General Committee Update

Rieger Organ Refurbishment

The most significant project that has taken place in the past three months is the refurbishment of the Rieger Organ

I am pleased to report that the overhaul works to the organ have been completed and the wonderful instrument was heard again in all its glory at the 9.30 service on Sunday 30th March 2025. This cumulated on the major works that had taken place over the past seven weeks by the team from the builder Rieger-Orgelbau led by Michael Fritsch

I had the privilege to observe the works taking place by the team of five experienced technicians, both male and female, who carefully dismantled and removed nearly each and every one of the over 4,100 pipes for cleaning and repair before the pipes were reinstalled and retuned. The works also included a full cleaning of the internal elements of the organ together with the re-leathering of the wind chests and blower systems The keyboards and foot pedal board were completely dismantled and each of the keys were re-felted and repaired to ensure that the player action was returned to as-new. The manual action for which this instrument is renowned was inspected, cleaned and repaired as necessary Maintenance works also included the upgrading of the electrical system to ensure it now complied with current standards and that any risks were removed. The bench seat that had been well used by the organists over the past 33 years was removed, was sanded and resealed to as-new

The major scaffolding structure that was constructed to allow full access into the instrument and that also enabled the façade pipes to be removed and cleaned was dismantled and the access around the organ has been returned to normal

Over the past two weeks the organ builders have tuned and revoiced the ranks of pipes to ensure that the sound returned to its excellent best and that the instrument was ready to be played for services and recitals for years to come

Jack Oades, our Master of the Music, was heavily involved in the refurbishment process and worked closely with the team from Rieger I am also pleased to report that Michael Harris, our recently retired Master of the Music, also visited to see the works progressing and had the opportunity to play the refurbished organ following the completion of the works

The temporary electronic organ that has served worship so very well will be removed in the coming week and the seating at the West end returned to normal.

I am also pleased to report that the family of the late Alastair Salvesen, who funded the design, building and commissioning of the original instrument, and have also generously donated funds for the refurbishment, visited and were able to observe the works in progress and were delighted to see the results. The instrument will be fully prepared for a memorial service for Alastair that will take place in the Cathedral later in May 2025

I was glad to be present on Sunday 30th March and to hear the refurbished organ in full voice and to have the opportunity to hear the choir accompanied by both organs performing the Kyrie Eleison from Messe Solenelle by Louis Vierne, a wonderful occasion that can be viewed on line through the YouTube channel on the Cathedral Websitehttps://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/30032025-0930-1

Other Works

Planning will progress for a schedule of works to the Cathedral bells that are now requiring major maintenance. You may be aware that the hour bell is no longer operational and that the quarter bells are only striking at present This is due to a broken spring on the mechanism that strikes the hour bell and works to replace this will progress in the coming weeks

Maintenance works continue ahead of improvements to the West Porch doors and the replacement of the entrance matting.

Works to repair to the floor in the Moray Aisle have been confirmed and it is hoped these will take place prior to Easter. Works to replace broken and damaged limestone paving especially at the South entrance will follow after Easter

We are planning additional works to the fire alarm and security systems that are hoped to take place in the coming months.

I am also pleased to report that a programme of maintenance works are now progressing in the Manse ahead of the induction of our new Minister of St Giles’, Rev Scott Rennie, on 29th April

The General Committee also continues to instruct and carry out a programme of maintenance and inspection works on the external fabric to ensure that the Cathedral building remains in a safe and operational condition.

I continue to be indebted to colleagues on the General Committee, Professional Advisors, Beadles, Staff, Contractors, Suppliers and to the many others that provide their, support, time and expertise to maintain St Giles’ Cathedral and to present it so well for worship and to the many visitors that are welcomed throughout the year.

John MAndrew General Committee Convenor