Founded by the first High Steward of Scotland in 1163, Paisley Abbey is one of the largest and finest of Scotland’s signature churches.
However, water damage, which has even affected the organ chamber, risks devastating the historic fabric of the Grade A-Listed church, which was set up on the site of an old Celtic church by 13 monks.
Thankfully, the much-loved church is to share in a £735,326 urgent funding payout from the National Churches Trust.
A £50,000 National Churches Trust Grant will help pay for urgent repairs to the gutters to help make the church watertight again.
Meanwhile, on the recommendation of the National Churches Trust, the church will also receive a £10,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation.
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The work will see gutters replaced with wider gutters, while stonework will also be repointed to reduce water entering the building and causing damp. There will be some replacing of slates on the roof where it is particularly vulnerable.
The hope is that the urgent repairs will help Paisley Abbey become an even more welcoming space for the local community to enjoy.
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.”
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: "Historic churches, essential to their communities, often face substantial challenges alongside expensive maintenance and repairs. We are delighted to continue to partner with the National Churches Trust to ensure these cherished buildings are preserved and maintained for future worshippers and visitors.”
Having a watertight building is integral to ensuring that Paisley Abbey can continue to support its local community (Image: National Churches Trust)
Rev. Jim Gibson, the Minister of Paisley Abbey, said: “We welcome visitors from far and near, local folk of course, but many from overseas, especially from North America and Europe. They are amazed by the history, art, and architecture. Often, it’s one of our great musical events that attracted them. Or the shop and café. And you know, we are a church! Many come to worship at one of our services, or simply drop in for a few quiet moments, safe from the madness of the world outside.
“It’s astonishing how many times we hear visitors say that they’ve lived in Paisley all their days but have never been inside the Abbey. Almost all say they’ll come back, and a great many do. They can’t believe what they’ve been missing right here on their doorstep!
“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. Without it, we simply can’t imagine how we could continue to be the caring and welcoming church, reaching out into the community around us, that it is our lifework and mission to be. Thank you!”
Karen Hind, Scotland Support Officer for the National Churches Trust, said: “It is due to the hard work and dedication of volunteers caring for Paisley Abbey that they have managed to raise the funds to make the building watertight again.
"This award is a celebration of their hard work and dedication in helping to preserve one of the nation’s beautiful heritage buildings, and I look forward to seeing the work begin on site.”
In total, 87 churches across the UK will stay open and in good repair thanks to the £735,326 of funding awarded and recommended by the National Churches Trust in its latest round of grants, which are available for churches of any Christian denomination that are open for regular worship to fund urgent repairs, maintenance, installing toilets or kitchens and feasibility studies to develop projects.
In 2023, the National Churches Trust made over 180 grant awards to churches throughout the UK, with funding totalling more than £2 million. This has helped to save over 70,000 years of precious heritage.
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