Community / Organ recital planned as part of Yell kirk repair fundraising
AN ORGAN recital will take place in a kirk in Yell as part of a fundraising drive for building repair and maintenance which could cost more than £50,000.
Organist and pianist Mark Spalding, who is visiting Shetland for a number of performances this week, will perform at the St Magnus Kirk in Hamnavoe, South Yell on Saturday (21 June).
The kirk building was one of many sold off by the Church of Scotland in recent years, and in 2022 it was bought by the community.
Built in 1838, the building is no longer a church but continues to host weddings and funerals and now serves as a flexible venue for concerts and other community events.
But there is a “pressing” need for repairs, particularly to its roof – with the community group facing a bill of more than £50,000.
Many slates need to be repinned or replaced, and the sarking boards beneath require renewal.
Discussions are also said to be underway about the possibility of adding discreet solar panels during the maintenance process.
In 2024 the kirk received – by donation – a new organ of recital standard, which has been described as an “important step in its ongoing transformation into a vibrant community and cultural venue”.
Spalding will give the instrument its inaugural recital on Saturday at 6pm as a fundraiser to support the roof repairs.
Based in rural Angus, the musician was formerly an organ scholar at St Andrews University.
Spalding is a regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe, and he is also known for his performances of piano works for the left hand – a specialism he embraced following an injury in 2021.
His recent concerts have included music by Scriabin, Reger, Bach and Brahms, and he continues to perform throughout Scotland.
Spalding will also be performing a piano recital at Mareel on Thursday lunchtime, while he is also scheduled to play the organ at the St Columba’s Church in Lerwick later that evening.
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