A CAMPAIGNING councillor is calling for major investment to preserve a Renfrewshire landmark.


Labour man Derek Bibby has urged Renfrewshire Council to set aside cash to refurbish Steeple Hall, in Kilbarchan, as part of plans to introduce a Village Investment Fund.


When council chiefs set out their budget earlier this year, they included a £370,000 fund specifically for improvements in Renfrewshire’s villages.


And Councillor Bibby, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, believes earmarking a chunk of that fund for Steeple Hall would be a sign of commitment to Renfrewshire’s heritage.


He said: “The Steeple Hall requires refurbishment, including paring of downpipes and replacement of guttering. Constituents have raised this issue.


“The council claims it has no money to undertake the work, yet it has a Village Investment Fund of £370,000 to spend.


“I am urging the council to use some of this fund for a programme of work on Steeple Hall, which is one of the best-known buildings in Renfrewshire.

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“It needs refurbishment and the fund presents an ideal opportunity for the council’s administration to demonstrate it is serious about Renfrewshire’s heritage.”


Steeple Hall, thought to have been built around 1755, is well-known for its statue of legendary village piper Habbie Simpson.


The original statue was carved in wood by Archibald Robertson but later replaced by the current statue, which is made of bronze.

The Gazette:

Archibald Sandground as Habbie Simpson during Lilias Day 


During Kilbarchan’s annual Lilias Day celebrations, it is customary for the piper to dress up as Habbie Simpson


Despite its name and appearance, Steeple Hall has never been used as a church. It was originally built as a combined school and market.


A report setting out the key objectives of the Villages Investment Fund is due to be considered by councillors later this year.


A council spokesman said: “The preservation of Renfrewshire’s history and heritage is a key priority for the council and we want to celebrate the historic backstory of our towns and villages.

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“Councillors are due to consider a report later this year which will set out the key objectives and application process of the £1.87million Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund.


“A total of £370,000 has been allocated specifically for the Villages Investment Fund to take forward projects that strengthen the identity, heritage, uniqueness and integrity of village life.


“We will work with communities so they can ensure the funding is targeted to the places where they believe it can have the most impact and greatest benefit.


“When the fund launches, we will be happy to provide support and advice to local residents as to how they can access this funding within their community.”