Student visit

Students from the Prince’s Foundation Summer School visited a Renfrewshire church to learn more about building conservation. The visit was organised as part of a £40,000 grant award to Bishopton Parish Church from Historic Environment Scotland. The students and their leader Michael Goodger learned about practical masonry conservation and lime mortar works at the north elevation of the church sanctuary.

The group was welcomed to the church by the Rev Yvonne Smith and after a buffet lunch took part in talks with by David Woodrow MBE (Church Elder and Chair of Bishopton Community Council) and Jamie McNamara, Presbytery Buildings Officer (Clyde Presbytery) on behalf of the General Trustees. A practical session on lime mortar works followed, involving Richard Fraser (Limerich Ltd, the principal contractor of the work at the church) and an interactive session by conservation consultant Nic Boyes.

The Prince’s Foundation (https://princes-foundation.org) is one of the most active and prominent heritage conservation organisations in the UK. The Summer School (https://princesfoundation.org/education/foundation-summer-school) provides a three-week programme for international professionals engaged in conservation activities to network and improve their skills.

The 1815 Grade B Listed sanctuary church building was shortlisted for the John Betjeman Award 2022 and also a winner of the National Churches Trust 2022 Award for Excellence in Church Maintenance.