Slow progress on old church
A COUPLE who want to transform a derelict church in Castletown into their home say their plans are "progressing slowly".
Angus Cowap and Dr Heather Davis purchased the 19th century church near the village primary school from Highland Council a year ago and have been "clearing a lot of rubbish" from the site but are now preparing for the next stage of the project.
Mr Cowap said numerous consultations, studies and negotiations have been carried out and the proposals are beginning to take shape.
The couple, who moved to the village three years ago, plan to replace the ruined roof and put some solar panels on the south face of the building, re-glaze the windows and construct a double garage and a conservatory/sun room.
"Internally, we will strip out the ruined fabric and make a simple open-plan living space," Mr Cowap said, stressing it will be a long-term project.
He and Dr Davis moved north when she joined a medical practice in Thurso.
They have spent some time clearing trees which were in danger of undermining the structure and have been shifting rubbish, including rusty old cars and vehicle parts, from around the site.
The church is believed to date back to 1840 and was used by the RAF as a mess hall in World War II. It was later the site for residential caravans.