FOR more than 150 years, the twin spires of St Peter’s have towered above the Buckie skyline.
Ever since they were raised, the mighty structures – often used as a navigational aid by fishermen – have been battered by the weather.
Major restoration work got under way last autumn but it was only once it started that the full extent of damage was revealed.
Father Tad Turski said the Catholic church faced the decision of giving the works the go-ahead or closing the place of worship on safety grounds.
“We had to do something so the work is under way, but we have now started a major fundraising campaign as the project will cost about £300,000. At the moment, we are meeting the cost from the Parish Endowment Fund, but of course it is not enough,” he said.
Specialists working on the spires found the pointing has been washed away and stones have been worn down, cracked or had crumbled. Work to preserve the towers for years to come started last autumn and should be finished by the summer.
Locals are now being offered the chance to buy an old stone from one of the spires as a souvenir. The brickwork will come with a certificate of authenticity. “People can also symbolically buy new stones for the towers, which again come with a special certificate,” said Fr Tad.
The church is also planning a book fayre for later in the year, so any donations of good quality books or DVDs would be welcome. Crafters and artists are askeded to create items for a mass craft and art sale, to be held in the summer.
Anyone who is able to help should contact Fr Tad on 01542 832196. People can also visit www.stpeters-pa.org.uk to make a donation to the restoration fund.
