Monks in Perth have launched a last-gasp bid to save their decaying monastery.
The future of St Mary’s Monastery on Kinnoull Hill has become inextricably linked to a planning proposal to build luxury homes on adjacent land. The millions the deal would raise for the monastery central Scotland’s only Redemptorist Centre and one of the last remaining retreat centres in Scotland would allow it to be upgraded and stay open.
A previous attempt to seal the deal failed in April when the council narrowly voted against giving planning permission to CALA Homes for the development.
Now, the monks admit the 142-year-old monastery is “living on borrowed time” and faces devastation in the expected harsh winter.
Father Ronald McAinsh said they have no option but to return to the table with a revised plan.
He said: “It is with a sense of apprehension yet hope that we must again go to Perth and Kinross Council in what we see as a final attempt to secure a future for St Mary’s.
“We are living on borrowed time and to have come so close previously in securing this development and releasing of the vital funds, we feel that we simply must return to once more appeal to the elected members and officials of the council to understand the ramifications of what another rejection will mean for St Mary’s and the hard work that has been carried out at Kinnoull Hill for over 140 years, as well as for local people who obtain spiritual, emotional and other assistance there.
“Careful consideration has taken place between myself and the other Fathers and I would personally like to thank all the supporters and wellwishers who came out in such force last time and really showed to us how much the monastery is treasured not just here in Perth but throughout Scotland and the wider community.
“We hope that this time the elected members and officials will again be able to look beyond this as just another housing development.”
The B-listed premises needs major upgrading to bring it in line with disability and health and safety regulations. It also requires major investment to provide a basic standard of accommodation with proper heating and facilities to enable it to continue its role in the wider community.
The previous application attracted massive publicity including an impassioned plea from Cardinal Keith O’Brien, who wrote to Provost John Hulbert to ask the council to secure the future of what he described as a “very welcoming home where spiritual batteries can be recharged”.
The new plans include a legally binding agreement to ensure all funds from the development are allocated to renewing St Mary’s, a major concern expressed by councillors at the April meeting.
Fr McAinsh said: “We firmly believe that where before there was doubt, elected members can now vote for a proposal that saves St Mary’s as a place of renewal and retreat, and provides the investment needed to secure the fabric and the future of this historic building.
“It would be heartbreaking to think that this could our last year of providing support and sustenance to our many hundreds of guests and visitors.”
While refusing to be drawn on the implications of failure to be granted planning permission, it is expected the building would be sold to the highest bidder.