And they hope to turn the historic building, which has been at the heart of Falkirk life for centuries, into a real community asset, used for a wide mix of new uses.

To start with, the congregation of Falkirk Old and St Modan's Parish Church needs £500,000 to make the building wind and watertight.

But their eventual aim is to make the town centre church more of a community facility, used not just for Sunday services and the occasional wedding and funeral but for a range of other activities by a variety of groups and people.

The appeal comes just a week after The Falkirk Herald highlighted how the churchyard surrounding the building is used as a drinking den by teenage neds.

A grant for £125,000 from Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund has already been received, along with £25,000 from Falkirk's Common Good Fund, and, although there has been some fundraising, more cash is desperately needed.

Iain MacSween, who as project team leader is overseeing the planned renovations, said a survey of the A-listed building had discovered the roof needed extensive work.

He said: "Although the first phase of work will be to make the roof wind and watertight, we are looking at ways of better utilising the building. It is in the heart of the town and really should be used more than it is at the moment.

"We've already received this money from Historic Scotland and the Lottery, as well as some funding from Falkirk Council and the Church of Scotland, but we still need a lot more.

"We're also looking for the community to give us some ideas how the building can be better used."

Mr MacSween added it was also hoped to improve the churchyard when this work was being carried out.

It contains the graves of Sir John de Graeme and Sir John Stewart of Bonkill who died fighting alongside William Wallace at the first Battle of Falkirk in 1298.

There is also the Bute Memorial erected in 1877 and the Munro and Edmonstone tombs from the Jacobite battle of 1746.

The kirkyard has been labelled "a disgrace" and there have been calls for work to be carried out to upgrade it, as well as keep yobs out.
Mr MacSween said, contrary to what Falkirk Council had previously said, the land was owned by the local authority.

He added: "Falkirk is becoming more of a tourist attraction and we should be doing everything possible to encourage that. The churchyard is in the heart of the town and should be the best gardens in Falkirk.

"Unfortunately, at the moment it is being used as a drinking den by youths and people are afraid to walk through it."

The proposed renovations are currently being considered by Historic
Scotland and, once its approval has been granted, the plans will go out to tender which could allow work to begin in the autumn.