More on Kilneuair Church
A project to protect the ruin from further decay and preserve medieval grave-slabs.
When the Clan Association was first established, with one of it's objects being the protection of land and property associated with the Scrimgeour Clan, Dudhope Castle in Dundee was seen as the first priority. Dudhope has now been restored and is in use by the University of Abertay, Dundee, so what next...
In the early 1990s a Scrimgeour Clan Gathering was held in Argyll and visited the ruins of Fincharn Castle and Kilneuair Church. Murray Scrimgeour almost immediately got the bit between his teeth and has begun a process to have the ruin stabilised and some elements of the site protected. (What about Fincharn? - surely one thing at a time).
Murray's progress report (as at 12 June 1999) is as follows:-
Some background
The lands of Glassary in Argyll were inherited by the Scrymgeour family by marriage in the 14th Century. The lands passed out of the family a century later, but Scrimgeours continued as Vicars and Rectors of Kilneuair Church into the 16th century.
A small burial enclosure, known as the Oratory, stands a few yards from the Church which, suitable roofed and gated, would give the necessary protection for the Grave Slabs which presently lie exposed to the elements. A precious stone font, now standing unprotected in the Church precinct, would also be included.
The Oratory, although only 18th century, is a unique structure of real beauty and itself well merits preservation. Roofing-over would conserve its fabric as well as providing ideal protection for the Slabs and Font.
The cost of this work is estimated at approximately £30,000. Once the Oratory is stabilised, the fabric of the Church can be tackled...
click here for a map showing the location of Kilneuair (map of clan lands)
click here for a map showing the location of Kilneuair (modern map)
Some pictures taken during a Clan Gathering a few years ago:-
More pictures supplied by Murray Scrimgeour:-
Kilneuair Church ruins and, nearer, the small "Oratory" which it is proposed to stabilise, roof over and provide suitable protection for the presently exposed Grave Slabs and Font. (This view - looking to the North East).
The Oratory, only some 10 feet square internally, showings its unique exterior embellishements for such a tiny building. It may have been a burial enclosure but since the mid 1800s has been referred to as 'the Oratory'. (This view looking to the North West).
One of the exposed Grave or Burial Slabs. The helmetted figure is typical of many adorning West Highland slabs, but understandably, Scrimgeours have a sense of responsibility for these particular ones. We feel an obligation to preserve them. (This view - looking to the West from South of the ruins).
Interior of purpoe built shelter for ancient grave slabs at nearby village of Kilmartin. The Oratory roof proposed will not necessarily be glazed; appreciable lighting will come from the gated doorway to view the Slabs and Font.
Church south-west entrance showing perilous condition of one principal support. Collapse of this could by domino effect, result in the loss of a major proportion of the main South Wall. (This view - looking to the South West).
Timber shoring temporarily retaining the displaced south-west support members of south-west entrance. Its positioning was fairly hazardous to avoid distorbance of the slipped stonework. Timber life is limited. (This view - looking to the North West).
Examples of two types of first aid repairs more durable than timber but still only temporary, to attempt to prevent further failure of the Church masonry.
The leaning North wall of the Church and within the precinct, the Font and relatively modern gravestones. Beyond, the North and East walls of the Oratory are just visible. (this view - looking West)
Despite professional assurances to the contrary, the North wall collapsed late in 1996. During the preceding weeks, several persons had been to the vicinity, taking measurements and sketching preparatory to shoring with timber as a suitable precaution. Too late. Thankfully no-one was injured - or worse. Historic Scotland envisage possible re-building of this wall. The wouth wall, east doorway and nearby opening are clearly visible. (This view looking to the South East)