The senior Catholic churchman in the north-east led a celebratory mass to mark the reopening of a historic Moray church.
The Bishop of Aberdeen, Hugh Gilbert, was at St Gregory’s, at Preshome, near Buckie, to mark the conclusion of a two year project to restore the building’s roof.
The refurbishment was carried by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aberdeen Charitable Trust through a grant making process.
Built in an isolated area, in 1788, St Gregory’s is thought to be one of the first post-Reformation churches in Scotland.
Its remote location offered Catholics protection during the decades of persecution in the 1600s and 1700s.
Even today, finding the striking Italianate baroque style building represents something of a challenge for visitors.
In his homily, Bishop Gilbert described St Gregory’s as flamboyant on the inside as well as on the outside — displaying confidence in its Catholicity.
Celebrating the mass with him were parish priest, Father Tad Turski, Father Colin Stewart, in his role as Dean, and a visiting priest from Malta, Father Paul Checuti.
Father Turski said it was pleasing to see the historic property open again.
“This church has a great historical value and significance for Catholics particularly in this area but also for those across the north of Scotland,” he said.
“It is very visually beautiful and it was one of the first churches built after the reformation.
“It’s valuable on many different levels and not just in the spiritual sense. There are still people locally who have a relationship with the church — those who are born and bred and baptised in that church.”
The service was well-attended by locals from Buckie, Keith, Fochabers, Elgin and beyond.
It is anticipated that mass will be celebrated on a monthly basis throughout the summer months at Preshome.