Kingsbarns Parish Church, The Square, Kingsbarns

Kingsbarns Parish Church dates largely from the mid-18th century, with earlier origins in a church built in 1631. The lowest stage of the tower is late 17th century and is constructed of ashlar, featuring an arched doorpiece with a keyblock and scroll buttresses on the second stage, the latter perhaps of a later date. The church itself was largely rebuilt around the mid-18th century, with substantial alterations and rebuilding work carried out in 1789 by John Corstorphine and James Hewit, and again in 1797 by John Corstorphine. Further substantial rebuilding occurred between 1810 and 1811, overseen by architect Robert Balfour, with John Corstorphine acting as executant; this work involved demolishing and rebuilding the east and west gables. The church now stands as a plain T-plan building constructed of harled rubble. The interior has been recast and refurnished. The top stage of the tower and the octagonal slated spire were added in 1865-6 by George Rae. The tower’s second stage date is uncertain, and plans for further tower additions were considered in 1789 and 1817, although it is not clear if action was taken. The commission for the spire was initially given to Jas Gillespie of Kingsbarns, but George Rae was later employed, receiving payment of £10 for plans. The church remains in ecclesiastical use.