Arts hub plan hits grave issue

Reverend was laid to rest behind pulpit

- By Mike Merritt

Renovation... Iwan and Manuela

PLANS to build an arts centre at the church where Queen Elizabeth II once prayed have literally hit a grave problem.

Experts fear that the proposals for Braemar Kirk in Aberdeenshire could disturb the remains of a minister buried there. Owners of the Fife Arms Hotel - where Queen Camilla recently attended the Braemar Literary Festival - want to breathe new life into the church.

Iwan and Manuela Wirth, owners of hospitality firm Artfarm, bought Braemar Parish Church last November after it was sold off due to dwindling congregations. The kirk has been a feature of the village for 155 years, its spire a prominent landmark.

Also known as the West Kirk, it is near the Fife Arms - making it an ideal spot for the hotel's wealthy guests to visit.