Brechin's ancient cathedral wall is currently being repaired, using traditional techniques, by a squad of young people supervised by Angus Council training services.

The four-week project to repoint the Cathedral Wall on Channonry Wynd, Brechin began on 14 September. The wall is approximately 50 metres long and has fragments from the pre-reformation church previously located on the site. It serves as the boundary to the north side of the historic Cathedral.

The ten young people aged 18-24 on the New Deal Programme are using traditional lime mortar to repoint the wall, following intensive training overseen by specialists Laing Traditional Masonry (LTM) during the first week. During this period two trainers were on hand to give expert guidance in traditional repointing techniques as well as teaching best practice.

This is the first project to be undertaken in Brechin using this approach and organisers hope it will result in a similar plan for the repair and enhancement of other areas with the Brechin central conservation area during the lifespan of the City of Brechin Townscape Heritage.

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The project will be funded by the City of Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) grants scheme, with grant assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Angus Council.

Bob Myles, chairman of Brechin THI said: "This is an interesting project and those taking part are learning valuable skills in traditional techniques. Hopefully, they will use these skills as they move forward into employment."

The Cathedral Wall repointing project supports the key objectives of the City of Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative which aims to repair historic buildings and enhance public areas using appropriate traditional repair techniques. This and future projects are designed to support and improve the technical skills of individuals employed or, hoping to be employed, in the local construction sector, including professionals in addition to improving general employability skills locally.

The City of Brechin THI grants scheme is managed by a Project Support Group and Partnership Executive which consists of a number of local residents from a wide variety of backgrounds, as well as the three elected members. The Project Support Group meets on a monthly basis and during these meetings the project progress is discussed and grants applications are reviewed. The projects vary from initiatives such as the Archaeological Dig recently undertaken in Bishop's Close, to the repair of sash and case windows for private owners.

A vacancy has recently arisen for the Project Support Group. The group would like to hear from anyone interested in applying to become a member of the group. In the first instance, please contact the THI Project Manager, Sarah Kettles on 01356 623488 or email: [email protected]

(GK/KMcA)