A major part of the 150th Anniversary programme was the installation of a dais (platform) at the front of the chancel over the summer of 2024. This project tied in with 150th Anniversary Aims 1, 2, 3, and 5, as set out by the Vestry at the inception of the project period (see here for full details of the Aims).
The dais enabled us to install a nave altar, which has brought the worship closer to the congregation, rather than using the high altar at the easternmost point of the chancel.
The other crucial benefit of the dais is that we can open the church up to much more varied community usage. Since November 2024 we have been able to host a variety of external events, including "an audience with..." events and concerts.
Below is a visual record of the project from start to finish.
The front pews came out with surprising speed.
The cross timbers to go under the flooring are cut to fit across the Victorian joists. Each plank has unique cut-outs to ensure a level finish to the floor.
Old treasures found under the floor! Pages from the Edinburgh Evening News and The Scotsman, dated Tuesday December 11 1877.
The underflooring is complete and the top flooring has arrived on site.
The finishing touches are being applied to the flooring in the nave.
On Friday the first timbers were laid for the dais frame. Today, the contractors are levelling up the woodwork; our floor is surprisingly uneven!
More timber is being added to bring the dais level with the chancel. In the photos on the top row, you can see the strengthening crossbeams where the restored font will be installed.
Much of the old timber that we could not reuse ourselves within this project or in the near future was collected by Move On Wood Recycling, a local social enterprise in Granton aimed at reducing landfill, promoting upskilling, and creating beautiful new pieces from reclaimed wood.
The cables for the sockets and the conduits for the sound points have been installed by the electrician. Danny and his team have started fitting the flooring to the dais frame.
Restoration works on the font have begun today. The piece on the trolley in the first photo weighs around 350kg; this carving-grade limestone (which contains fewer shell inclusions) weighs 1 tonne per cubic metre. Please see our Font Restoration page for the full journey.
The flooring on the dais is looking superb. The finishings, such as facing and socket front are next to go on.
Contrasting light and dark woods have been used for the edging.
We need time for the dust to settle and the cleaning to be completed, but the church will be open for the first service with the new dais on Sunday 4th August!
