Historic Fife church relaunches summer tours

Kirkcaldy Old Kirk is re-opening its doors for the rest of summer.

The return comes as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The historic kirk will again welcome visitors on Fridays and Saturdays for the rest of July and throughout August.

Numbers on tours will be limited to seven at a time, with places booked in advanced, and social distancing regulations will be adhered to.

Trustees say visitors are welcome to view its exhibition on "Stories From Stones" and the kirk’s wonderful stained glass windows - from the newly restored Burne-Jones and William Morris to the Windows of Fire by John Clark, and Crear McCartney's blues of the Sound of Iona from where came the monks with the Christian Gospel to plant on this site around the 7th century.

Weather permitting, on Fridays at 2:00pm, the Old Kirk will continue its graveyard tours outside, telling "Stories from Stones" about the famous and not-so-famous people buried in Kirkcaldy's oldest graveyard.

Fife heritage sites preparing for phased reopening

The earliest stone still dated is 1585 and the story of Kirkcaldy's history can be read in the gravestones, from local Scottish nobles steeped in politics at the royal court, to sailors setting out across the sea to trade as far away as Russia, Bermuda and Australia.

On Saturdays, also at 2:00pm there is an opportunity for a different historical tour - and to follow in the footsteps of Adam Smith.

The renowned philosopher and father of economics was baptised in the Old Kirk in 1723.

The tour starts at the Old Kirk tower before walking down Kirk Wynd towards his mother's house - the present Adam Smith Global Foundation heritage room - and the harbour where trade inspired him to write his famous "Wealth of Nations" .

It will be led by trustee, George Proudfoot, and will focus on Kirkcaldy in the "Age of Enlightenment".

www.kirkcaldyoldkirktrust.org.uk

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