Stagecoach founder to help pay for church roof

ANN Gloag, co-founder of Stagecoach and Scotland’s wealthiest woman, is to help pay for roof repairs at the church she attends when staying at her Highland castle.

Mrs Gloag has said she will match pound-for-pound the cash raised for the appeal for Kiltarlity Church in Inverness-shire.

The 19th-century building is the place of worship for Mrs Gloag and her husband David McLeary, and other family members, when they are staying nearby at their home, Beaufort Castle.

The church faces a substantial repair bill, with a £50,000 price tag for its Raise the Roof Appeal.

Mrs Gloag’s support, combined with a grant from the Church of Scotland General Trustees, means the congregation has a £20,000 target. Members are selling individual roof slates, with ownership certificates, for £3.

Mrs Gloag has also donated a week’s stay in a cottage on the Beaufort Estate as one of the lots for a silent auction.

David Garvie, the church’s session clark, described Mrs Gloag’s offer as “very generous”.

He said: “Ann Gloag and her family have always been very supportive of the church and what we do, both with their time and finance. They come to church every Sunday when they are at Beaufort Castle.”

Her pledge to the Raise the Roof Appeal is not the first time the tycoon has helped her local church, In 2009 she offered the use of Beaufort Castle for a summer holiday club, run by church volunteers, for primary school children.

The week-long programme featured a medieval castle theme and activities included music, drama and crafts.

The church appeal is now approaching the half-way stage of their new target as a result of the widespread community support and imaginative fundraisers.