A church which was instrumental in the formation of a Scottish football club is to receive a share of £1 million to help safeguard its future.

Hibernian Football Club’s roots trace back to St Patrick’s Church in Edinburgh, where Parish Priest Canon Edward Joseph Hannan founded the club in 1875 to provide positive guidance and activities for the local Irish Catholic youth.

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Originally built in 1771 as an Episcopalian Church, the church, located in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh, was then sold to the Presbyterian Relief Church in 1818, before being bought by the Catholic Church in 1856.

As well as its connection to Hibernian, the church also has a shrine and museum of former parishioner, the venerable Margaret Sinclair, which attracts visitors and pilgrims from across the world.

The category B Listed building remains a busy parish church and a highly significant building in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

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However, according to the National Churches Trust, water is starting to penetrate the roof of the church, putting its ‘priceless heritage’ at risk.

Now the church is to share in a £1 million pound urgent pay out from the Trust, designed to keep UK churches open and in use.

On the recommendation of the Trust, St Patrick’s Church will receive a £37,500 grant from the Pilgrim Trust.

The Trust say that the repairs will mean that the church can remain fully open as a community hub as well as a place of worship, while important heritage projects at the church can also continue – including the restoration of the Runciman murals by Edinburgh artist Alexander Runciman.

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Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support Edinburgh St Patrick to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”

Anne-Marie O’Hara, Scotland Support Officer at the National Churches Trust, said: “Edinburgh St Patrick is not just an important local church, but one of national significance. Once the repairs have taken place, the church will be an even more welcoming space for the community to enjoy. We look forward to continuing to support St Patrick’s – and other churches, chapels and meeting houses and cathedrals across Scotland – to help keep them open and in good repair, now and in the future.”

Fr Gerard Hatton, Parish Priest at St Patrick’s, said:  “Here at St Patrick’s we are deeply grateful for this vital support from the Pilgrim Trust and the National Churches Trust. The grant will help us repair the Memorial Room and the foundational East Wall.

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“The Church is not only a sacred space but also home to the tomb of Venerable Margaret Sinclair and is visited by pilgrims across the world. These much-needed structural repairs will help us secure the fabric of the building, preserve its rich history and can ensure as good custodians that our parishioners, pilgrims, and visitors from near and far continue to have a place of refuge, contemplation and solace for generations to come.”