Church inspires pedal power pals
THE revival of a church at the heart of a Wester Ross community for hundreds of years and saved from an uncertain fate by a determined local campaign has inspired a pair of pals to employ pedal power for a challenge far away from its tranquil setting.
Celia Charity and Sara Callaghan, friends and neighbours near Clachan at Lochbroom, will saddle up for a sponsored cycle linking Glasgow and Edinburgh at the weekend – inspired by the antics of another plucky 94-year-old local who hit the headlines with his own fundraising effort at an one of Scotland’s most iconic crossings.
Celia and Sara, who both have grown-up families, decided to take on the 45-mile challenge a Cycle Scotland event starting out from Glasgow Green after the effort of another Burma war veteran Donnie Mackenzie who hauled in more than £2500 for the church with a walk across the Forth Road Bridge.
Clachan Church, believed to have been a site of worship for around 1000 years, has witnessed some of the defining moments of history and been at the centre of many key local events down the centuries. When the kirk on the shores of Lochbroom was put up for sale by the Church of Scotland back in 2016, it’s future looked uncertain.
A determined local fundraising drive saw it eventually taken into community ownership by locals who see it as a key hub in the beautiful, remote area.
Celia said: "We saw how well Donnie Mackenzie’s fundraiser for Clachan did and the huge boost it gave everyone involved. Sara and I thought we would enjoy getting fitter, seeing more of our country, and help Clachan at the same time. Since our local Trust became owners on June 22 we straightaway saw the difference it has made to our community. It has become a community focus right from the start.
"With the doors open more often we know there’s someone there and stop for a chat. For those of us living on the no-through road on the west shore of Loch Broom, we pass Clachan every time we go anywhere so it is ideal."
"When Clachan opened during the Lochbroom Sheepdog Trials, the trust displayed some local produce, from handloom weaving, cards, honey, handmade books and paintings, to show the range of economic activity in Lochbroom. That is the tip of the iceberg. There’s only a small population but there’s a huge number of people producing high-quality goods – having their work displayed in a public building helps everybody.
"Sara and I are confident that Clachan will be an asset to the Lochbroom community for many years to come so we are asking for sponsorship. This can be done at the New Broom hub in Ullapool and by emailing me at celiajcharity@me.com. Thank you."
Kenneth Macleod, an interim trustee of Clachan Lochbroom Heritage Trust, said: "I have seen the benefit that grows from rescuing a building, improving it and making it available for wider purposes. Of course Clachan continues for the usual church occasions – we want everyone to know that! – whilst extending its usefulness for other appropriate purposes."
