All – As required by the Dangerous Building/structure Notice served by Argyll and Bute Council Building Standards department the first step in removal of the bell tower has begun. As previously explained the critical state of the tower was uncovered when contractors started work on repair of bell tower leading to the further structural survey which determined that the tower was in a state of imminent collapse.
The turret roof has been removed ready for the bell to be safely removed by crane. Prior to this David Spy and I spent time over two days up the scaffolding tower taking detailed measurements and photographs of every aspect of the tower construction to facilitate any future replica production on whatever scale.
The crane contractor (McFadyen Ltd) will supervise the process which will entail village road closure for the day of bell removal. A seven-day notice period will be served before this can take place after a permit has been obtained.
After the bell has been removed it will be stored securely as a heritage item. The rest of the tower will then be taken down manually. The down takings can then be inspected for saving any key design arch mouldings etc.
We now have more photographic evidence of the dire state of the tower further vindicating the structural survey report advising tower removal. The tower posed a serious risk of collapse which had this occurred, it could have caused severe structural damage to the hall roof and at worst could have caused serious harm to a passer-by or passing vehicle. The video clip I recorded when the structural engineer visibly wobbled the tower with one outstretched hand will be posted on the website with photos.
Most of the funding required for tower removal will be covered by the residual Cour Windfarm repair grant as agreed with Foundation Scotland.
On a positive note, We have applied to the West Kintyre Community Fund for grant funding to complete the rest of phase 1 renovation works to enable the hall to be opened for local user groups. The application will be determined Monday 14.7.2025. We are very grateful for the grants previously awarded by West Kintyre Wind Farm Trust that enabled the hall renovation works already undertaken.
Malcolm Ward
Trustee and project co-ordinator for Clachan Village Hall (Kintyre) SCIO SC050324
