Refurbishment plan revealed for historic Old Tower in Kirkcaldy

More details have been revealed about the plans to renovate the tower at Kirkcaldy’s historic Old Kirk.

It is the focus of a £480,000 restoration plan to ensure it stands for a further 500 years after witnessing the town’s history since the 15th century.

The landmark would have been a familiar sight to historic names such as Adam Smith, Robert Adam, Sandford Fleming, and Michael Nairn.

The latest documents lodged with Fife Council outline the works proposed in its planning application,

The Trust which runs the former church turned community hub, wants to carry out repairs to masonry and windows, install a new stone deck, and add webcams to allow visitors around the world to share its views across the town and over the Forth.

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The masonry repairs are mainly at high level to the south façade which is weathering badly.

Cracks caused by movement will also be tackled to make the tower water tight, while collapsing arches will be consolidated, and rotten timber ends replaced.

The plan envisages full refurbishment of the timber panels, all windows and slit openings. External doors will also be refurbished, and the flat roof, which leaks badly, will be replaced.

The trust also wants to refurbish the clock mechanism, hands and bell, and add two webcams to the top of the tower to share its views online.

Safety measures will be added to the tower staircase, including a new wooden handrail.

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