Kirkcaldy churches set to re-open this weekend after lockdown restrictions ease

People living in all parts of Scotland will be able to attend places of worship in gatherings of up to 50, where there is space for physical distancing, from Friday..

They will also be allowed to travel between Level 4 areas to attend their usual place of worship following sustained progress suppressing Covid-19, according to Scottish Government guidelines.

Kirkcaldy Old Kirk is one local church taking its first tentative steps from its enforced lockdown slumber towards opening for the celebration of Easter.

With services permitted from this weekend, there will be a blended Quaker Meeting for Worship on Sunday morning (March 28), followed by three short midweek meditative services on Wednesday, March 31, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, all at 2.00pm.

Norrie Milne will provide the organ music on Tuesday and Wednesday - a welcome return of live music in the Old Kirk.

But Rosemary Potter, chairman of the Old Kirk Trust, said social distancing measures will be in place and there will be no live singing.

“Those attending the services are welcome to arrive and leave as they feel comfortable to do so,” she said.

"Seats will be socially distanced and using hand sanitiser on entry and exit is requested. Face masks are required and there will be no live singing but taking a vacant seat to listen to the music is only to be encouraged. Entry is free but donations are welcome.”

She said the Trust is currently fundraising to complete the sum of money required for the Old Kirk Tower Restoration Project.

She continued: “This week saw the National Churches Trust pledge £10,000 towards the project and an additional £7,500 on behalf of the Wolfson Foundation. With the money announced 10 days ago, this takes us to 95% of our target. We move forward in hope that we will receive the last funding very soon and be able to plan the start of the restoration on site.”

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She said an Easter Sunday service will be held at 2pm on April 4 when Young singers from Colla Voce will take part in recorded solos. All are welcome, up to 50 people and bookings can be made in advance by visiting the website at www.kirkcaldyoldkirktrust.org.uk.

Meanwhile, Justin Taylor, minister of Abbotshall Church, said Abbotshall, Auchtertool, Bennochy, Kirkcaldy Congregational and St Bryce churches are working together for Holy Week.

He said: “They will be live at 7.00pm each day and will be on our KirkTogether Facebook page. On Sunday we will be having our Easter Service at Abbotshall at 11:00am.

“This second lock down has been far more difficult than the first, however, with the easing of some restrictions renewed optimism in returning. We are excited to return (safely) to our buildings, to be together and worship once more.”

He added: “Although there is a sense of excitement, it will also be a time of sadness as there will be many of our friends, and family who will not be there.”

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