THERE'S hope of a reprieve for a 12th-century church in Aberdour that's been earmarked for closure.

St Fillan's is due to celebrate its 900th anniversary next year but that could all fall flat with proposals to shut the doors to save money.

Due to financial pressures, the Church of Scotland is planning to reduce the number of its buildings and Fife Presbytery’s draft mission plan has earmarked the place of worship for closure.

In the summer, Aberdour Cultural Association slammed the proposal as "an act of cultural vandalism" but this week they are "hopeful of a positive outcome for this very special place".

It explained: "The presbytery is re-visiting its decision regarding closure of some Grade A-listed churches within the Kingdom and has set up a Historic Churches Working Group to try to develop, with congregations and local people, the long-term viability of the churches as assets for mission, and to preserve the historic impact of these buildings."

An initial meeting has taken place and the association added: "There is no reason for closure on financial grounds and the church is currently used for worship, entertainment, meditation and as a meeting place.

"It is as much a place of inspiration today as it was for St Fillan, Robert the Bruce, Captain Morgan and others."

Local councillor David Barratt had questioned the decision-making process and said: "The working group doesn't have any authority to change the decision but it may be able to sway the mind of the presbytery so it's a bit of a lifeline.

"Hopefully, it will be saved."

One of the arguments made by supporters of St Fillan's is that around 15 per cent of villagers – much higher than places nearby – are church members and attend periodically.

Cllr Barratt said: "If the presbytery think in any way that closing St Fillan's would help sustain the church in the community they are very much mistaken.

"A lot of people attend St Fillan's because of the building, its history and connection to the village.

"There's a lot of money the congregation generously donate to the church that would be lost and also the number of gifts that people leave in their will for the upkeep of St Fillan's, people from here and all over the world who have, or their family have, some connection to the church.

"That's tens of thousands of pounds that they simply wouldn't get if they simply had a church hall, which they're proposing to have here.

"Losing money and a congregation goes against their aim of maintaining and sustaining the church in this area."