Funds keep Lockerbie memorial church doors open

Water got into the building at Tundergarth over the winter

Investment has been secured to help safeguard the future of a church that houses a memorial to the victims of the Lockerbie bombing.

The money will be used to carry out vital repairs to Tundergarth Church.

The Tundergarth Kirks Trust has secured grant support from the Annandale and Nithsdale community benefit fund and the Pan Am 103 Lockerbie Legacy Foundation.

The nose cone of the Boeing 747 was found in a field across the road from the church following the 1988 disaster in which 270 people died.

A memorial room at the church remembers the victims of the Lockerbie bombing

The trust has been awarded £40,000 from the two organisations towards the work.

Lori Carnochan, who chairs the group, said: "Unfortunately we did suffer a lot of water intrusion over the winter months and it has left us with an awful large bill to pay for roof repairs and internal and external repointing.

"We're incredibly grateful to both of these funders for their generous donations which will allow us to keep the doors open.

"We are really excited for work to finally begin - hopefully in the next few weeks when the temperatures rise and the weather continues to improve."

She said the trust did not anticipate having to close the church during the work which meant it could remain open for worshippers and those wishing to visit the memorial room.