A well-known Fife community hub which has been used as a meeting place and venue for cultural and educational events for more than three decades is to close.
The St Bryce Kirk Centre in Kirkcaldy has been shut since March as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
With little prospect of business picking up any time soon, the Kirk Session has decided to effectively mothball the centre and make its five members of staff redundant with immediate effect.
The landmark main building, where former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s late father was once minister, is expected to reopen for worship with restrictions soon.
However, current minister Ken Froude has confirmed it is the end for the much-loved church centre.
“This time of lockdown and restrictions has made life difficult,” he said.
“It has changed the fabric of society and the landscape of town-centres, and the Church is caught up in those changes.
“Over the past few years, the Church Centre has been running at a deficit and the Covid pandemic has now brought matters to a head.
“After exploring all options, it is with great regret, the Kirk Session has decided that the centre is not sustainable in its current form and, as of this week, will cease operation.”
Rev Froude said all five employees had lost their jobs as a result of the move.
“Sadly all staff have had to be made redundant, despite their abilities, hard work and commitment, and this situation is no reflection on them,” he said.
“It is also a great sadness for those who have, over the years, enjoyed a welcome, a sense of community and a place to serve – especially the large team of much valued volunteers.”
It is hoped the church itself can still host some community and church-related groups and activities, with staff likely to be brought in as and when required.
Rev Froude said: “When the time is right, we will again find a way to be a vibrant ‘open door’ community in the heart of the town.
“There now begins a time of waiting and watching for the opportunity to re-start.”
