Highland Council approves art gallery plans for disused former Victorian kirk, Struy Church, in Strathglass

A former kirk will find a new life as an art gallery after plans for its future use were approved.

Highland Council planners have signed off on proposals to convert the disused Struy Church in Strathglass into a “multi-used space specifically for an artist to live, work, and display art to the public”.

Applicant Paul Boyle intends to convert the interior space to create a second floor within the roof of the kirk.

The newly-revised interior would include a large “multi-use” space for use as the planned gallery, which would be accessed through the kirk’s main doors.

Beyond the gallery, the rear half of the kirk’s ground floor would include stairs, a bathroom and an en-suite bedroom with desk area. There would also be another large room which is not labelled for any specific use within the plans.

The newly-created upper floor, which will run the full length of the kirk’s interior, will include a second en-suite bedroom, a toilet, a kitchen and a lounge.

Externally, the kirk building would remain mostly unaltered, with new dormer windows in the roof being the only notable modifications in the plans.

The grounds’ entrance gate and part of its wall would also be removed to make space for vehicle access and four parking bays.

Granting approval under delegated powers, Highland Council planning officer Ross Mcateer, said: “This proposal is seeking to bring into use a vacant church which is not listed, and its re-use and habitation is welcome as it will protect the non-designated asset which is of value to its locality. “[Planning] policies support the principle of the church’s conversion to an art gallery space.”

He added that the proposal “can be supported”.

“The intent stated for the policy in national planning framework is to encourage, promote and facilitate development which reflects our diverse culture and creativity, and to support our culture and creative industries. This proposal would fit these criteria and therefore is compliant with this policy.”

A mature oak tree is to be felled due to the proximity of the planned parking bays to its roots. But Mr Mcateer explained that forestry officers had inspected the tree and had no objection to its removal so long as three new trees are planted.

He explained: “[The tree] has a significant old wound at the base and three several large pruning wounds on the main stem, which are starting to decay.

“There are two proposed parking spaces at the very base of the tree which is apparently proposed for retention. This is completely unrealistic and excavation required to form car parking would require so much root removal that it would kill the tree. On this occasion the oak tree is not of sufficient quality or in good enough condition that it would be worthy of retention and protection.”

Transport officers did not object to the planned road access or the plans for four parking bays.

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