New campaign to repair iconic Moray church steeple

A campaign to raise money to repair an iconic Moray landmark is underway.

The congregation of Kirk of Keith: St Rufus, Botriphnie and Grange Church need £135,000 to carry out important repairs to St Rufus Church steeple.

The works are necessary due to the tower's deteriorating state.

Crumbling masonry fell away from the structure in bad weather, sparking the need for a professional inspection to be carried out.

The full structural survey revealed the extent of the works and quotations for the repairs have been received.

Parish minister Rev Wiekus van Straaten said: "These efforts will help preserve the structure for future generations and maintain this significant architectural feature that has been part of our skyline for generations.

"Our congregation is very generous in its support of fundraising, but it will be a major task to raise the £135,00 required.

"By spreading the word, we hope that the wider community, and anyone with connections with the town but living elsewhere, will consider lending their support."

Fundraising is already underway, and an online fundraising page has been set up to make it easier to donate.

Standing next to the busy A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road through Keith, St Rufus Church is more than 200 years old.

At 118ft high, its steeple is visible from a considerable distance, making it a distinctive feature to local residents and those driving through the town.

Several years ago, a group of bold fundraisers abseiled down the structure to raise funds for charity.

Church treasurer Charlie Cameron said: "We are open to any suggestions for raising the funds and have asked out congregation to get their thinking caps on and either get something going themselves or pass the ideas back to myself.

"Instead of sending Christmas cards, one member is giving a donation to the appeal, and we will have donation plates at some of the church services being held over Christmas.

"Another local resident has initiated a hamper raffle.

"As our minister would say, ‘mony a meikle maks a muckle', and it's a very true saying.

"This will be a huge effort that will take a lot of hard work, but even small donations will help make a dent in the total."

For further information please contact Rev Wiekus van Straaten on wvanstraaten@churchofscotland.org.uk or Charlie Cameron at sessionclerk@kirkofkeith.org.uk