The Project

The project is to clean, overhaul and renovate the organ. After nearly 40 years of constant use, the pipework is very dirty and this has considerably affected the speech of the flute and reed stops. The performance of the actions is inadequate due to the normal process of ageing. The present wind system has deteriorated to the extent that it now constitutes a major defect which is unsatisfactory, troublesome and costly to maintain.

During the 1968 rebuild the Pedal Bombarde 16 ft stop was voiced to allow for the later addition of the12 notes of a 32ft bottom octave. The addition of this 32 ft Pedal Contre Bombarde, together with the installation of a traditional wind system will complete the specification as conceived by Ralph Downes.

It is hoped to start this major work of overhaul and renovation in July, 2008 and finish in June,2009. The restoration of the organ will be a significant event for the musical life of Scotland and for Britain's organ heritage as a whole. On completion, the organ will be restored to its former glory and will give a very long period of distinguished and reliable service to Paisley Abbey and the wider community.