St Johns Church of Scotland, Dunoon is a Category A listed building. Built as the Free Church in 1877 to a design by Robert Bryden it has been described as an ‘immense achievement to Victorian piety’. The Dictionary of Scottish Architects is somewhat less sure of its provenance: ‘either Gothic or rather course Netherlandish free renaissance’. However what is undeniable is the fabulous interior with a highly coloured vault, soaring above the nave carried on the thinnest of cast iron columns, stained glass windows and an imposing organ.

Externally St Johns is characterised by a massive spired steeple, huge roof and array of gablets and sumps, all of which were letting in water and threatened the interior.

MAST were appointed to prepare a Building Repairs Study including a photometric survey, steeplejack’s report, and a detailed examination of the fabric which included gaining access to all parts of the roof and roof spaces. The conservation value of the building was also carefully assessed.

The information from the surveys was costed and brought together in a report which was the main supporting document in an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland for a Repairs Grant for Places of Worship, in 3 phases of work.