Cabinet Secretary to visit historic Burntisland Church amid concerns over its future
Claire Baker MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife has invited Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, to visit Burntisland Old Parish Church, amid concern at Church of Scotland plans to dispose of the building.
The church building is one of hundreds that the Church of Scotland plans to sell to downsize its estate, but it has significant cultural and community value. Built in the 1590s, Burntisland Old Parish Church is a category-A listed building and one of Scotland’s earliest post-Reformation churches. Its is known for its square-plan architecture and as the birthplace of the King James Bible.
A community group, Friends of Burntisland Old Parish Church, is working to try and secure a future for the building.
Scottish Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Claire Baker said: “This is more than a church-building - it is an architectural, social and cultural jewel on the Fife coast and a place of enormous significance not only for Burntisland but for Scotland’s heritage.
“The local community is engaging with Historic Environment Scotland and other possible support avenues in order to prevent the building being lost, but there is unfortunately not a clear route that allows communities to move quickly in these situations.
“I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has accepted my invitation to come and see first-hand this undervalued jewel on the Fife coast and I look forward to discussing how we can protect this heritage building for future generations.”