Work Completed: 1999
The Project: FA Sweeney was instructed by The Church of Scotland and Aberdour-based architect Stephen Newsom to undertake a major refurbishment of this historic ecclesiastical building, parts of which date from 1415.
With finials and various stone elements broken or worn away, it was also clear that extensive pointing would be required to ensure the building would survive and be safe for parishioners to use.
Our Solution: The work on Cupar Parish Church was completed in two phases; the second dovetailing into the first. The first phase involved repairing exterior defective masonry features and also restoring some stone flooring inside the church.
The building was then ready for the next stage of restoration. Phase 2 was a more complex operation during which we erected a 45m high scaffold having first inspected the church tower using a crane and cradle.
It became apparent that the pinnacles were not safe: these were replaced with new stone along with the tower balustrade using stainless steel fixings and as always, best conservation practice.
We completed the project by carving a new heraldic shield out of stone, to replicate one that had been worn away beyond restoration. This can be seen on the gable head of the western elevation.
