Kirkmichael heritage angels win top award

THE rescue of an endangered collection of nationally-important gravestones on the Black Isle has been recognised with a prestigious heritage prize.

The Kirkmichael Trust won a Scottish Heritage Angel Award for the success of its campaign to rescue ornately-carved medieval stones from erosion and neglect in historic Kirkmichael and Cullicudden graveyards.

They are now preserved and displayed inside the restored church at Kirkmichael.

The community-led project was announced the winner in the best heritage research, interpretation or recording category at the awards ceremony in City Chambers, Glasgow.

The trust has campaigned ceaselessly for 15 years to raise awareness of the area’s heritage, raising money and gaining consent to rescue the ruined kirk and the medieval stones for the community and visitors.

Trust chairman Jim Mackay attended the awards ceremony with architect Chris Bowes, of McGregor Bowes, and other volunteers.

"It is so inspiring to our volunteers for their work in researching, interpreting and recording our wonderful pre-Reformation crosses to be nationally recognised," Dr Mackay said.

The Kirkmichael project was one of five winners in the awards which are run by the Scottish Civic Trust, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Archaeology Scotland and funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.

Alex Paterson, chief executive of HES, said it was always a privilege to hear of the passion and expertise of those who dedicated so much time and energy to caring for Scotland’s heritage.

"I hope that these stories will inspire even more people to get engaged with the historic environment and involved in heritage projects." he said.

The ceremony was hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson.