28 May 2010 Last updated at 07:38 ET

Historic church spire damaged by lightning strike

The lightning strike caused extensive damage to the spire of the church

The spire of a historic church in Broughty Ferry has suffered major damage after being struck by lightning.

The incident at St Stephen's and West Parish Church in Dundee Road happened about 1630 BST on Thursday.

Engineers are currently working to ensure the stability of the spire, constructed in the 19th Century.

The strike happened just 30 minutes after a church committee meeting finished. No one was injured.

Roof tiles, timber and masonry were also damaged on the building.

Interim moderator Rev Jim Roy said he had been alerted to the incident by a congregation member who lives across from the church.

He said he was shocked by the amount of damage that had been caused to the building.

"The sheer extent of the debris lying around is quite incredible," he added.

Rev Roy said the church was currently closed and a planned service would be held with a neighbouring church on Sunday.

St Stephen's and West was designed by Thomas S. Robertson and dates from 1871.