Historic Environment Scotland complete the fundraising for the main renovations
Historic Environment Scotland awards £144,450 funding to St Mark’s Church in Portobello
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has awarded £144,450 funding to the renovation of the unique historic church of St Mark’s Portobello.
This funding completes the fundraising for this phase of the project and will enable all the conservation repairs to the building and provide the foundations for the renewal of facilities so that the church can continue to provide a flexible, welcoming and accessible space for community and church activities for the next 200 years.
The HES funding will be used to repair a number of fabric issues, including the lathe and plaster ceiling, stonework and window frames.
St Mark’s is a category B listed church, built in a Georgian style within its own graveyard and garden. The history of its architecture closely echoes 200 years of the fortunes of Portobello as well as the worship changes and traditions of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
The repairs will use up to date and properly researched conservation techniques which preserve the integrity of the original building work and are designed for longevity. The conservation work is overseen by Edward Eastham, from Taft Architects and the new developments of facilities made possible by the conservation work is overseen by Alan Thomson of Lee Boyd Architects. Contractors HM Raitt have already started on site and aim to finish at the beginning of April 2025.
Rev Canon Dr Sophia Marriage, Rector at St Mark’s said:
“This generous grant has completed the funds required to be able to start this ambitious project, and it is really exciting to see the work being undertaken. The church is a completely self-financing charity and therefore relies on such grants to be able to sustain the integrity of this iconic building. The long term future of these historic buildings rely on the conservation techniques which are sympathetic to the original build, and are more long lasting than quick-fixes. This unified programme is really exciting for this well loved and used building within Portobello. In 2026, St Mark’s will celebrate its 200th anniversary and we are looking forward to celebrating this milestone with a renewed and beautiful building.”
Please contact HES for further comment: communications@hes.scot.
Further information is available at: www.stmarksportobello.org
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About HES Grants Schemes
Historic Environment Scotland offers grants and funding schemes to support projects that promote and protect our historic environment through the Historic Environment Grants Programme, the Partnership Fund and the Heritage & Place Programme. More information including how to apply can be found on the Historic Environment Scotland website. (https://www.historicenvironment.scot/grants-and-funding/)
About Historic Environment Scotland
- Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is the lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. HES is also the lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
- Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of Historic Environment Scotland.
- Historic Environment Scotland is a registered Scottish Charity. Scottish Charity No. SC045925
- You can keep up to date with news from Historic Environment Scotland and register for media release email alerts here. If you wish to unsubscribe, please contact us.
- You can follow Historic Environment Scotland on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and our blog.
- Historic Environment Scotland provides a significant role as a grant provider, investing over £14.5 million per year in national and local organisations to support building repairs, ancient monuments, archaeological work, the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme and the voluntary sector. HES encourages community groups and property owners who meet requirements to apply for grants under the various schemes.
- This project is funded by a number of grant funders: the Scottish Episcopal Church, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Churches Trust, Benefact Trust, Baird Trust, Beatrice Laing Trust, Congregational and General Trust, Garfield Weston, James T Howat Charitable Trust, as well as from church reserves and local community and congregational fundraising.
