A historic church has been saved and preserved for future generations after a generous benefactor brought about a change of ownership.
Many Kirkcaldy folk feared the Old Kirk in Kirk Wynd could be turned into flats or demolished after the Church of Scotland closed it as a place of worship in November and put it up for sale earlier this year.
However, the Kirkcaldy Old Kirk Trust which was set up to try and secure the it for the community, is planning to give the 770-year-old building a new lease of life after being given a £75,000 loan from businessman John Sim, son of the late Rev John Sim, who was minister at the Old Kirk from 1960 to 1987.
The trustees say they are now committed to preserving the town’s heritage in the building and maintaining it for the use and benefit of the community.
Their plans for the building have four main strands: a heritage centre telling the story of Kirkcaldy’s history as it has unfolded around the ancient tower and in the lives of the folk buried in its graveyard; a music school for children and adults in all aspects of folk music; a continuing tradition of Christian worship with new vibrant Sunday services; and hires to community groups, music and drama performers and for concerts.
Trust chairwoman Rosemary Potter said, “That prospect gives us a lot of excitement at the potential for the future and also an appreciation of how much we will need the help of Kirkcaldy folk to realise that potential for the community.Potential”We want to see the Old Kirk bustling again with activities for children and adults in the service of the community but it will take time and hard work to achieve its full potential.
“We hope that there will be many Kirkcaldy folk taking the opportunity to learn new skills, or find new interests, perhaps in volunteering as guides or in maintenance of the building, in helping to prepare displays or fund-raising.”
Kirkcaldy Old Kirk has played a key part in the life of the town over centuries and has overseen the comings and goings on the High Street through generations.
The 15th century tower is one of the few features of Kirkcaldy that would be familiar to Adam Smith, the 18th century economist, who was baptised in the kirk on June 5, 1723.
It is fitting that the trust is keen to provide a home for the proposed Adam Smith exhibition, which was mooted at the Adam Smith Lecture last week.
The trustees welcome the chance to be part of this venture, which Mrs Potter believes could bring “fresh interest and a welcome tourist boost” to the town.
The next stage of the process will be to equip the building.although all of the chairs were removed from the Kirk before its sale.
The trust has also launched a sponsor-a-seat scheme whereby individuals or businesses can donate £100 towards the purchase of seats and can choose to have their name on a plaque.
Anyone who wants to support the scheme can go to the Old Kirk Trust online at www.kirkcaldyoldkirk trust.org.uk. More details about the trust’s plans for the Old Kirk are expected to be revealed over the coming weeks.