News: The Kirkmichael (Black Isle) Heritage Centre

A new heritage project has been developed by the Kirkmichael Trust, a community charity that is seeking to restore the medieval kirk site at Kirkmichael in the Black Isle and create in the restored buildings a display of the medieval complex crosses in the area. These wonderful crosses are currently virtually unknown but are remarkable pieces of medieval gravestone art.

There will be an intensive activities programme during the construction phase for schools and the public. There will be open days and training events and apprentices will be taken on as part of the operations involving traditional building skills.

The project has secured most of its funding. Main partners are the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Robertson Trust with many additional contributions from other trusts and individuals. The project is now more than 85% funded. To close the final funding gap, the Trust is looking to the public to assist through the crowdfunding site Sponsume. A rewards scheme to the middle of December has been launched, with a figure of £50,000 being the target.

The Kirkmichael site itself is of great importance. It is both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Listed Building, and there is much archaeological interest on site. But it is currently a dangerous and derelict eyesore on the otherwise beautiful Udale Bay coastline.

Visit the project support page here.