Over the last few years there has been significant deterioration in the stonework of the Cathedral Choir which has required putting a fence around the building to prevent anyone being injured by potential falling masonry and at various times, has forced temporary closure of the building.
A major restoration project is required to make the Choir of the Cathedral a building fit for purpose and preserve it for future generations.
The main aims of this project are to:
- restore the external and internal stonework of the Choir
- upgrade and repair the roof and roof coverings
- replace leadwork
- improve the rainwater disposal system
- upgrade the heating and lighting systems to allow all year round use of the building
This once in a hundred year project will enable the cathedral to be accessed safely and used year-round by the congregation and the community for generations to come.
In addition, it will allow for increased and improved interpretation of the history and heritage of the building providing a better experience for visitors.
The estimated cost is around £4.2 million
Project Status
We have applied for funding from both the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NHLF) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) for the restoration and development of Dunkeld Cathedral.
Of the £1.8m we have applied for from the Lottery Fund we have been awarded funding of £60k for the initial Development Stage of the project. They have now appointed a consultant to work with us through this stage of the project, when we will be appointing the design team who will take forward the restoration project – invitations to tender for this work have now gone out.
As well as the stonework restoration, the project also includes funding for developing a strategy for visitor attraction and engagement, improving the interpretation of the site and making provision for the ongoing maintenance of the building. So, in the Development Stage we will also be appointing a consultant to develop this strategy.
At the end of the Development Stage, we will be in a position to submit an application to the Lottery fund for the rest of the £1.8m for the Delivery Stage of the project and again, the Lottery Fund consultant will be helping us put this together. We are aiming to submit this in September.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have approved our application, and we have been accepted into their Historic Environment Grant programme for further assessment.
In addition to these major funders, we are also approaching other trusts and foundations
How you can help
All donations however large or small are welcome as we have a significant proportion of the £4.2m to raise.
You can donate online using our Just Giving page (opposite) or go to our Charities Aid Foundation page.
If you prefer to make a bank transfer or are considering a significant donation, please contact our treasurer Louise Luke by emailing treasurer@dunkeldcathedral.org.
US-Citizens
We welcome the many US visitors who come to visit us and explore this wonderful area of Scotland, Dunkeld Cathedral and research the family links that many have to Dunkeld.
We have set up a tax efficient donation service with Chapel & York which you can access here.
Stay in touch
If you would like to be added to our mailing list so we can keep you up to date with the plans and progress of the restoration work for the Cathedral please enter your email here:
Thank you
We thank everyone who is contributing to preserve and restore this historically significant medieval Cathedral, one of the earliest Christian sites in Scotland, for the people of today, and for the many generations to come.
Funders
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more.
Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
