Oakshaw Steeple and Weathervane Restoration Works

Renfrewshire Council · 12 June 2025
Back to Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board — 12 June 2025 and its agenda

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To: Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board
On: 12 June 2025 
Report by: Chief Executive 
Heading: Update on Oakshaw Trinity steeple and weathervane 
1. Summary 
1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the condition, recent
conservation works, and future restoration requirements of the steeple and
weathervane at Oakshaw Trinity Church in Paisley.  It also seeks approval
from the Finance, Resources, and Customer Services Policy Board to allocate
funds from the Paisley Common Good Fund for urgent repairs at the steeple
and the reinstatement of the weathervane. 
2. Recommendations 
2.1 It is recommended that members of the Finance, Resources and Customer
Services Policy Board: 
(i) Note the contents of this report; 
(ii) Authorises the Head of Economy and Development to issue a tender for
urgent repairs and reinstatement works at the Oakshaw Trinity Church
in Paisley; 
(iii) Authorises £260,000 for the works to be funded from the Paisley
Common Good fund.

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3. Background 
3.1 Oakshaw Trinity Church, formerly known as the High Church, is a historically
and architecturally significant building in Paisley. First established in the mid-
18th century on Oakshaw Hill, the church’s steeple, tower, and associated
features form a defining part of the town’s skyline. The church is located in a
Conservation Area (designated in 1975 and upgraded to Outstanding Status in
1981). 
3.2 Following the 1994 unification of four congregations, the building underwent
refurbishments in 1995 and 1997.  Despite these extensive previous repairs to
the church and steeple—including full scaffolding, the installation of stone
indents, and a stainless steel crosstree to stabilise the weathervane—by 2021
the steeple had once again deteriorated. Issues included a misaligned
weathervane, missing pointing, vegetation growth, timber decay, cracked stone
indents, and documented water ingress. 
4. Weathervane removal 
4.1 By 2022, there were growing concerns that the church weathervane could
detach from the building and pose a health and safety risk. Officers therefore
decided to undertake urgent repairs, using £50,000 from the Scottish
Government’s Town Centre Fund and a further £22,700 from the Paisley
Common Good Fund. 
4.2  Officers developed a detailed plan to safely remove the weathervane and the
upper stonework of the steeple due to structural concerns. This included the
installation of a temporary lead cap, repointing of open joints, and the removal
of a waterproofing membrane and internal gutters. Listed Building Consent was
obtained for the temporary (two-year) removal. Specialist steeplejack
contractors were invited to tender, with Pendrich Height Services Ltd ultimately
appointed. Initial works began in February 2023 but were delayed due to
weather and the unexpected discovery of concrete infill, which complicated
access and removal. 
4.3  As work progressed, significant structural deterioration was uncovered,
including extensive timber rot and dampness behind the membrane.
Cantilevered scaffolding was erected by late March 2023, and preparations
were made for the safe dismantling of the weathervane. In April, the
architectural team inspected the weathervane at close range, documenting
historic details such as copper markings indicating it was manufactured in 1929
by D.M. Strachan of Paisley. It became evident that the internal steel support
rod was heavily corroded and had previously been altered. A scaffold-mounted
hoist and crane were used to carefully lower the weathervane and capping
stone to ground level in May 2023. The weathervane was boxed and stored at
Renfrewshire House.

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4.4 In the weeks that followed, the top four stone courses were photographed,
numbered, and stored, though efforts to remove the 1929 concrete backing
proved damaging and were discontinued. As a result, some original steel
components and internal crosstrees remained in place. By June 2023, a
protective lead cap had been installed over the truncated steeple, and by mid-
August, scaffolding was dismantled. Temporary plywood sheeting was also
installed to protect two vulnerable windows. Snagging and final site clean-up
were completed by October 2023, concluding the first major phase of the
steeple’s conservation. 
5. Trial pit findings 
5.1 During the initial phase of the steeple works, ponding of rainwater was observed
near the base of the steeple on the east side, raising concerns about the
condition of the underground drainage system. After an initial CCTV survey was
aborted due to equipment failure, a second survey indicated a possible collapse
or blockage in the eastern drainage pipe. As a result, three trial pits were
excavated to investigate further, and the contractor was instructed to repair the
defective pipe. 
5.2 The trial pits, excavated to the depth of the steeple's foundations, revealed
variable ground conditions, with gravelly clay particularly concentrated on the
east side, where structural movement had occurred. The structural engineer
attributed this movement to differential settlement caused by localised soft
spots in the substrate. Further site investigation was recommended to
determine the depth of competent natural ground and to inform an appropriate
foundation strengthening solution, such as underpinning or mini piling. 
5.3 Additionally, the cracking observed in newly installed sandstone indents was
attributed not only to ongoing structural movement but also to the inadequate
thickness of the stones used during earlier repairs. A damaged section of the
underground drainage was replaced as part of the remedial works. 
5.4 It should be noted that any additional works arising from the trial pit findings will
not be covered under the funding request outlined in this paper. Additional
funding would be required at a later date to cover these works. 
6. Repair Recommendations and Cost Estimate: 
6.1 A detailed reinstatement strategy has been proposed, involving the removal of
all existing metalwork inside the steeple, including two crosstrees and rods,
through coring and extraction. This will require cantilevered scaffolding capable
of supporting hoisting equipment. New stainless-steel components will be
fabricated, including a two-stage crosstree and a 4890mm vertical rod to
support the restored weathervane. The copper weathervane elements,
currently in storage, will undergo individual repair and reassembly. This will
include structural reinforcement, cleaning, and selective re-manufacture of
damaged components, while preserving historical features such as the original
1929 plaque.

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6.2 Stonework repairs will include the reinstatement of the top four stone courses
and capping stone using lime mortar, with approximately 20% replacement
stone required. Several decayed timber-framed windows and oculi must be
replaced with high-quality, bead-glazed hardwood units. These will be pre-
decorated and sealed with high-performance mastic to reduce future
maintenance needs. Arched-head windows and louvres at the bell stage will
also be refurbished or replaced. Scaffolding will assist in the installation of
heavier items such as windows, and access must be maintained for ongoing
maintenance. 
6.3 Additional works include the refurbishment of timber elements, removal of
corroded iron fixings in the stonework, and re-pointing of up to 30% of joints
above the lowest balustraded balcony. The lightning protection system will
require adjustment to accommodate the restored weathervane without
compromising the new copperwork. Cost estimates, prepared in consultation
with specialist contractors as of August 2024, suggest the above works will cost
approximately £221,000. Given current market volatility, officers have applied
a 20% contingency, resulting in a total funding request of £260,000 from the
Paisley Common Good Fund. The fund allocation is indicative because the
projected costs are estimates and represents the maximum that will be
requested from the Fund. Only actual costs incurred will be charged to the
Common Good Fund. Discussions with the Council’s Finance team have
confirmed that there are sufficient cash balances in the Paisley Common Good
account to fund these works without the need to liquidate investments.   
6.4 To try and reduce the ask of the Common Good Fund, officers will submit a
funding application to Historic Environment Scotland (HES), seeking to cover
up to 25% of the total cost.   
6.5 A copy of the conservation architect’s report on the initial and future repair
works is provided in Appendix 1. 
7. Next steps 
7.1 Subject to approval from this Board to use monies from the Paisley Common
Good Fund for the repair and reinstatement works, the following steps are
proposed: 
 An Expression of Interest application will be submitted to Historic
Environment Scotland (HES) for partial funding of the works. If successful,
a full funding application will follow. It is noted that the HES approval
process can take up to a year before final confirmation of funding. 
 Once funding for the works has been secured, officers will undertake a
procurement exercise to appoint a contractor to carry out the works. 
 Further updates on progress will be provided to the relevant Council boards
in due course. 
Implications of the Report 
1. Financial – The cost of the required works (including contingency) are

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estimated at £260k, with approval sought for this cost to be funded from cash
balances held within the Paisley Common Good Fund. This ask from the fund
may reduce if part-funding application to HES is successful. 
2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 
3. Community/Council Planning – None arising directly from this report. 
4. Legal – The Council are responsible for repair works at the Steeple. 
5. Property/Assets – The steeple is currently maintained by Renfrewshire
Council as part of     the wider portfolio and public building repairs.   
6. Information Technology – None. 
7. Equality & Human Rights – The recommendations contained within this
report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human
rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of
individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the
recommendations contained in the report. If required following
implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating
actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will
be published on the Council’s website. 
8. Health & Safety – All improvements are managed and maintained to comply
with Health and Safety legislation with guidance given by Corporate Health and
Safety. 
9. Procurement – Required works will be contracted under an appropriate
framework for the works proposed. 
10. Risk – If no works are undertaken, the issues identified at the building will
continue to deteriorate, leading to increased repair costs over time. 
11. Privacy Impact – None. 
12. Climate Change – None. 
13. Children’s Rights – None 
14. COSLA Policy Position – None. 
List of Background Papers – None. 
Appendices – Oakshaw Trinity Church, Paisley Steeple Repair works – First Phase
Report 
Author: Euan Shearer – Regeneration and Place Manager
Email: euan.shearer@renfrewshire.gov.uk

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MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS PLAN
APRIL 2024
OAKSHAW TRINITY CHURCH, PAISLEY
STEEPLE REPAIR WORKS - FIRST PHASE REPORT

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Oakshaw Trinity Church, Paisley, Renfrewshire
INTRODUCTION
If Paisley is synonymous with weaving and the manufacture of cotton thread, its origins lie instead in the
establishment of a Cluniac priory on the east bank of the White Cart Water in 1163.  Walter FitzAlan, High
Steward of Scotland, secured a charter from Malcolm IV of Scotland to lay the foundations of what has been
better known since 1218 as Paisley Abbey.  A burgh of barony from 1488, the town developed modestly
in crossroads format on the opposite bank of the river, as the church itself was periodically enlarged until
finally cruciform on plan.  By the close of the C18, however, the town was an industrial and commercial
rather than ecclesiastical powerhouse with as many as 132 thread mills and in excess of 6,800 looms in
recorded use.
As a mark of this population expansion, there were by 1801 three major churches augmenting the work
of the abbey (which was only just being rebuilt after having fallen into ruin) - the Laigh (Low), Middle and
High Kirks.  The 1736 Laigh Church (now re-energised Paisley Arts Centre) provided an early burial ground
for merchants and manufacturers; further north, the Middle Church was a relatively plain preaching box,
while most northerly of all, and on higher ground, John White’s obelisk-steepled High Church (1750-56)
commanded views of the surrounding countryside.
The site for the High Church had all the advantages of elevation, sitting on a flat plateau atop the gentle
rise of Oakshaw Hill, where it is thought that there may have once been a Roman encampment (or port). 
Oakshaw was developed mainly from 1754 onwards, with the High Church one of the earliest buildings. 
It was initially erected without a steeple to designs by Baillie John Whyte, (or White) who a few years later
added the five-stage tower, and so enjoyed the end result that he replicated many of the same details
(including the clock stage and spire) on the Tolbooth of 1757 (now demolished).  Taken together with the
crown spire of the former Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church (1894), the lead-capped pudding bowl
dome of the former Neilson Institute (1849), and the elegant little Coats Observatory (1884), the church
steeple combines to create one of the most distinctive and widely visible silhouettes in Renfrewshire. 
Oakshaw was designated a Conservation Area in 1975 and upgraded to Outstanding Status in 1981.
STEEPLE REPAIR WORKS - FIRST PHASE REPORT 1

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The church itself is symmetrical, built of diagonally-droved ashlar with pronounced quoins and with a slated
pavilion-type roof. The interior, remodelled by local firm Rennison and Scott in 1876, has a spectacular
ribbed and coffered plaster ceiling and is galleried on three sides. The tower, at the foot of which is the vestry,
was built against the south front, and features the same droved ashlar and rusticated in-and-out quoins.
It is nearly (but not quite) square. The grand arched entrance at its foot provides access to the modestly-
sized vestry, while on the east, an iron-framed opening gives access to an internal stair. There is a Venetian
window with blind sidelights that corresponds to the organ blower, keystoned round-arched windows
that denote the main level (from which there is access to the interior and exterior of the church roof),
octagonal clock faces in aediculed surrounds, a balustraded balcony encircling the bell stage (with louvred
inserts centred on four Palladian openings), and then a further balustraded balcony that accommodates
the change on plan from square to octagonal. The spire follows, with three tiers of oval openings, some of
which are glazed, and a magnificent weathervane.
In 1994, the congregation of the High Church came together with those of the Orr Square Church of
Scotland, St. John’s Church of Scotland, and the Paisley Congregational Church to create Oakshaw Trinity
Church (the merger being commemorated in a stained glass window by John K Clark in 1996). The former
High Church became the centre for worship and was accordingly repaired and refurbished in 1995 and
1997. Prior to this, there had been no windows in the steeple, no louvres to the bell stage, and the interior
was coated in guano.
Despite extensive repairs to church and steeple, including full scaffolding, stone indents and the installation
of a stainless steel crosstree to restrain the weathervane, by 2021 the steeple was once again in need of
repair, with the weathervane off-kilter, areas of missing pointing, plant growth, timber decay, cracked
indents and known areas of water ingress.
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WEATHERVANE REMOVAL
By end 2022, with the assistance of Renfrewshire Council’s in-house engineers and the church officer,
the conservation architect and structural engineer had carried out surveys and devised a strategy for
temporarily removing the weathervane and upper courses of stonework to a sound base.  A specification
was drawn up that included the temporary capping of the truncated steeple in lead, and the pointing of
open joints, along with the removal of a waterproofing membrane and internal gutters that had been
installed to reduce water ingress to the interior of the steeple.  Listed Building Consent was received to
remove the weathervane on a temporary (two-year) basis. 
Tenders were sought from four companies with steeplejack expertise who were asked to demonstrate their
familiarity with similar work and to submit a methodology for accessing the weathervane and removing
it in as few sections as possible.  Also included in the schedule of works was a CCTV survey of drains at the
foot of the steeple since the evident movement in the south-east corner of the tower was of concern to
the structural engineer.  The successful contractor, Pendrich Height Services Ltd, was engaged to carry out
the work over a six-week contract (which in the event extended to six months due in large part to weather
conditions and the discovery of significant amounts of concrete in the spire).
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SECTION THRO' UPPER STEEPLEOAKSHAW TRINITY CHURCH, PAISLEY
1:100 @
A2
FJS
notesproject
title scale date drawn by number
OAKSHAW TRINITY CHURCH,
PAISLEY, RENFREWSHIRE
SECTION THRO' UPPER
STEEPLE STAGES SEP 2022 OAKSHAW/22/101A
tel:  0141-357-3553!
fax:  0141-357-3556!
e-mail:  ﬁremaster27@btconnect.com
ﬁona sinclair architect!
48 Keith Court!
Glasgow!
G11 6QW
10 2 3 4 5m
DO NOT SCALE FROM DRAWING
AMENDMENT A: NOTES ADDED ON CAPPING STONE IN SECTIONS: MAXIIMUM LOWERABLE WEIGHT OF 
WEATHERVANE OCT 2022
SECTION THRO' STEEPLE STAGES LOOKING EAST
APPROX 10530mm TO  FIRST MAIN STAGE
5,693mm
2,676mm
3,384mm
6,347mm
4,141mm
3,636mm
3,545mm
1,115mm
INTERNALLY: REMOVE ALL  FOIL BACKED STUDDED
WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE FROM 
STONEWORK, INCLUDING ALL PLASTIC STUDS
FINIAL WILL PROBABLY SEPARATE AT THIS POINT
FINIAL WILL PROBABLY SEPARATE AT THIS POINT
CAREFULLY DISMANTLE CAPPING STONES AND
UPPER 5 NO. COURSES OF STONEWORK AND STORE
SAFELY: NOTE THAT CAPPING STONE IS IN PIECES HELD
TOGETHER BY A METAL BAND
CAP OPEN TOP TO STEEPLE IN CODE 8 LEAD ON
25MM EXTERIOR GRADE PLYWOOD ON 125 x 50MM
TREATED SOFTWOOD FRAMEWORK BOLTED TO
INTERIOR OF STONEWORK: ALL LEADWORK TO
BE FULLY CLIPPED
EXTERNALLY: REMOVE ALL TREE AND PLANT GROWTH
FROM ALL JOINTS IN STONEWORK, POINT OPEN JOINTS
IN LIME MORTAR AND RENEW MASTIC AROUND
ALL OCULI AND WINDOWS/FIXED LIGHTS
EXTENT OF SCAFFOLDING
CROSSTREE
CROSSTREE
CONTRACTOR TO ADVISE ON MAXIMUM WEIGHT
THAT CAN BE SAFELY LOWERED TO GROUND/BASE
OF SCAFFOLDING
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Work began on 27 February 2023, with the contractor permitted use of the vestry as a site facility. The
programme became protracted due to the need to have the design proposals for the cantilevered scaffolding
scrutinised by the structural engineer, but an immediate start was made on protection inside and out and
the removal of the studded waterproofing membrane (behind which the stonework was found to be very
damp). It also became apparent that the window and oculi timbers were badly rotted due to the exposed
location of the building. Weather was unremittingly poor, but cantilevered scaffolding began on 21 March
2023 at the higher of the two balustraded balconies (onto which there is access from one of the arched-
head windows). Pointing samples were prepared and stainless-steel cramps ordered for the balustrades at
both balcony levels. Renfrewshire Council advised that the dismantled weathervane could be stored safely
in a nearby facility once it was brought to ground level.
On 27 April 2023, the architect and structural engineer were given access to the weathervane. Of interest
were mason’s marks on the stonework as well as lettering on the copper shroud to the weathervane that
recorded its manufacture in May 1929 by D M Strachan of 7 Marshall’s Lane in Paisley. Also evident was
the relative fragility of the crown, the displacement of some of the features, and bolting of the shroud to
an octagonal steel frame that had been infilled with concrete. The weathervane was photographed and
loosely dimensioned and a strategy tested for lifting it using a scaffold-mounted hoist. It became clear
that the steel rod around which the copper components were fitted was badly corroded, and that the
weathervane had been lengthened close to the top to allow for repairs in the past.
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On 18 May 2023 the weathervane was lifted to ground by a crane, the various parts swaddled, and the stone
capping piece (one half of which still displayed the original mason’s name of William Hart) brought down
also. Over the following few weeks, the upper courses of the steeple were numbered and photographed,
freed from their concrete backing, and stacked on palettes next to the church. Work was stopped once it
became clear that the removal of the concrete (probably dating to 1929) was unnecessarily destructive.
As a result, the remainder of the steel rod was left in place, as were both internal crosstrees. By end June
2023 a lead cap had been installed to protect the steeple top, and by mid-August the scaffolding had
been dismantled and four courses of stone stacked and stored. The snagging was practically complete
by end October 2023. As a further temporary measure, two of the windows in the steeple were protected
externally by plywood sheeting since there were concerns that the glazing might loosen.
TRIAL PIT FINDINGS
As work was being completed on the first phase of the steeple works it was noted that rainwater was
ponding in the car park gravel to the east side, close to the door at the foot of the steeple staircase. With the
first CCTV survey aborted due to damage to the equipment, the route of drains was at this stage unknown,
although there was an expectation that the rainwater from the church discharged south towards Church
Hill. A second CCTV survey suggested that there was a blockage or collapse in the underground drainage
pipe to the east, and since it was unclear for how long the drain had been defective (and whether this
was the cause of the settlement at the south-east corner), the structural engineer organised three trial
pits around the steeple base. The contractor for this work was also requested to repair the (anticipated)
collapsed pipe.
The trial pits, which were hand dug to the depth of the existing steeple foundations, revealed the ground
to be variable in nature, and including gravelly clay. The substrate varied from one side of the steeple to
the other (the granular material being concentrated to the east, where movement had occurred). The
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structural engineer concluded that differential settlement had taken place due to localised soft spots on
the east side and recommended that a more intrusive site investigation was required to determine the
depth of the competent natural material and to allow a suitable foundation improvement solution to be
implemented, such as underpinning, mini piling/screw piles or ground injection techniques.
It was also concluded that the cracking of new sandstone indents to the steeple was likely caused by ongoing
movement but also by the relative thinness of the stone used at the time of the previous restoration.  A
short length of underground drainpipe that was defective was replaced.
REPAIR RECOMMENDATIONS 
A reinstatement strategy has been developed by the structural engineer, requiring that the remaining steel
rod, the original crosstree, and the stainless-steel rod with its more more recent crosstree all be removed by
coring down from the top, as well as extracting the parts from the underside.  Any remaining holes left after
the removal of internal bolts will be pointed in lime mortar.  To carry out this work, cantilevered scaffolding
will be required once again, assembled from the top balustraded balcony upwards and capable of carrying
a hoist for lifting the lead and plywood on the temporary cap off and down, and lifting the stone courses
back up.
New two-stage crosstrees in stainless-steel will be required and a new stainless-steel rod running the height
of the weathervane will need to be manufactured: this will be approximately 4890mm high above the
top of the capping stone.  The copper components of the weathervane, currently in storage, will require              
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to be individually cleaned and repaired with stainless steel sleeves made to secure them in place in the
correct order. From top to bottom, this will entail careful repairs to the fragile crown and ball; probable re-
manufacture of a short shroud (rivetted in place); cleaning and straightening of the vane (it is not clear if
this is meant to rotate); repairs to three bulbous shrouds (originally stiffened with timber, and one of which
is damaged, having split in the past and then sealed with mastic); cleaning of the cardinal points and re-
manufacture of the bottom shroud, retaining and re-fixing in place the plaque from 1929 and including a
new plaque bearing the date of the repairs. A new stainless-steel baseplate bolted onto the capping stone
will be needed to match the original (now cut into pieces) and a framework will be needed to stiffen the
shroud, which should be rivetted shut. The shroud may have to be re-designed for installation on-site, but
ideally the remaining parts should be assembled and secured to the rod in advance of its re-installation.
Since the crane used to lift the weathervane clear of the steeple was working at full stretch and did not
have to lift the inner rod out, a larger crane will be needed to lift the assembly back in place.
In advance of this work, the upper four courses of 300mm high stone and the capping stone (all numbered
and lettered and stored at ground level), will require to be reinstated using lime mortar and dowelled and
cramped together on a level-by-level basis. Approximately 20% new stone will be required.
Two new high-level oculi - glazed and with curved hardwood frames (approx. 580mm wide x 760mm high)
- will be required to replace the existing that have decayed. These should be bead-glazed rather than fitted
with polycarbonate (with beads on the inside) and offered up from inside. These will need to be decorated in
advance and pointed with a high-performance mastic rather than traditional sand mastic. The existing two
louvred oculi (which are metal) should be refurbished, re-decorated and new mastic pointing applied.
Four new mid-level oculi - glazed and with curved hardwood frames (approx. 800mm wide x 1095mm
high) - will be required to replace the existing that have decayed. These should be bead-glazed rather than
fitted with polycarbonate (with beads on the inside) and offered up from the inside. These will need to be
decorated in advance and pointed with a high-performance mastic rather than traditional sand mastic.
Four new arched-head windows - glazed and with hardwood frames and astragals (approx. 1030mm wide x
2490mm high) - will be required to replace the existing that have decayed: these could possibly be hoisted
up while there is a scaffolding in place, but fitted after it has been dismantled. One of these (on the east)
should open using Simplex fittings for continued access to the higher balustraded balcony. The windows
will need to be decorated in advance (factory-finish) and pointed with a high-performance mastic rather
than traditional sand mastic (for health and safety reasons – re-pointing, should the mastic fail, cannot be
done without localised scaffolding off the balcony).
At the level of the lower balustraded balcony, the louvres to the four faces of the bell stage need refurbishment
(the lowest lengths need replaced) and the timbers should be re-decorated, and the mastic replaced. The
small access door currently operates but needs decoration and new mastic pointing. There are several
iron inclusions in the stonework that will require to be cored out and pointed up. Furthermore, it would
be prudent to allow for an additional 30% re-pointing of joints to the steeple from the lowest balustraded
balcony upwards. The lightning protection will require to be adjusted once the weathervane is in place
and should not be allowed to damage the refurbished copper.
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LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS
Front cover - Weathervane being brought to ground on 18 May 2023, revealing overall height of the
assemblage.
Inside front cover - To avoid on-site cutting of the weathervane a long-reach crane was required.
Page 1 - Aerial view taken in 2022 courtesy of Turkey Red Media.
Page 2 -1880 drawing of the High Church from “Pictorial History of Paisley”; 2023 image before work
commenced.
Page 3 - Aerial view taken in 2022 courtesy of Turkey Red Media.
Page 4 - Tender drawing for dismantling and removal of weathervane (Fiona Sinclair Architect).
Page 5 - Preparatory work to establish previous repairs to weathervane; fragility of copper crown.
Page 6 - Crane at full stretch to lift weathervane free on 18 May 2023; iron rod, probably dating to 1929.
Page 7 - Concrete fill around rod, exposed during dismantling works; settlement at the south-east corner
of the steeple is clearly evident, as are cracks in new indents.
Page 8 - Structural engineering proposals for reinstatement of weathervane (The Structural Partnership).
Page 9 - Rotted astragals are evident to the principal windows; the new Code 8 lead cap to protect the
steeple top.
Page 12 - Getty image of weathervane (location and date unknown); 1929 coppersmith’s details on
shroud; rotted oculi timber.
Page 13 - Masons’ marks on steeple stonework; open joints to steeple, some of which are now re-pointed;
copper crown in-situ (now safely in storage); steeple during works as seen from Paisley Gilmour Street
Stration.
Page 14 - The corrosion of the iron rod was extensive; mason’s mark on steeple capping stone.
Page 15 - In addition to the crane, a hoist was required to lower stone debris to ground level.
Back cover - The church and its steeple is an important landmark on the Paisley skyline.
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fiona sinclair architect
48 Keith Court
Glasgow G11 6QW
0141-357-3553
firemaster27@btconnect.com
with Langmuir + Hay
and The Structural Partnership
August 2024
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