And a special fund-raising appeal has now been set up by the kirk to repair and overhaul their 100-year-old instrument.

It has already struck a chord with church-goers, who have raised £3,000 through donations and events.

The kirk are already planning ahead for a major fund-raiser later in the year; a public performance of a large religious choral piece which would draw singers from across the North-east. One possibility is Handel's great musical work, the Messiah.

The kirk are also laying on a garden party in July at a local venue.

The organ has a beautiful tone, which makes it unusual for an instrument of this size, said Banff parish church treasurer, Trevor Leuty.

But each time it is played, the deterioration adds another £50 to the cost of repair.

If it is not tackled, the whole organ could be damaged beyond repair, and have to be replaced by an electric keyboard.

Mr Leuty continued: "Its last major overhaul was in 1987, and it needs one every 25 years or so."

The instrument has been regularly maintained over the years and is in generally good order, but the firm who maintain the instrument, Harrison and Harrison, report that the pedal mechanism, action springs and leather valves are deteriorating and the time has come for renewal.

The organ has 22 speaking stops and over 1,200 pipes. Each of these has a leather valve to admit air to the pipe, and make it sound.

Banff Parish Church organist, Stephen Pratt (right) and church treasurer Trevor Leuty.

Water gets onto the leather valves, and has also damaged some of the electric relays.

As a result, and although listeners may not be aware, a number of the bass pipes no longer work.

The organ was built in the late 19th century by one of the many specialist firms of the time, Conacher from Yorkshire. It was originally installed in the east gallery of St Mary's.

It was moved to its present position in the north chancel in 1928.

At present day values the cost of replacing the organ would be close on £300,000.

Annual income at Banff Parish Church does not meet expenditure, so a separate fund has had to be set up for the organ.

The campaign is expected to take around three to four years to reach its target.

A recent Presbytery visitation reported that the church and hall are in excellent condition, and disabled toilets have been installed.

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