Striking Brutalist East Renfrewshire church gets share of £1 million grant to fix failing roof

St Andrew’s Church in Barrhead is struggling with a leaking flat roof, leaving volunteers relying on buckets to catch water as damp spreads through the building. If repairs are not made soon, the building could become completely unusable.

The church, built in the Brutalist style, is of architectural importance. One of its most striking features is a stained-glass cross that stretches the full height of the building, created by renowned Scottish stained-glass artist Gordon Webster.

Inside, the church also houses an important collection of war memorials from the First and Second World Wars, honouring local people who gave their lives.

The damage to the roof is putting this heritage at risk and making it increasingly difficult for the church to host the wide range of community activities it provides.

St Andrew’s will share in a £1 million funding package from the National Churches Trust, set up to keep churches across the UK open and in use. The Barrhead church has been awarded a £25,000 grant to carry out urgent roof repairs.

Fixing the roof will safeguard the building, make it more welcoming for all, and help reduce heating bills by improving energy efficiency.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Andrew’s Church to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”

David Lynch, Scotland Support Officer at the National Churches Trust, added:
“Once the repairs have taken place, the church will be an even more welcoming space for the community to enjoy. We look forward to continuing to support St Andrew’s – and other churches across Scotland – to help keep them open and in good repair, now and in the future.”

Tim Mineard, Minister of Barrhead St Andrew’s Parish Church, said: “We at St Andrew’s Church are immensely grateful for the generous support of the National Churches Trust.

“We are a congregation that is doing our best to reach out into our community and to make the most of our buildings for the people of Barrhead. We run a number of community outreach projects and holiday programmes, and we also employ a full-time Youth & Community Worker. This transformative repair project will enable us to continue providing our valuable services.”

“Our buildings are in use constantly by a wide range of community groups. We are delighted to be able to provide free weekly accommodation to three local youth organisations – a huge asset to the town. We see our buildings as an invaluable legacy through which we can bless our neighbourhood and make a difference.”

“We’re also excited at the potential to make our buildings more energy-efficient and are looking forward to seeing how these works will reduce our carbon footprint and make us more sustainable for the longer term.”