Coldingham Priory

Descended from a monastic foundation of 643AD, one of the oldest in Scotland and the oldest still in use as a parish church, Coldingham Priory was refounded around 1100 and the ruined remains date from the early thirteenth century. The nave of the abbey church originally stretched nearly 40m across the churchyard, and the crossing tower and spire are said to have reached 90 feet (30m). Having been converted into a fortress in the Border wars of the sixteenth century, little now remains above ground, making the fine medieval architectural detail which survives in the choir, now used as the parish church, and the early cloisters and transept arch, all the more precious and evocative.

Our condition report and feasibility study included archival historic research into the history and development of the priory, a condition report and conservation strategy, and detailed budget costs for a range of repairs, as well as proposals for improving presentation and enhancing the tourist potential of the site by forming a new visitor centre. As a result, grant support was obtained for conservation works so that the monument can continue to be enjoyed by visitors and parishioners alike.