The Appeal has reached out to many local members of the community including local businessman and the Provost among others. Here are some of their personal messages about the importance of this campaign.

SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY

“I am extremely privileged to be Patron of this Restoration Appeal, as the Father Henry Willis organ at the Old High Church is the work of a master craftsman and thus a historic asset to the city and wider Highlands.”

“As an Invernessian, I appreciate the Old High’s heritage as the ‘town church’. I believe it would be a severe blow should this ancient organ be unable to play the tunes and hymns for which it was so skilfully designed.”

“As patron, I urge individuals and businesses to consider contributing to this deserving cause – to revive the majesty of this historic organ as a cultural benefit to our area.”

David Sutherland, CBE

THE CITY CENTRE CHURCH

“The Old High Church has been a central feature in the history of Inverness and now, with City status, it is right that this Church is recognised for that. The restoration of this important Victorian organ will rightfully raise its profile as being historically significant and encourage those with an interest in music and history to the centre of the Old City.”

Provost of Inverness, Jimmy Gray.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC

“The Old High Church has a reputation for choral and sacred music of very high quality and the Willis organ plays an essential part in this at Christmas, Easter, weddings, choral concerts, and special events like the Kirking of the Council and major organisational parades. The choir of around 17 lead the weekly congregational worship and sing contemporary and classical anthems and musical pieces with other church choirs and combine to participate in ecumenical services. The Fauré Requiem and Stainer’s  Crucifixion are two of the many items performed in the past.”

Rena Beaton, Old High Organist and Choir Director.

CHURCH INTEREST

“It is a pleasure to send my best wishes for this exciting endeavour to enhance the diverse musical heritage of the Highland Capital. The pipe organ within the Old High Church building in the heart of Inverness is of great historical significance and interest and I commend this appeal to the generosity of all.”

Sheila Robertson, BMus Hons, LTCL, LRSM,
Organist at St. Peter’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Edinburgh.

ARTISTIC ASSET OF THE COMMUNITY

“I am very glad that the decision has been taken to restore this fine historic instrument for the benefit both of church and community. With the city’s new and well deserved higher profile, and the desire to continue to develop its artistic life, the organ in the Old High building will be a considerable asset. Not only is there a rich organ repertoire, with a scope beyond what church services usually require, but a fine organ can be a thrilling backdrop for a wide variety of choral performances and civic events.”

Rev. Douglas Galbraith, BMus, ARSCM, Secretary, The Music Panel of the Church of Scotland.