A kirk which has lain empty for the last 16 years will reopen its doors this weekend after being transformed into a sanctuary for Moray climbers.
The former Elgin South Church, on the corner of Moray Street, has been rejuvenated as the Spireroxx centre – boasting a 30ft climbing wall, a children’s climbing area, all-access showers and changing rooms and a cafe, as well as an office and reception area.
The woman behind the £250,000 scheme said she was looking forward to Saturday’s launch following 18 months of relentless work.
Jo Maunder, of Mosstowie, said: “It’s the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life, and it has taken a lot out of me, but I love that church to bits. It’s exciting and a little scary now we have got there.
“I wanted to keep the original church fixtures and marry in the new rock climbing stuff.
When you walk into it, it’s quite quirky and really impressive inside.”
Professional Scottish climber Dave MacLeod is renowned for his first ascents including the Longhope Route in Orkney and Rhapsody on Dumbarton Rock.
Speaking from Transylvania yesterday, the 36-year-old wished the enterprise well.
He said: “The main benefit of climbing walls and climbing in general is they are more accessible than a lot of sports.
“Climbing is very simple. You don’t need to be a real sporty type of person to get into it, and it gives a wide range of people the chance to feel like they have achieved something.
“It’s always exciting for me to see new centres open, and I hope this one is a success.”
Miss Maunder, 49, bought the former Church of Scotland building in 2006 with the intention of opening it as a children’s nursery.
However, she said that plan fell through after Scottish Natural Heritage insisted that ironwork that once stood outside the listed building had to be replaced.
Spireroxx will be open from 10am-10pm Monday to Friday and 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday.