A community bid to restore a St Andrews landmark is gathering momentum.
A total of £100,000 is required to tackle deterioration of the Martyrs’ Monument. Over £6000 has already been raised and a leaflet has now been published in a bid to raise awareness of the campaign.
The 1842 landmark is crumbling at an alarming rate. Pieces of masonry have been seen to fall off and Fife Council has put a fence around it for safety reasons.
The sandstone monument, at more than 32 feet tall, was put up in memory of St Andrews martyrs Patrick Hamilton, Henry Forrest, Paul Craw and Walter Myln. Each was burned at the stake for his beliefs and their martyrdoms helped to usher in the Reformation in Scotland.
Local councillor Bill Sangster is delighted by early responses to the fledgling fund-raising campaign.
“Martyrs’ Monument is too prominent and important a landmark to be allowed to deteriorate further,” he said. “It is very encouraging that local organisations are now working together to secure its future.”
The St Andrews partnership is co-ordinating fund-raising efforts.
“Last year the partnership agreed a number of projects to undertake in 2010-11, and the strong sentiment behind the conservation and potential restoration of Martyrs’ Monument led to it being selected as the principal project for the current year,” a spokesman said.
“The partnership recently attained charitable status an important step forward, as it allows gift aid to be reclaimed on private donations, and also affords access to other bodies which might potentially fund the project.”PlightPart sponsorship from St Andrews University has assisted with the printing of thousands of fund-raising leaflets, which draw attention to the plight of the much-loved monument. The leaflets are being distributed to households across the town.
Meanwhile, a specialist conservation architect, Stephen Newsom, has been appointed and will shortly complete a detailed survey. It is expected to provide a thorough description of the conservation required and options for restoration, along with cost estimates.
A range of grant applications will then be drawn up.
Meanwhile, a major boost has been provided by Fife Council, which has agreed to manage the technical side of the project including some of the up-front costs.
Eric Brown of the St Andrews Partnership said the campaign is uniting people.
“The Mann family, owners of the Best Western Scores Hotel, have pledged to support the conservation architect with accommodation and meals, providing a contribution in kind which will reduce expenses,” he said.
Mr Brown added that the hotel hopes to host a fund-raising lunch shortly, and will also provide a facility for any meetings associated with the project.
More information about the project and the progress of the appeal is available at www.martyrsmonument.standrews.co.uk.