One recurring issue for visitors to the Kirk whether tourists, wedding guests or attending arts, culture, music or community events is the lack of visitor toilets! Although for a staffed event or wedding we can sometimes arrange access to the single Vestry toilet, it can problematic.

During 2018, 2019 and 2020 the Trust and Friends through CP Architects in Oban carried out an options appraisal of possible locations for toilets. This was a massive challenge with over 20 possible locations, each with drawbacks and advantages. Being a Listed Building the design needed to respect (or ideally enhance) the building.

The final selection was to use the empty space in the original Organ Bellows tower. This meets all our needs. The image below shows the layout.

During 2021 with support from the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund and Argyll and Bute Council planning permission was obtained for the toilet design.

The next stage is raising the funds needed, which total approximately £70,000 including wheelchair accessible paths, repairs to the walls and roof, internal fit out (insulation, toilets, partitions, doors), a new septic tank, power and water. This is a major fundraising task, however critical to our plans for community use developments, and arts, heritage and cultural events. If you were considering a donation to the Kirk then we believe visitor toilets is one of the most important projects.

View of Organ Tower prior to building of South Aisle and Cloisters

View of Exterior from Cloisters. Note the quirky steps to the 1st floor door (Currently plywood)

View from top of the Octagonal tower into the recessed roof area