MSP supports bid to save ‘nationally important’ Uist landmark
Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, has written in support of the funding applications currently being made by the Teampull na Trionaid Conservation Association in North Uist. Funding is being sought to support the preservation of the historic Teampull na Trionaid in Carinish, North Uist.
Dr Allan commented: ‘Teampull na Trionaid is not only one of the most significant medieval buildings in the Western Isles, but in Scotland. It is also a building at imminent risk of complete collapse if urgent action is not taken to stabilise and conserve what is left of it, and to strengthen it against the effects of island winters.
‘Already a scheduled monument, the remains of the church, which date in the main back to the 14th century are one of very few medieval buildings in the Western Isles. More significantly, they are traditionally understood to be one of the earliest seats of learning in Scotland – pre dating St Andrews University.
‘It is a matter of enormous concern that the building has been allowed essentially to crumble away, with each storm allowing part of the building to be destroyed. I cannot emphasise enough the need for major intervention, and it is no small feat that the Association have already gained approval in principal from Historic Scotland for their plans to do just that.
‘Aside from the historic interest of the site, I believe that these plans will have a direct benefit on the island economy as a visitor attraction, at a time when many people in the Western Isles are beginning to build up the infrastructure needed for tourism.
‘I have therefore written very strongly in support of a scheme which I believe is a credit to and of direct benefit to the community of Uist.’
Comments on this entry are closed.