Work to repair a vital community hub in Aberdour will cost an estimated £46,000.
St Fillan’s Church Hall, which accommodates a range of local activities including a parent and toddler group, scouts group and coffee mornings, is in need of urgent repairs to its roof.
Although there is no question mark over the work going ahead, church property convener Willie Crowe said the cost would leave reserves “very depleted”.
“We have the reserves, but it will deplete them,” he said.
“We have to look after the church, vestry, church hall, manse and other properties.
“The anticipated cost including VAT is £46,000 and this is a major expenditure for the village church to bear.
“But the costs could escalate if unexpected problems are discovered during the work.”
A fundraising campaign has already raised around £5,000. As well as a collection box in The Purple Shop in Main Street, events are being organised to raise the money needed.
An afternoon tea will take place in the hall on Sunday April 30 and a strawberry tea on June 11.
Damp has started to creep in to the B-listed building, which dates back to 1790, because of faults in the roof.
Roof felt has rotted away, exposing the timber underneath.
Mr Crowe added: “The church hall is an integral part of the social fabric of the village and we hope the whole community will join with us to maintain it for future generations.
“Annual income generated from renting out the hall is approximately £6,350 but the current annual running costs are around £9,950. Therefore the rental income only partly covers heating, lighting, waste disposal, cleaning, insurance and ongoing minor repairs.
“Large capital expenditure in restoration and improvements to the church hall, such as this work on the roof, is a challenge to St Fillan’s.”
St Fillan’s minister Rev Peter Gerbrandy-Baird added: “The hall is used by the community almost every day.
“It’s a central part of the village, and is not just a church resource but a resource for the whole of the community.”
