Been offered any scrap copper lately?

The Leng Memorial Chapel sits on the hill near Drumoig, just off the road between the Tay Road Bridge and Leuchars. My eyes are drawn to it each time I pass by.

I visited the Vicarsford Cemetery a couple of days ago, and walked up to the memorial with the gentleman who lives in the lodge. He told me that parts of the copper roof had recently been replaced after thieves had stolen several sections, something which happens with regularity. This was the reason for the scaffolding being there, and it had been due to be dismantled that day. However, the night before, thieves had used it to strike again! Each time this occurs, leaks in the roof seep into the porous limestone interior of the chapel, causing it to stain and crumble. Apparently, the value of scrap copper has doubled in the past year, which doesn't bode well.

I took some photographs this afternoon after I'd dropped off Hamish to play golf at Drumoig. Sadly, the sun wasn't shining as it had done the other day.



The Leng Memorial Chapel was constructed around 1895-97 by Sir John Leng as a memorial to his first wife, Lady Leng.
John Leng was a successful businessman in Publishing in Hull and Dundee. He was editor of the Dundee Advertiser which eventually merged with the Courier.

The Chapel was designed by Dundee architect T. Martin Cappon in a 13th Century French Gothic style with the Sainte-Chappelle, Paris as the main inspiration.

There is an extraordinary light inside the building which is due to the whole interior being lined in cream coloured Caen limestone from Normandy.