The Sanctuary, Borgue

14/06/2025

If you look at the top of the tower from the western approach (coming from Sunny Brae / Carrick) you'll see there's a "hole" - the top of the old chimney from the balliol's fireplace. No idea the last time the chimney was used as it's well sealed at the top but it makes a lovely frame.

/Tigger

22/05/2025

When the pews started getting lifted it quickly became apparent they had been nailed to the floor. And why not - they're pews, they weren't about to be shifted any time soon!

Someone who knows more about these things told me that they look to be hand forged (wow!) and, with that many pews (yes, still got some available for sale. £150 per 10 ft pew) there were a LOT of nails.

I'm still finding them on the floor, in crevices and pretty much all over the space. I am collecting them in a jar because they seem too precious to throw away. Which is when it hit me: perhaps there are folk (maybe even you) who'd like a nail or two as a memento / connection to the kirk, especially if you don't have space in your life for a 10ft pew! All funds raised from the sale of the nails would go straight back into the slow-but-moving work being done.

I was thinking £5 for a nail (or a few, if you'd like), with £2 for UK postage if you're not in a position to pop up to the kirk to choose your nail(s).

If you're interested, drop me a DM

/Tigger

13/05/2025

This weather! I was up at the kirk this afternoon giving it a bit of an air and got to see this lovely "flickering" shadow from the trees. Love it. /Tigger

15/04/2025

The light. The wood. The pews. The stories they could tell.

I'll admit there's something a little overwhelming about having QUITE so many pews in my life, but I look forward to them each finding their new homes & purposes, little by little (available for £150 each).

/Tigger

03/04/2025

Now the pews from the main body of the kirk have been lifted and stacked in pairs (the "pair" being the pews that were in line either side of the aisle) it really feels like the space is opening up.

It's also reminding me of how many pews are looking for new homes! Please do mention to your contacts and feel free to share this post - it's always lovely knowing they're going on new adventures (plus the funds raised are generally going straight back into the kirk)

/Tigger

17/03/2025

Somehow, nigh on 2 and a half years in, it feels like I'm "beginning" with the kirk now. So many possibilities, so many questions, so many pews! The next phase really is just beginning... /Tigger

12/03/2025

Sleeping Giants are an outstanding organisation who excel in facilitation, training and group work: these online training courses are well worth a look. /Tigger

12/03/2025

I remain amazed at how many different measurements you can make of a pew - and how many different photos you can have of them, too! Still available at £150 per pew - get in touch if you'd like more info. /Tigger

08/03/2025

Happy International Women's Day!

(The 4Elements Company is "day job" me)

/Tigger

Happy International Women's Day 2025!

To all the incredible women in my life whose sheer existence lifts my heart.

To all the women I don't know directly but are working away in their own unique way to create a world that is diverse, equitable & inclusive.

To everyone who doesn't identify as a woman but actively supports feminism and creating a world that works for EVERYONE.

We've come a long way and that's to be celebrated.

We've a long way to go for everyone, everywhere to live in the world we aspire to.

And the best way to do that is TOGETHER.

Big love!

/Tigger

01/03/2025

And what, pray tell, is this? Glad you asked ;)

I was up on the flat roof yesterday (always new discoveries to be made) and discovered two shards of slate well and truly embedded in the lead. Now, I know lead is a relatively soft metal but still - ooft! And for the slate not to have simply broken up on impact it must have been going at some lick. That storm really had some fun and games!

/Tigger

21/02/2025

Celebrating International Women's Day in style...with a Clothes Swap! Organised by some excellent humans at Laurieston Hall (near Castle Douglas) these afternoons are as much about the socialising as the clothes...but the clothes are very nice too!

06/02/2025

Another piece of really important work being carried out by Sleeping Giants. Do get involved with this important survey if yoou're responsible for recruiting, managing or supporting staff in a business or organisation based in D&G. /Tigger

(Please share) *Tell us your experiences of employing and managing neurodivergent people.*
Are you responsible for recruiting, managing or supporting staff in a business or organisation based in Dumfries and Galloway? Do you have experience of employing neurodivergent members of staff, including autistic people and people with ADHD?

• Fill out the anonymous online survey by 28th Feb here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/fairer-workplaces-employer-survey

• Book onto an online focus groups: www.sleeping-giants.org.uk/focus-groups.html

• Find out how else you can take part here: www.sleeping-giants.org.uk/fairer-workplaces