The Revival of St. Paul's in the fair city of Perth, Scotland

Hello Hello Hivians Today we are in Perth which is often described as the *Gateway to the Highlands* because it sits at the very edge of the Highland Boundary Fault line, which effectively divides Scotland into North and South. **Perth is also known amongst other things as the Fair City.** *Do you know why?*  Well then, Perth's nickname as ***The Fair City*** is a direct result of the famous and one of my favourite Scottish writers, Sir Walter Scott. The name was immortalized by his 1828 novel, ***The Fair Maid of Perth***. Perth took its ***Fair*** nickname from there. I won't spoil it for you, but have you read it?  Perth has some very impressive architecture and among its most unusual is that of St. Paul's Church. ### St Paul's Church  St. Paul's Church was completed in 1807 and stood in St. Paul's Square. I think in its prime it would have looked quite an imposing building looking down on everything around it.    The church stood as a spiritual beacon for the community for almost two centuries and represented an early post-Reformation place of worship.  However, like many historic buildings here in the UK, St. Paul's eventually faced a grim fate and fell into a state of disrepair! **The church sadly closed its doors in 1986.** Over the subsequent decades, it began the slow inevitable descent into dereliction that we see all too often unfortunately.  **The roof collapsed and the windows shattered or were broken by neds!** The once-grand interior was exposed to the harsh Scottish elements, ironically on the day we walked around St Paul's it was raining! I can safely say there was no roof and yes we got wet lol.  St Paul's became what is famously known in the UK as a "Building at Risk". For over thirty years St. Paul's stood as a stark skeletal reminder of what once was in Perth.   Years passed with various proposals and discussions on what could be done, but fluff all being done! This was partly due to the sheer scale of the challenge. The cost and the complexity not to mention the historical sensitivity of the site put almost everyone off. The shops and businesses at that end of town suffered as it was becoming an eyesore amongst other things.   ### Then, a new vision emerged a total pivot you might say. This bold plan wasn't about rebuilding a church ~ it was about repurposing the shell of a historic structure to create something entirely new and dynamic for the 21st century. Perth & Kinross Council bought the dilapidated 1807 building in 2017 with the aim of rejuvenating the Old High Street landmark. The £2.2m project has seen the building’s unique octagonal shape retained and its steeple and clock repaired. The roof of the church has been removed to create a distinctive outdoor public arts and performance space.  This wasn't a gentle facelift to a building, oh fluff no, it was a radical intervention. The decision was made to embrace the ruin and to celebrate the remaining stone fabric by transforming its interior and removing its roof entirely. ### I love it, what about you?   I wonder what the Revered Archibald Fleming would think about the use of his church now?  ### I am sure that he would have approved of The Revival!   The transformation was completed in 2021. What was once a decaying interior is now an inspiring open-air civic space.   I loved this wee exhibition that was highlighting local artists work.  The historic walls have been conserved and can now stand proudly tall again as they frame a beautifully paved public piazza.  I also like the fact they had benches. Not everyone wants to stand all the time especially if it is a performance they are attending!   The old church is no longer a forgotten relic but a living breathing part of the city's public space. St. Paul's Square with its reborn centrepiece has been designed to be a flexible and inviting area for everyone. It hosts vibrant markets, lively events and community performances.  I think it provides a beautiful reflective space for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. The removal of the roof was a fluffing masterstroke and allows natural light to flood the space. Even here with the fluffing rain it has created a unique atmosphere that honours the past while looking firmly to the future. The cobbles are amazing and it just shows that new and old can exist in harmony with a bit of planning and foresight!  St. Paul's Church is a testament to the power of vision and persistence. It also is shining example of what creative urban regeneration could and should be like!  ### Did you look at the times on the clock? Well the first set of pictures has the time around 3.3opm and the second set at around 415pm! That is because we were on the way to Morrison's supermarket when we stumbled across it. Of course I had to take picture before getting my groceries. Once that was done we came back past it and took these last shots!  You never know what you will find when you go out walking! There you have it, the renovated St Paul's Church in Perth, Scotland. I have also included this wee video about it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OZc_w2snMs ### Do you have any similar stories about historic building renovations in your country? Do drop them in the comments, and in the meantime I wish you a wonderful new day. 

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