THE second phase of conservation work at one of Renfrewshire’s finest churches has been completed.

Bishopton Parish Church has a history dating back hundreds of years but the impressive building has suffered from the ravages of time.

The latest stage of a carefully-planned revamp has involved returning all masonry to an ‘as built’ condition, with ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) being dug out and replaced with lime mortar.

The OPC had been used in historical repairs of coursed rubble and finely-cut ashlar stones on buttresses and window dressings on the east gable of the church but later caused the masonry to spall.

All of the cast iron window frames were also scraped, sealed and redressed, while a flue which had originally been inserted in the wall in 1902 was rebuilt.

The work was carried out by Limerich Limited, under the guidance of conservation consultant Nic Boyes, and funded by grants of £23,500 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund (SCLF) and £5,500 from The Ferguson Bequest Fund, as well as congregation contributions totalling £10,000.

To mark the completion of the second phase, Mr Boyes and church minister Yvonne Smith were presented with a plaque by Michael Cunningham, of Viridor Credits.

Gareth Williams, operations manager at Viridor Credits, told The Gazette: “Many of our churches suffer from the use of non-porous cement, which can lead to long-term damage to the fabric of the building.

“We were pleased to support the church in the latest phase of works, which will secure the future of the building for generations.”

Natalie Don, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, added: “I was delighted to support applications as part of the church’s tremendous fundraising efforts for this dedicated conservation project and it is wonderful to see the improvements to the building, which is such a beautiful landmark.”

The church now aims to raise £50,000 for the final phase of work on the north and part of the west walls, which will include repairing or rebuilding another old flue.

Donations can be sent to Bishopton Parish Church, The Cornerstone, Greenock Road, Bishopton, PA7 5JW.