AN HISTORIC West Fife church recently saved from closure is to join a union with its neighbouring places of worship.

St Fillan's Church, which turns 900 this year, was earmarked for closure in 2022 when proposals to shut its doors to save money were put forward by the Church of Scotland and the Fife Presbytery.

Over 150 people rallied to save the church, gathering letters of support and lodging official complaints against the plans, before the Church of Scotland's Historic Churches Working Group recommended its retention last summer.

The Aberdour church, along those at Dalgety, Inverkeithing, North Queensferry and Rosyth, are now looking to the future by combining resources in an exciting new union.

READ MORE: Aberdour hopeful in bid to save St Fillan's Church

Although united into a single charge, the change will still see worshipping centres maintained in each of the five communities.

The new parish has been named Fife: Forthview Church of Scotland, and Fergus Duncan, who was previously interim moderator of Aberdour's St Fillans Church, has been appointed interim moderator of the new charge until a permanent ministry team is in place.

Dr Duncan, who will support the new united kirk session and congregation, said: "It is an exciting time for the local church in the area, and a real opportunity to continue to build on the previous ministries, but also to look to the future and where we can see God at work in our local communities.

“Fife: Forthview is a place and space for all, where each and every person is welcome."

The local parish churches united as a single congregation this month.

READ MORE: Banner made depicting the history of the village

The next step will be to begin the process of calling the ministry team of three full-time ministers of Word and Sacrament, who will work across the five communities.

While the parish is united under the name Fife: Forthview, the five worshipping communities will each retain their local name to identify the building and area, for example Fife: Forthview - North Queensferry.

Dr Duncan explained that this will help ensure that local people know where to go for particular groups and events, but will also serve as a reminder that worship, pastoral care, funerals, weddings, and baptisms continue in the areas of the previous parishes.

Worship in the five communities will continue to be provided by the associate minister, locum ministers and pulpit supply, alongside the provision of pastoral care.

Anyone who needs to access the services of a minister can contact the office based at the Dalgety building, either by email at office@Dalgety-church.co.uk or by phone on 01383 824 092. Calls will be directed to the ministers covering the parish.