Council has no plans for new kirk bridge

ST MONANS: Locals have voted online for their favourite design but will have to wait for council decision

Designs have been drawn up for a replacement bridge to the Auld Kirk in St Monans.

The bridge across the Inverie Burn to St Monans Parish Church, which dates back to 875 AD, is nearly 80 years old and is currently subject to a weight restriction, and the community has been asked to vote on sketches of possible replacement structures.

However, Fife Council has confirmed there are no immediate plans to replace the bridge.

Senior manager Alan Paul said: “We are aware of the condition of the current bridge at St Monans which is used to access the cemetery and the adjacent church.

“As a precaution we’ve applied a weight restriction.

“There are no plans currently to replace the bridge but some early sketches have been shared with local councillors and the community council to help gauge reaction to possible options.

“In due course if we are asked to take forward any work to the bridge, then of course we would do so in consultation with local stakeholders and with the church as a key user of the bridge.”

Seven sketches have been shared by St Monans and Abercrombie Community Council, ranging from traditional stone designs to a concrete slab and steel structure.

More than half of those who have voted on the community website prefer the traditional masonry arch bridge.

Community council secretary and church elder Stuart Bridges said: “It’s something we’ve been pushing for for several months and we’re quite keen to see something appropriate in place which allows residents and visitors to keep using the car park at the Auld Kirk.”

Mr Bridges said there was a sign at the crossing indicating a weight restriction.

He said tourist coaches and council vans occasionally used the bridge, which was completed in 1939.

“It’s like everything else, it’s going to need attention at some point in the future,” he said.

“It’s not going to fall down in the next week but at some point it’s going to become a danger given there’s a weight restriction just now.

“Generally it’s just cars and foot traffic crossing it, and occasionally tourist coaches.”

The Auld Kirk is believed to be built on the site where the remains of St Monan were buried in 875 AD.

It was consecrated in the 14th Century by David II, the only son of Robert the Bruce, and restored in the early 19th Century.

“It’s something we’ve been pushing for for several months and we’re keen to see something appropriate in place. STUART BRIDGES, COMMUNITY COUNCIL SECRETARY