The history and heritage of the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh is being carefully recorded as the site moves through the sale process.
Around 20 volunteers were at St Margaret’s Chapel this week as part of the Research in Action on Church Heritage (REACH) project, a collaboration between the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Scotland’s Churches Trust.
The team photographed and measured moveable items in the historic chapel and recorded descriptions and information about their history.
DJ Johnston-Smith, Director of Scotland’s Churches Trust, said: “We’re here to document the beautiful interior of St Margaret’s Chapel.
“We’re taking photographs, measurements, and writing down descriptions of items, any history that’s known, and an account of what each item is.
“All of that will be put into an archive, a document, so that future generations will always know what was in this space.”
Helen Spencer, Head of Research at the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said Gillis is one of ten case studies being examined by the REACH project.
“We want to make sure that the heritage is recorded, that we have the data available, and that items that may be of national or local significance go to a more certain future.”
The project is not only concerned with buildings and their contents. Researchers will also explore the people’s history of Gillis, gathering memories and oral histories from those who have studied, worked, worshipped, attended events or otherwise spent time there over the years.
This will help record the social, cultural and community significance of a site which has played an important part in Catholic life for generations.
The Archdiocese announced in April that the Gillis Centre complex would be placed on the market following a review of its buildings, maintenance requirements and future needs. In September, the Archdiocese confirmed that the site had formally been placed on the market.
The Gillis Centre remains open and continues to operate as normal while the sale process is ongoing.
Further updates will be provided as the process progresses.
