‘We are running on empty financially’: Church struggling to keep Dornoch Cathedral open
Managers of one of Sutherland’s most historic and important church buildings are struggling to keep it afloat financially, it has been stated.
Dornoch Cathedral, which dates back to the year 1224 and is visited by thousands of people a year, is in a dire financial position and would be closed if it was not a place of worship, it is claimed.
A Gift Day is being held at the cathedral today - Friday, May 31 - to raise some much needed funds.
The depth of the financial crisis facing the grade A listed church was revealed in a post on the Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland page on Wednesday.
It bluntly stated: “We are in the sad position of running on empty financially.”
According to the post, it costs costs £394 per day to keep the cathedral open but the regular income is £247 a day. A shortfall of just over £53,000 is expected for 2024.
The post reads: “Does that (the financial position) threaten the future of the Cathedral? As a Church community no, it doesn’t, we have another building that we can use.
“Does it threaten the community as a building, as a community resource, as a visitor attraction, as a concert venue? Yes, it most certainly does.
“As you will know we have been without a permanent minister for some years now. We are now in a position to advertise for a permanent full-time minister - except that the permission to do this is threatened by our financial position.
“Even if permission to advertise is upheld, it would be a rare minister who would apply to a church in such a poor financial position.
“Our fundraising committee is working hard to narrow this gap, but we need your help.”
Today’s fundraising day runs from 10.30am to 4pm and there will be “tea, coffee, cakes and fellowship”.
Contributions to the cathedral can also be made online - visit the Facebook page for bank details.
The post continues: “If a financial contribution isn’t possible, please consider helping us fundraise with either ideas, practical help or moral support - come along for a tea or coffee anyway. You will be most welcome.”
The cathedral celebrated its 800th anniversary earlier this year.
