Fundraiser relaunch for Kirkcaldy church to repair historic tower

The trustees of the Old Kirk need to raise £407,000 to start the work on the 15th century tower in Kirk Wynd.

The short Crowdfunder campaign comes just a week after councillors agreed to a £15,000 donation from the Common Good Fund.

And the good news continued with confirmation that the UK Government has finally approved the extension of the Listed Places of Worship VAT reclaim scheme beyond March 31.

That means trustees don’t have to find an extra £60,000 within a matter of weeks to meet the bill.

The B-listed church is the oldest building in continuous use in Kirkcaldy, and it was where renowned economist and philosopher Adam Smith was baptised.

Work to restore the church tower has been going on for the past three years - and the latest fundraising appeal will help to take it closer to its target.

As well as online donations, people can sponsor one of the tower’s 100 steps for £100.

Rosemary Potter, chairman of Kirkcaldy Old Kirk Trust, said: “When the sum of £407,000 has been reached, we can start the work, hopefully in April.

We are so grateful to those who have contributed so far, from pennies to thousands of pounds.

"Individuals and local organisations have sponsored the tower restoration magnificently, with large funders, such as National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Fife Environment Trust making it possible.”

She also thanked Neale Hanvey MP for raising concerns over the VAT reclaim scheme.

He raised it directly with the minister responsible and was left “bitterly disappointed” by the response as he was told any extension is on hold until the completion of the spending review.

A Sponsor-a-Step leaflet can be obtained from the Old Kirk office by phoning (01592) 265499.

Rosemary added: “This summer will hopefully be a celebratory time of the tower restoration being completed in time for our August celebration of the Old Kirk Trust's 10th birthday.

“If lockdown has eased by then, it will be a triple cause for celebration!”

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