Kirkcaldy church nets £10,000 funding for urgent repairs to historic tower

The Old Kirk in Kirkcaldy has secured £10,000 funding from the National Churches Trust to carry out urgent tower repairs and to safeguard the future of the historic church.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The church will also receives a £7500 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation.

Kirkcaldy Old Kirk is the oldest building in continuous use in town, and today is a non-denominational Christian building.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rosemary Potter, who chairs Kirkcaldy Old Kirk Trust, said: "We are delighted to have this welcome support for our tower restoration project from the National Churches Trust, and the further assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.”She added: “This will help to secure the future of the ancient tower as a well-loved landmark in our town centre and inspire local people and visitors to connect with their heritage.

Old Kirk.Old Kirk.
Old Kirk.

“We have recently seen the first services back in the church since Christmas and it is fitting that this tangible symbol of hope that has watched over the town for more than eight centuries will shortly be brought to renewed life after such a difficult year.

"We are grateful to the National Churches Trust and the Wolfson Foundation for investing in Kirkcaldy's future in this way and hope visitors to this church where Adam Smith was baptised in 1723 will enjoy climbing the 100 steps for the special panoramic view out to sea."

The church has a rich history.

It was founded by monks from Iona in the 7th century, it was re-consecrated by the Catholic Bishop de Bernham in 1244, and after the Reformation it became Kirkcaldy Parish church, with Revd George Gillespie playing a key part in securing Presbyterianism.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 15th century, seven-metre square tower is the oldest part of the church, measuring 28 feet by 24 feet, the lower walls being five feet thick.

The tower was heightened at one time to increase the range of the bell which was first cast in 1553 and recast several times with it still being rung today.

The parapet walkway gives fine views over the town and the River Forth, with a unique historical perspective on the growth of the town.

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.