May Day singers' climb historic Fife church tower for Spring songs

Locals are being invited to climb Kirkcaldy Old Kirk’s 15th century tower at 6.00am on Saturday morning to welcome Spring from the top of the church with Easter songs.
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The tradition was brought first to Kirkcaldy Old Kirk by the choirmaster James Gray at the turn of the 20th century, and is still celebrated 125 years later.

Last year only one couple were able to keep up the practice because of Covid regulations – and this year only six people from up to six households will be able to participate.

Kirkcaldy's Old Kirk is inviting locals to climb the 15th century tower at 6am on Saturday morning to welcome Spring from the top of the church with Easter songs.Kirkcaldy's Old Kirk is inviting locals to climb the 15th century tower at 6am on Saturday morning to welcome Spring from the top of the church with Easter songs.
Kirkcaldy's Old Kirk is inviting locals to climb the 15th century tower at 6am on Saturday morning to welcome Spring from the top of the church with Easter songs.
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Rosemary Potter, chairman said: “May 1 signals not just a new month and the beginning of Spring, but it is also the re-opening of the Old Kirk to visitors.

"And this will be in the Old Kirk's inimitable style with its May Morning tradition of ascending the ancient tower at 6.00am to sing Easter hymns from the parapet walkway at the top to greet the new Spring.

"From May 1 there will be a programme of guided heritage tours of the graveyard on Fridays at 2:00pm, and in the footsteps of Adam Smith on Saturdays at 2:00pm.

"Bookings for the five places in these tours each week can be made in the same way as for May morning.

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"The church will also be open for visitors on Saturdays between 11:00am and 3:00pm, and visitors can be guided up the tower two at a time, weather permitting.

"This will be the last chance to climb the tower before it is closed in a few weeks' time for restoration works.”

To book a place call (01592) 265499 or email: [email protected] before Friday at 2pm.

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