Remedial works are underway to ensure the future of Old St Kentigern’s Church which stands in what is now Lanark Cemetery in preparation to ’re-launch’ as a major tourist attraction.

St Kentigern’s Church in Lanark, South Lanarkshire has problems with cracks and water seepage. The work is being carried out by Castle Group on behalf of South Lanarkshire council.

The adjoining grade B listed Lockhart of Lee Mausoleum will also be repaired. The work is set to take four to six weeks.

Douglas Ritchie, a retired structural engineer and vice-chairman of the Lanark Community Development Trust, is leading the project.

Mr Ritchie said: “After many years of hard work progressing this project with South Lanarkshire council and Historic Environment Scotland, it’s fantastic to finally see it come to fruition.

“I first became involved around four years ago because the church and mausoleum were at severe risk of collapse and I wanted action to secure the future of these extremely important ‘hidden gems’ of Lanark’s heritage.”