Athole was impressed with the converted city centre church after getting a tour.  

He decided it was the perfect place for the custom-built chess set created by old school chum and local mechanic Don Johnston.  

“Don is a skilled mechanic and accustomed to working with vintage cars at Hilton Classics,” explained Athole.  

“The idea came from a ‘Top Gear’ programme which featured a coffee table made from old car parts.  

“I asked Don if he could create a chess set for the family that would catch the eye and be a little different from the usual board.  

“It entailed a lot of patience and man hours, but he has created a fabulous work of art.  

“The base was originally a grimy old engine from a Porsche 911 which had to be stripped down and sent away to be dipped. It is immaculate now.  

“Don and I worked on various design ideas for the individual pieces and each of them are made from engine parts.  

“The glass tabletop features Porsche logos and was specially manufactured by Spectraglass in Perth.  

“The pieces can be stored away by sliding back the tabletop and a discreet battery powers the lighting.”  

With the family growing up and not showing any ambition to become chess masters, Athole sounded out the YMCA after getting a tour of the £6.9 million project.  

“I was blown away when I saw what had been done with the old C-Listed church,” he said.  

“Like many people, I hadn’t thought much about what was going on behind the scaffolding that seemed to be up for an eternity.  

“But not only has a crumbling building been restored but an amazing facility for hundreds of local kids from all kinds of backgrounds has been created. It was a real eye opener.  

“There’s a real buzz about the place and there are meeting rooms local businesses should be making use of. There are plans for an outdoor area and flats which deserve support.”  

Franny McGrath, head of development at the three-floor Perth Y hub, was thrilled to accept the donation.  

He said: “It is a fantastic gesture from Athole and now this amazing chess table is a great centrepiece for our games area.  

“Young people across the age spectrum can relax here, mingle, grab something to eat and share a wide range of games, including pool, table football, PlayStation, Switch and old arcade machines and traditional board games.  

“YMCA welcomes secondary school age young people from all backgrounds to our evening drop-ins, including some Ukrainian young people forced to flee the war.  

“The beauty of chess is that it is international, and language is no barrier when it comes to playing, as Athole discovered when he took on Danylo Plakhotnikov.  

“The fact that the table and the pieces are so eye-catching means that we will have even more young people showing an interest.  

“The Drop In Space is the heart of the development which attracted support from The Gannochy Trust and many other organisations.  

“Young people, staff and our team of volunteers had to be patient, but the Y has already proved its value to Perth and Kinross since opening in May as a unique social space, training hub and meeting centre.”