Lockerbie Memorial restoration saved as BLW and Aviva step in

The project, developed in partnership with the Pan AM 103 Lockerbie Legacy Foundation, safeguards one of Lockerbie’s most important heritage sites and supported its transformation into a centre for remembrance.

Before BLW’s involvement, the property had no insurance and faced the risk of permanent loss due to structural deterioration.

Working with Aviva’s Glasgow team, CEO of BLW Insurance Brett Sainty said his business created a tailored insurance programme protecting the building, artefacts and future operations.

The Lockerbie Memorial Church Museum is far more than a building ... it represents remembrance, resilience and humanity.

Brett Sainty, BLW Insurance

“This was far from a straightforward placement,” Sainty said. “It required technical precision, collaboration across multiple stakeholders, and an understanding of the immense emotional and historical importance of the site.

“We are proud to have played a role in safeguarding a building that holds such deep meaning for Lockerbie and for families around the world affected by Pan Am Flight 103.”

Landmark

The current structure, designed by architect Frank C Carruthers in 1896, recognised as a historical landmark.

On 21 December 1988, a bomb exploded in Pan Am 103’s cargo hold as it flew above the small Dumfries and Galloway town.

All 259 passengers and crew on board were killed, along with 11 people in Lockerbie who died when the plane fell on their homes. It remains the deadliest terror attack to have taken place on British soil.

The church, pictured, was declared unsafe in 2022, but was rescued through an ambitious community-led project to create a self-sustaining reverential place of pilgrimage, open for the community’s use for commemorative and celebratory services, concerts, cultural events, education and contemplation. 

Christine Devins, senior trading underwriter at Aviva, said BLW’s approach “stood out for its clarity and depth” and praised the broker’s technical accuracy and sensitivity to the site’s significance.

She said: “Brett presented a comprehensive and thoughtful picture of the site, not just its physical characteristics but also the sense of responsibility and stewardship that surrounds it.

“The care and professionalism shown gave us great confidence when underwriting the risk.”

The placement not only enabled restoration to begin but also unlocked further funding for the project.

The new Lockerbie Memorial Church Museum will now be able to host commemorative services, concerts, cultural events and educational programmes.

“BLW delivered our policies in record time and gave us the confidence to move forward,” said Linny Oliphant, UK executive director of the Pan AM 103 Lockerbie Legacy Foundation.

“The Lockerbie Memorial Church Museum is far more than a building,” added Sainty. 

“It represents remembrance, resilience and humanity. We are honoured to have played a part in protecting this historic site and supporting the continuation of Lockerbie’s legacy.”