Mauchline Parish Church is a Category B listed building constructed in 1829 and is situated within an outstanding Conservation Area.
Our quinquennial surveys had identified major defects including settlement, water ingress and wet rot together with lead and stonework deterioration. As such, major repairs were required to restore the fabric of the building.
Heritage Lottery funding was obtained together with funding from the church congregation, local trusts and heritage organisations in order to meet the restoration costs.
A specialist engineering contractor was engaged to carry out ground stabilisation by injecting expanding geo-polymer materials beneath the existing masonry. This non-disruptive solution ensured that there was minimal excavation and disturbance to the adjacent graveyard.
Fabric repairs included the replacement of rotten roof sarking boards, re-slating using re-claimed Scotch slate, re-pointing and stonework repairs including indenting and reinstatement of lost features.
Timber purlins within the attic space had been built into the gable masonry and were suffering from wet rot. These were cut back to sound timber with the rotten ends replaced using Bower Beam extensions, inserted into the existing bearing sockets, to provide a structural support that will not be affected by moisture within the sandstone.
Cast iron rainwater conductors were refurbished, and the algae removed from the facades. All leadwork was renewed in appropriate code thicknesses and laid on geotextile underlay.
The stained-glass windows were suffering from lead deformation due to inappropriate protective coverings and panes broken through vandalism. A specialist conservator was engaged, and the leaded lights taken to their workshop where these were re-leaded and repaired. The protective coverings were then replaced using laminated glass, secured in discrete bronze clips, with ventilation gaps around the perimeter.
The Church was very pleased with the high level of architectural service given to the Church for this project, and the completion of the project on time and under budget.
Russell Wylie, Fabric Convenor, Mauchline Parish Church
