THE congregation of Auchterderran/Kinglassie Parish Church welcomed a large crowd to their open day at the weekend to mark the completion of extensive renovation work to their Auchterderran building.

The renovations were the result of a survey carried out sometime ago on the building, which highlighted repairs were required to the roof, stonework and windows.

A crypt, in the church yard ,was also identified as needing renovated.

Grants of over £250,000 where obtained from various funders, including, Heritage Lottery, Historic Environment Scotland, Baird Trust, Fergusson Bequest and Scotland’s Churches Trust.

The church was established in 1059 by St. Fothad, who later performed the marriage of King Malcolm and Queen Margaret in Dunfermline Abbey, and the present B listed building is well on its way to celebrating a 1000 years of history.

The local history group have compiled a booklet detailing the history of the church and parish, which will become part of the Fife Pilgrim's Way route.

During the renovations, services have been held in the new church hall, which is adjacent to the church.

The church is presently in vacancy and is actively looking for a new minister.

Meantime services are being conducted by the locum minister Rev. Tilly Wilson.

The opportunity was also taken to upgrade the church manse, at a cost of over £50,000, in readiness for any new minister.

Unfortunately woodworm has been found in the 900 year-old church building and this will delay the re-opening of the kirk but Saturday's open day at the Woodend site gave people the chance to see what has been done under the renovation project.

The congregation's Rosemary Wallace said: "A big thank you must be expressed to the organising committee for all their efforts in co-ordinating the funding and renovation work, which had to be carried out by appointed architects and contractors.

"Also the resilience of the congregation for their patience during this time."

Further opening times are, every Sunday 11am to 12 noon. First Sunday of the month 2pm to 4pm, and Thursday afternoons 2pm to 4pm April till October.