Golden restoration for Linlithgow church crown of thorns spire

Mr Lightbody said: “It is an unashamedly modern work of art atop an important medieval building inspired by Christ’s crown of thorns.

“It was hugely controversial at the time. It had more detractors than supporters.”

He said even the general trustees of the Church of Scotland refused to accept it as they believed it was too modern for the old church.

But the former architect added: “Rev Dr Steele believed the modernity was important to see for the church and its relevance to modern society.”

Work on the spire began in September last year after a fundraising campaign.

Grant funding of £170,000 was added to the £220,000 raised by those in the town.

Initial inspection works revealed the interior structure, which is made from timber, had rotted due to water ingress and was at risk of collapse.

Mr Lightbody said the project was made “complex” by a combination of the spire’s height and adverse weather conditions.

It meant contractors were forced to find innovative solutions to keep the repairs on track.

He said: “When we looked at it, we realised if we didn’t fix it, it was going to collapse. We were building it through the worst of the winter.

“The timber repair contractor, his resins wouldn’t cure in any less than 5C (41F), so he invented all sorts of clever ways to keep it warm.

“The cladding contractor was unable to work in heavy rain, high winds and we had winds of over 90mph at one stage. It was a very intricate job.”