Restoration and Renewal

Several much needed projects and updates throughout the Cathedral building fit very neatly with the "Cathedral in the Community". The restoration will provide a comfortable, flexible environment for use by everyone, whether a large or small gathering The Victorian central heating was replaced in May 2006 by a system which not only will keep congregations warm on Sunday but very quickly can be brought up to 20C at other times for weekday use of the premises. The worship area, ancillary rooms and cloisters can all operate independently offering maximun flexibility. A warm welcome, in all senses, can now be extended to visitors and groups.

A newly designed and fitted kitchen provides a large preparation area with a range cooker, fridges, microwave and dishwasher. It is fully compliant with Perth and Kinross Council's guidelines structural requirements for food handling premises.Whether it is a cup of tea or a full meal the kitchen can cope with these requirements.

Shortly the pews will be removed and replaced with chairs. While these will certainly be more comfortable to sit on the main advantage will be the flexibility of the seating configuration. The Cathedral is the largest space outside Perth Concert Hall and has the capacity to seat several hundred people. With chairs moved to the side it also provides a wonderful space for performance or exhibition. The potential for the use of this space, on the doorstep of the people of Perth, is huge.

There are other phases of restoration to come; including improved disabled access and parking, versatile lighting and sound system. These facilities are too good to be used exclusively by regular cathedral members. Our rooms are excellent for meetings where the ambience of 150 years of study and thought is conducive to stimulating ideas and effective communication. The cloisters provide a barrier between the busy world and the meeting rooms. The chapter house is a well proportioned room, perfect for many types of functions including formal parties. The kitchen, just off the cloisters, is easily accessible from all the meeting rooms so coffee makers can slip away and return unnoticed.

The cathedral comes as a surprise to all those previosly unaware of its interior magnificence. It provides a wonderful venue for choral music but it would be equally fine for all types of concert. There is more than adequate space for drama and this will greatly increase when we have more flexible seating.

The cathedral has a very quiet chapel which is closed off by a glass door. It should be much more used by those who are simply passing and want to spend time in quiet contemplation. You will find it to a place "where prayer has been valid" (T.S. Elliot) The cathedral and its buildings are for everyone at all times. Not just the place where people go once a week. It has the potential to become a place where all local people and others feel at home.

Our building is warmer and more welcoming. The people of St Ninian's invite you to make the restoration and renewal complete by making use of them.

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