Markinch and Thornton Parish Church of Scotland

DOORS OPEN DAY 2020

The popular Scottish Civic Trust ‘DOORS OPEN DAY’ is going digital this year and this opens up new online opportunities at Markinch, St Drostan’s Church.

The upper storeys of the 12th century tower, normally closed to visitors for health and safety reasons, will be accessible by means of a virtual tour. For the first time, your guide, Bruce Manson, will take you up the tower, even as far as the belfry and the mysterious room at the top, usually strictly out of bounds. He will also highlight previous doorways, some now permanently closed, as the church was rebuilt and reshaped over the centuries.

Recent archaeology has revealed surprising features of this remarkable building, referred to as a “minster” by Edward I’s chronicler. Despite the ravages of the Reformation, there is enough of the building still standing to give us a glimpse of its former splendour. It is an ancient building standing on the Pilgrim Way, half way between Dunfermline and St Andrews, worthy of its site in the ancient “capital” of Fife.

More information can be found on our History page

Covid-19 information. Church Services at Markinch Church.

As of 9th August there will be a weekly service in Markinch Church, Kirk Brae, Markinch, KY7 6DS, on Sundays at 11.15 a.m..
We welcome visitors, but currently, there is a limit to the number of any gathering in a place of worship. To avoid the risk of someone arriving to worship, and being refused access because the limit has been reached, we ask you, if possible, to let us know that you intend to join us.
If you have Internet access, you can reserve a place at www.ticketsource.co.uk/markinchchurch . There you will see the dates, and the number of places, available. You will be asked how many places you wish to reserve, and for your name, e-mail address, and contact telephone number. Confirmation of your booking will be sent by e-mail.
If you do not have Internet access, you can reserve a place by supplying the following information – 1. The number of places required. 2. Your name. 3. A contact number – either by text or by Voicemail to 0756 1695 486. This is a dedicated telephone number solely for the purpose of reserving places at services in Markinch Church.
Your name and contact number will be retained for 21 days after your attendance at the Church, in order to follow NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect Strategy, as advised by the Scottish Government.
On your arrival, your name will be checked off on a list, and you will be asked to follow the directions of the duty Elders. At all times, social distancing will be in place. You will be directed to a seat – allowance has been made for couples/households to sit together. A one-way system will be in operation. There will be sanitiser stations at the top of the Session House stairs, and on entering and leaving the Church.
In line with Church of Scotland and Scottish Government policy, unless you suffer from a medical condition which prevents you from doing so, you are required to wear a face covering when you are in the Church.
While we would recommend that you use our booking system, if you arrive for a service without having reserved a place, provided that our maximum has not been reached, you will be able to join us. You will still be required to supply your name and a contact number.