WORK is starting this autumn on a £260,000 restoration of St Michael and All Angels in Abban Street. Canon Len Black was delighted to hear in July that the funding had finally been found.

The building had a history of dry rot and problems with drainage, so finally it was decided to have a major refurbishment. “We employed a fund-raiser - the best thing we ever did,” says Canon Black.
The work is expected to take around six months, but the contractors Mackintosh Builders have planned it so that services will not have to be interrupted while it is being carried out.
Repairs include re-slating of the roof, replacement of drainage including replacement of down pipes in original square shape, re-pointing of stonework, eradication of dry rot which will involve replacing the entire floor and restoration of the bell tower. “We’re going to have a bell again,” says Canon Black.

Most of the money is coming from Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland. For St Michael’s is regarded as a gem of Ninian Comper’s architectural design, also well known for his stained glass work. Visitors come from all over the world to see it.
Canon Black this summer celebrated 21 years at the Abban Street church. At one time he also had responsibility for St John’s and a congregation at Culloden, but as his radio work with MFR grew he handed over the other two congregations. He also looks after the church’s computer system.

St Michaels has an official membership of 223 and around 50 or so are usually to be found at Sunday services. “Most are Merkinchers but some come from other parts of the town and even the Black Isle,” he says. “We’re almost like a big family.”
And when this project is over, there will be the centenary next year of the move from Maggots Green to plan.

Canon Black in front of St Michael’s stained glass window