Lochgilphead Parish Church congregation's efforts to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Church Hall received a huge boost this week with the announcement that Argyll & Islands LEADER had awarded the project a grant of £148, 960 towards the cost of Phase 1, which involves the repair of the fabric of the building, the provision of new kitchen and toilet facilities, new lighting and heating installations and access for the disabled.

The grant comes with the condition that the congregation must find match funding within the next two months. £80,000 has already been raised since the funding appeal was launched two years ago and decisions are awaited from other funding organisations.

The Minister, Rev Hilda Smith said "this is great news not just for the church but for the whole community, which has supported us so well in our fundraising efforts. We are confident that we will be able to find the balance to enable this much needed project to proceed".