Eskadale Trust Meeting 10th July 2016
Introductory address by David Pearson Chairman for the Trust
"Before the annual Trust report I thought we might all remInd ourselves of the history of Eskadale Church to the present day.
We know from history that after the Reformation the Catholic Faith was kept alive by priests always on the move at great personal risk. We know that by the end of the eighteenth century a Catholic revival had gained momentum in the Beauly Valley.
So it was that in 1827 Thomas Alexander Fraser - the 14th Lord Lovat - completed the huge task of building Eskadale - the first Catholic church to be consecrated in the Highlands for use by the public since the time of the Reformation.
Since then a widely scattered and devout community “your forebears” has worshiped here served by some outstanding priests.
In 1991 due to diocese reorganisation the Fraser family set up the Eskadale Trust. This was to enable Eskadale to continue as a self supporting church.
Since that date you have all, together with the Trust, endeavoured to keep the church open for the worship of our Faith.
The monthly collection and voluntary work along with the Fabric Committee enables the Church to be kept in good order, as can be evidenced.
The Fraser family through the Lovat Estate office continue to provide some qualified labour to work on maintenance . We must not forget the Highland Council’s contribution to maintaining order in the church yard, including cutting the grass.
It is the function of the Trust to find ways to organise, and most importantly finance, the larger renovation works that become apparent with the passing years.
Now Harling is loose, falling to the ground at the gable end by the the main entrance to the Church. The Trust is well aware of your notice and comments on these conditions.
We are right now exploring every potential means to finance the renovation including applying for a Grant. A number of stonemasons whose companies are appropriate for Grant application are giving us specifications and quotes for renovation.
We have been advised, Scotland’s Churches Trust, can instruct a conservation Architect/surveyor to carry out a survey and prepare a report on the work of Harling . Their surveyor could consider and comment on the stonemason quotes we are to receive.
That is all we are able to say at present but as soon as the plans for restoration of Eskadale have been considered and the best option selected, then we will let you know. We are all determined that Eskadale continues as our centre of active devotion."
"Before the annual Trust report I thought we might all remInd ourselves of the history of Eskadale Church to the present day.
We know from history that after the Reformation the Catholic Faith was kept alive by priests always on the move at great personal risk. We know that by the end of the eighteenth century a Catholic revival had gained momentum in the Beauly Valley.
So it was that in 1827 Thomas Alexander Fraser - the 14th Lord Lovat - completed the huge task of building Eskadale - the first Catholic church to be consecrated in the Highlands for use by the public since the time of the Reformation.
Since then a widely scattered and devout community “your forebears” has worshiped here served by some outstanding priests.
In 1991 due to diocese reorganisation the Fraser family set up the Eskadale Trust. This was to enable Eskadale to continue as a self supporting church.
Since that date you have all, together with the Trust, endeavoured to keep the church open for the worship of our Faith.
The monthly collection and voluntary work along with the Fabric Committee enables the Church to be kept in good order, as can be evidenced.
The Fraser family through the Lovat Estate office continue to provide some qualified labour to work on maintenance . We must not forget the Highland Council’s contribution to maintaining order in the church yard, including cutting the grass.
It is the function of the Trust to find ways to organise, and most importantly finance, the larger renovation works that become apparent with the passing years.
Now Harling is loose, falling to the ground at the gable end by the the main entrance to the Church. The Trust is well aware of your notice and comments on these conditions.
We are right now exploring every potential means to finance the renovation including applying for a Grant. A number of stonemasons whose companies are appropriate for Grant application are giving us specifications and quotes for renovation.
We have been advised, Scotland’s Churches Trust, can instruct a conservation Architect/surveyor to carry out a survey and prepare a report on the work of Harling . Their surveyor could consider and comment on the stonemason quotes we are to receive.
That is all we are able to say at present but as soon as the plans for restoration of Eskadale have been considered and the best option selected, then we will let you know. We are all determined that Eskadale continues as our centre of active devotion."
