Every week, Andrew Stevenson plays a repertoire of organ music in one of Inverness’s most historic buildings. Although there is no audience for these performances, his efforts are crucial in preserving a piece of the city’s heritage.
Andrew’s regular organ playing helps maintain the famous Victorian-era pipe organ at the Old High Church, even as the church’s future hangs in the balance.
The Old High Church, which holds the distinction of being Inverness’s oldest church, held its final service in 2022. The Church of Scotland put the building on the market the following year with an asking price of over £150,000.
A potential buyer made an offer for the Church Street property, but the deal eventually fell through. The church has been re-listed, and hopes are rising for a community-led buyout, potentially giving the church a new purpose that would preserve the organ.
The organ, installed in 1892, was crafted by the renowned organ maker Henry Willis. It underwent a £200,000 restoration two decades ago, funded by the congregation, the Inverness Common Good Fund, and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Andrew became the organ’s custodian in 2014 after the retirement of long-serving organist Rena Beaton, continuing in the role until Robin Versteeg was appointed in 2016. Even when the church was temporarily closed during the Covid pandemic, Andrew continued to care for the organ.
He explained, “Organs need to be played regularly, or they can develop problems. I’ve kept it going even after the church closed for good. I check the humidity, which can be an issue in a building that isn’t heated much. Keeping the organ in use is crucial—it’s one of the building’s most valuable assets.”
The organ is integrated into the fabric of the Old High Church, and relocating it would likely require permission from both Highland Council and Historic Environment Scotland. Andrew emphasized, “It was designed for that specific building. It would be incredibly disappointing if it had to be moved—it’s a key part of Inverness’s heritage.”
As a condition of the grants used for the organ’s restoration, the instrument was to be used for the benefit of the community. The church hosted regular organ recitals, drawing musicians from Scotland and beyond. It’s hoped such events could be held again in the future.
A previous bid for the Old High Church included plans for it to be a venue for performances, exhibitions, and community activities. That idea is being revisited after a public meeting was held following the collapse of the church sale.
There are suggestions that the church could also become part of a pilgrimage route linked to St. Columba, who is said to have brought Christianity to the Highlands in 565 AD. The church, located on St. Michael’s Mount, is already part of a historic trail that includes Inverness Castle, the Town House, the Steeple, and Abertarff House. Additionally, it is popular with fans of the Outlander books and TV series, as prisoners from the Battle of Culloden were held in the church.
Andrew hopes that the organ will continue to be used for civic occasions at its current location. “It’s a waiting game,” he said. “But I want to ensure the building serves multiple purposes, with the organ as part of a broader mix of music, art, and history.”
He envisions the organ being used in a similar way to the pipe organ in the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow, where it’s played regularly. “We could offer something like that here, either informally for visitors or as part of events. When the organ is played, it really brings the building to life.”
While the organ is of great financial value, Andrew believes its true worth lies in what it could offer to the community and visitors alike.
Related Topics
- John Fogerty Shows His Dedication to Practice: ‘John Still Practices Every Day’
- San Antonio Organist La Faye Duren Keeps Musical Legacy Alive at Historic Second Baptist Church
- Steve Lukather Clears Up His Role in the New Project to Unearth Eddie Van Halen’s Unheard Recordings
