Once in a lifetime the chance arises to make a significant difference to our surroundings and to our community. That moment has arrived as St. Andrew's , the oldest and most venerable Catholic Church in Scotland is redeveloped.

One improvement planned is a new cloister, a traditional feature for a Cathedral, offering it "breathing space" - a gathering area, exhibition and café space, meeting areas etc.

Over the years the Italian community has both benefited greatly and contributed greatly to the life of Scotland. The memorial garden in Italianate style will mark that contribution. The garden will be open to all and will benefit all, but will have a distinctive Italian atmosphere... a little corner of Italy in the heart of the "dear green place".

The Cloister Garden will be a place to remember those of our loved ones who have died. It will also provide a focus for a forgotten tragedy which has never been appropiately marked...

On the morning of the 2nd July, 1940, off the coast of Ireland, the transatlantic liner, the Arandora Star was torpedoed and sank. Aboard were hundreds of Italian Civilians living in the UK who had been arrested and interned after Italy's entry into the war. In the sinking, more than 700 men perished, Brits, Germans and 446 Italian civilians.

The new Cloister Garden will be the first permanent memorial to the victims.

Early in the new year it is expected that details will be announced of the level of grant-funding from the statutory authorities. 

Work is already underway to prepare the Piazza area around the Cathedral and garden. 

Fund raising is now essential. In a message to Italian Associations across Scotland, Archbishop Conti said:

“Already I have invited and received individual donations and support, while funding applications are presently lodged

with Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund. In addition I have been to Italy to seek support from some of the institutions there.

“My thought now is to ask you, the various Italian Associations in Scotland to consider how, as a group you might assist the

effort to create this special monument and garden.  Could I ask that you consider at a forthcoming meeting whether you might

be able to arrange some fundraising activity? Perhaps a dance or a raffle, a sponsored event or a sporting event, whatever you

feel would be most appropriate to help raise funds for the project?

“I am asking each of the Associations in Scotland to play a part in making our dream a reality.

Please consider how you might assist in this effort.”

More information is available from Cav. Ronnie Convery,  on 0141 226 5898 or Ronnie.convery@rcag.org.uk