Michael Portillo special guest at organ recital to help save historic Fife kirk
Former politician turned broadcaster Michael Portillo will be the guest of honour at a recital of organ music at a Fife venue - on an instrument built by his great-grandfather.
He will join the audience for the afternoon performance at Crail Kirk on March 16.
The recital has been arranged in support of plans to rescue the kirk, which is likely to be sold off next year by the Church of Scotland. The building is Category A listed, its oldest part dating to the 12th century.
Crail Community Partnership and Crail Church are are working together to have a credible plan for the Kirk in place before this summer.
Dennis Gowans, secretary - who was married in Crail Kirk nearly 50 years ago - said “We are delighted that Michael Portillo is joining us for this special occasion. The recital is part of a series of events highlighting the church’s importance in the community. The future of our kirk hangs in the balance.
“What happens if it is sold on the open market is anybody’s guess. It could be turned into a block of flats, or the land sold to a developer.”
Mr Portillo said, “This will be a moment of nostalgia for me. I am looking forward to hearing the organ that was a significant part of my family’s past. I hope very much that it and the kirk will survive for many years to come.”
The principal organist at the recital will be Chris Bragg, head of programming at the Music Centre of St Andrews University, who will be joined by organ scholars from the University.
The recital will last from 12 noon to 1:00pm, with a retiring collection in aid of the Kirk.
The ‘Grand Saloon’ pipe organ was built by the famous organ building firm Harrison & Harrison of Durham. It was commissioned for the family home of John Blyth in Loughborough Road, Kirkcaldy. Following his death, it was rehoused in Crail Parish Church during improvements in 1937 which also included a new pulpit. Installation of the organ cost the Kirk £1,617 - about £145,000 in today’s money.