A great wind blew --------January 8th. 2008The rainy day had come. Now we would really need to “fix the roof”

Inspecting the Damage

Inspecting the Damageby Fabric Convenor

January 2008KH was properly insured so money was available to repair Storm Damage.Initial repairs were carried out.Further inspection revealed the full extent of the damage.The decision was made to vacate the building.

February 2008Urgent Stabilisation Works were required to safeguard the roof.At this time we were using the flat roof extension part of the building. Worship continued in the Session RoomWe waited.

March 2008 until May 2008Work continued New deep concrete foundations were dug, to enable the entire weight of the roof to be borne by the ‘Mega-Shores’ which crept up to the ceiling and beyond.The aim was to be back in the Sanctuary by May.

However!Once the roof was stabilised, a closer inspection of the roof trusses and rafters was possible; Unfortunately this showed that there was further damage, It seemed that we would have to move out again, although it was safe enough for us to be able to use the Hall this time.

Taking Advantage!Scaffold is expensive, so it made sense to have the windows checked.The Teacher Memorial Window particularly was discovered to be in a dangerous state. We had some monies allocated for its repair and we had permission from Presbytery.So we took advantage of the situation,And proceeded to restore the window.

Re-dedication ServiceThe Window was re-dedicated on 25th.April 2009In a service conducted by the Reverend Alastair Cherry.Many people including the Teacher family joined with us to celebrate.On that day we had special permission to use part of the Sanctuary.And we sneaked back in on the Sunday too!

July 2008However, the Fleche could not be fixed until the Roof was secure enough. So we were in the situation of having to pay for some uninsured costs.Likely to be expensive and also entailed Detailed designs to be drawn up.

All this time we were in consultation with the General Trustees, the Insurance Company andThe Loss Adjusters.The next ‘interesting’ situation arose when Presbytery got involved.

The money required to make our roof wind and watertight was of such an amount that it made sense to ask Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Grant. Our application was submitted supported by the General TrusteesAll seemed to be going OK, then in December Glasgow Presbytery finally said no!

A lot of people got very upset, An appeal was lodged and heard in January 2009Lots of meetings, letters, phone calls and e-mails, then finally Glasgow Presbytery gave permission for the forms to be signed.

Full Steam ahead!Architects: PageParkStructural Engineers: Scott WilsonCost Surveyors: Neilson Binnie - McKenzieContractors: Hunter & Clark CDM Ltd ACS Environmental Ltd Access Scotland LtdThe Church of Scotland Insurance CompanyStained Glass Design Partnership

Form fillingLots of forms and lots of paperworkAny construction work today requires a lot of checks and safeguards; and we have one of the trickiest jobs for the men to do.During the week the building upstairs is a Construction Site and is handed back to us at the Weekend.So far it’s working well!

A Famous BuildingThe Architects and the Structural Engineers Have been asked by Historic Scotland to giveA Presentation on the technical specialisationsRequired for this Project.Fame indeed!

THE IMMEDIATE FUTUREWest-End PropertiesDesirable and always sought afterWe own two flats in the Parish.The Manse in Athole Gardens, 6 + apartments over 2 floors with a private garden

A top floor tenemental2 bedroom flat in Cresswell StreetAt present being redecorated and refurbished.

Now you can ask questions