will go towards repairing the building's gutters, while £10,000 from the Wolfson Foundation will go to repairing the structure.

The roof and gutters of Paisley Abbey are in need of repairThe roof and gutters of Paisley Abbey are in need of repair (Image: Paisley Abbey)

Paisley Abbey has historically struggled with water infiltration. 12 of the 13 stone gargoyles in the building were once so badly damaged by water that they needed to be replaced.

Jim Gibson, the minister of Paisley Abbey, said:  “Keeping our ancient and iconic building wind and watertight is no easy task.

"We are so grateful to the National Churches Trust and the Wolfson Foundation for their very generous support when we were faced with such an emergency."

The funds will see the building fitted out with wider gutters, and joins between pieces of stonework will be improved to help stop water coming in.

Some slates on the building's roof will also be replaced where there is a significant risk of water intrusion.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said:  "The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support Paisley Abbey to enable them to carry out urgent gutter repairs to their beautiful building.

"Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”  

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”   

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