Auchtertool Kirk
Central Fife
The Kirk invites you to enjoy this peaceful setting. Built on top of a small hill the church has tremendous views over the surrounding countryside and has probably been a site of religious significance long before Christianity was brought to Scotland and such ancient sites had churches established on them.
Originally dedicated to St Columba the church at 'Ouchtertule' is mentioned in a papal bull of 1178 granting it to the priory of Inchcolm. The church has been rebuilt or altered at least five times and the present church was reconstructed in 1833, but incorporated parts of the earlier building.
In the 17thC Forbes of Craigievar owned the lands of Auchtertool and an armorial of Forbes is to be seen inside the church and on the east gable, also the Skene of Hallyards burial vault lies beneath the N aisle, both indicating strong local patronage and support of the church.
Inside, read “The Beadle’s Daughter” poetry stone and see the beautiful stained-glass windows, one of which is a war memorial. Outside there is an avenue of honour with a tree for each name on the memorial.
There is also a pipe organ to be seen. This was built in 1886 by Casson & Miller of Perth and is one of only six of its kind known to survive.
A booklet of the church's history and a children’s quiz will be available on the Open Day.
NB Parking is at KY2 5XQ – Fife Council car park. Vehicular entry to the graveyard is only for those with limited mobility to be dropped off at the door.
Facilities
Additional Access Information
Vehicular access for those with limited mobility
Gallery
Key Information
NO BOOKING REQUIRED.
Stewards will be present at the venue.
BOOKLETS OF THE KIRK HISTORY AVAILABLE
Where to find us
Address
- 1Km west of Auchtertool
- Signposted off the B925
- Auchtertool
- KY2 5XG