In recent years the people of Polwarth church have removed the pews and renovated the sanctuary to provide a flexible space for worship and for concerts, art shows, etc.  We have also refitted the kitchen and toilets and decorated both the small and large (Drennan) halls.  That completed, we are now engaged on a long-term programme of work to renovate the roofs, stonework, and windows of the church and halls.

Based on a report produced in 2007 by the Edinburgh architects Simpson and Brown, a phased programme of work to a cost of around £1 million was developed.  A successful application was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund, who awarded £87,400 towards the £200,000 cost of the first phase, which has been completed.  This phase has seen the renewing of the flat roof over the office and kitchen next to the large hall, as well as pointing and repair of stonework on the south-east corner of the buildings and overhauling of roofs in that area.  Some windows have also been replaced.

The second phase of the works is now due to start in mid-March.  It mainly comprises repairs to the high-level roofs of the nave and transepts, as well as the stonework and windows along both sides of the church, the tower, and the west end of the building.  The estimated cost is £403,000.  Once again we have been fortunate with the award of a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), £125,000 towards the building work and a further £7,200 towards the cost of professional fees in developing the necessary plans.  In addition a grant of £1,000 has been offered by the Scottish Churches Architectural Heritage Trust.  The contractor who successfully tendered for the work is Laing Traditional Masonry.

Last year an access ramp was completed from the street down to the main hall door to make access easier for the less mobile and for parents with toddlers.   Under their Community Grant Scheme the City of Edinburgh Council awarded a grant of £2,500 towards this work.  A ramp to the vestry door was also constructed, and the path along the building to the main door has been re-laid.