Love your local church – Brechin Cathedral: A National Treasure with a Community Heart
Chris Platt
31 March 2025
In the latest in our series of “Love your Local Church” blogs, Chris Platt from the Brechin Cathedral Trust offers our readers some insights into recent activities at this remarkable historic building in Brechin and shares the Cathedral Trust’s wider vision that seeks to secure the long-term future of this iconic medieval church.
Brechin Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most historic places of worship, with roots stretching back to the 13th century and home to one of only two surviving round towers in Scotland. But it’s much more than a historic landmark—it’s a living space where community, culture, and heritage meet. Recent events, like our Christmas Tree Festival, have welcomed hundreds through its doors, reminding us all why this building matters.
At Brechin Cathedral Trust, our role is to protect its fabric and reimagine its future, ensuring it remains a vital asset for Brechin and beyond. We know that the heartbeat of the Cathedral’s heritage resonates not only within our local community but across Scotland as a whole.
A new chapter in stewardship and community
The progress at the Cathedral has captured widespread interest — both from those who call this historic town home and from a nation that cherishes its cultural landmarks. This shared passion for our heritage propels us forward and inspires every step we take.
At Brechin Cathedral Trust, our journey is as much about safeguarding a treasured heritage asset as it is about inspiring a future where culture, community and conservation combine. We’re proud to share some of the strides we’ve made, all while keeping our feet firmly planted in humility and our eyes set on a bright horizon.
We have recently negotiated an interim service level agreement that stands as a vital guarantee for the Cathedral’s immediate future.
This agreement isn’t just a document — it’s our promise to the community that the building’s care and security remain paramount. It’s a sensible step that protects the cathedral while we work on more extensive, long-term plans, ensuring that our historic space is not only preserved but cherished.
Laying the foundations for a sustainable future
Recognising that every great structure deserves a robust blueprint for tomorrow, we’ve engaged expert conservation architects. Their role is to help us develop a realistic and concerted conservation management plan, one that respects the cathedral’s storied past and guides us in our custodianship of this architectural gem. Their insights are proving invaluable as we carefully balance tradition with innovative conservation techniques.
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. In a heartening turn, we’ve secured significant funding from key partners including the National Lottery, Benefact Trust and the Hugh Fraser Foundation.
This crucial support not only validates our mission but also reinforces our commitment to steering Brechin Cathedral’s future towards robust and resilient management. We’re proud to stand on the shoulders of such benefactors as we forge ahead with renewed vigour and clear purpose.
While we continue to support the cathedral’s management, we’re also actively overseeing the Church of Scotland’s ongoing works and rigorously scoping out the priority areas for fabric repairs. Our hands-on approach ensures that every aspect of the building’s physical integrity is given the attention it deserves — because every stone in this historic edifice tells a story worth preserving.
Cultural Renaissance – Join us on this journey
Our vision extends beyond bricks and mortar. By building strong relationships with cultural institutions such as the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, we’re steadily putting Brechin Cathedral back on the map as a vibrant cultural and heritage location. It’s a bit like giving the cathedral a fresh, upbeat playlist to go along with its ancient architecture! In parallel, initiatives like the “Opening the Doors” programme and the reorganisation of our allotments are gradually enhancing our capacity and forging renewed bonds with the community.
We believe that the future of Brechin Cathedral is a shared endeavour — a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse threads of expertise, passion and communal spirit. If you’re keen to learn more, explore partnership opportunities, or simply chat about managing vital community heritage assets, we warmly invite you to get in touch. Together, we can continue to write a new chapter in the story of Brechin Cathedral — one marked by collaborative innovation and a deep respect for our shared heritage.
Let’s build something timeless, together.
Our enormous thanks to Chris for sharing this piece on current activities and future plans for the Cathedral. You can follow the Brechin Cathedral Trust’s Facebook Page for future updates about events or volunteering opportunities or you can drop Chris a line here.
The very existence and long-term future of Scotland’s unique assemblage of religious built heritage is due, in no small part, the hard work, care, passion and support of thousands of volunteers. Please get in touch with us if you would like to share a similar “Love your local church…” blog about a similar local church that means the world to you!