Linlithgow's iconic Crown of Thorns is saved, in the nick of time

As the old cladding has been removed, the contractors have revealed just how timely the work is for the underlying laminated timber structure.

Brian Lightbody, project lead for St Michael’s Parish Church, said: “From previous inspections, we had an idea of how extensive the weather damage would be on the spire.

“However, what we’ve uncovered is that the damage is more severe than we had hoped.

“We’re just in time to save the spire; another bad winter and the structure could have been in real jeopardy.”

There’s good news to report, however, alongside the bad.

Brian explained: “We’re confident all the damage can be repaired. Our expert project team are working closely with the contractor to assess the implications and to manage the repair process from here.”

The scaffolding will remain visible for a further two to three months while the damaged areas of the structure are replaced or repaired, before the new bronze alloy cladding is installed.

Brian added: “The original cladding was installed using the best systems available at the time in 1964.

“Now we can use an industry standard system that should see off decades of wind and rain.”

The work follows a major fundraising campaign that has so far brought in £385,000.

And this week, the man leading that drive wanted to once again thank everyone in the town who has so far supported the work.

Alan Miller, who has led the Aspire fundraising for the last two years, said: “We could only start the work thanks to the fantastic support the community has given us.

“This, along with grant funding now received from the Church of Scotland General Trustees, the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund and the Pilgrim Trust, has enabled us to get on with the work, with one further major grant shortly to be announced.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed and our prayers going up that what we’ve raised will see the job through.”

It’s an expensive business replacing the cladding with a new composite that will stand the test of time.

However, Alan believes it will be money well spent.

He added: “With the dusky gold colour and clean lines of the new cladding, once the spire is unwrapped I’m convinced the wow factor will show it was worth all the effort.”

In 1820, the church’s stone crown was removed as it had become unstable. It was replaced in 1964 with a new modern timber spire, clad in gold anodised aluminium and designed by renowned sculptor Geoffrey Clarke.