Historic Kirkcaldy church open for private prayer

But Rosemary Potter, chairman of the Old Kirk Trust, said it is a cautious gentle opening and will only be for private prayer and meditation in the centuries-old church at the heart of the town, in line with Scottish Government regulations.

The church opened its doors on Wednesday and will again tomorrow (Friday).

She said: “If you would like to come in for a quiet time in our beautiful sanctuary, to gain inspiration from the artistry and colours of our stained glass windows or to spend a peaceful moment with your thoughts, memories and hopes after this trying time, our doors will be open on Friday, July 3 between 10.30am and 3pm.

“You will be following in the footsteps of many generations whose prayers in this place through years of plague, war and economic difficulty have sustained them for the week ahead.

“To keep everyone as safe as possible, we ask that you use the hand sanitiser on entry and leaving and follow the hygiene and distancing procedures in place.”

She said it is hoped to continue with the limited openings next week and, subject to further Government review, to open on Friday, July 17 for visitors to the church’s summer exhibition on "Stories From Stones" between 10.30am and 3pm.”

She added: “If the weather is kind, we will also be offering guided tours outside in the graveyard, telling some of the stories of those who have lived here in Kirkcaldy and now are at rest in the graveyard - the butler who made his fortune from a beached whale; the opponents in the last fatal duel in Scotland; the man with a sum on his tombstone who set up schools for poor children.”

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