THERE is concern in Dalgety Bay about the "continuing closure" of St Bridget's Kirk.

And the community council said there was confusion about why the 850-year-old church had been shut in the first place and when it will re-open.

Last week, the Press reported that a number of sites looked after by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) had been closed for "essential" repairs.

The Dalgety Bay and Hillend Community Council met on Tuesday night and a spokesperson said: "At the meeting, we discussed residents’ concerns at the continuing closure of St Bridget’s Kirk.

"The perimeter fencing was put in place over a year ago and at that time we were told by HES that it was due to high levels of rainfall and to deter anti-social behaviour.

"We have asked HES when the kirk will be re-opened to the public and we were informed that it will now not be opened until after a high-level tactile examination has taken place, which is not likely to happen until 2023.

"We wrote again to HES for further information on why it cannot be opened until the check is completed as there has been no reports of fallen masonry? And when exactly will the inspection take place?"

As well as St Bridget's Kirk, which was founded in the 1170s and remained in use right up until 1830, other historic attractions in West Fife such as Aberdour Castle, Culross Abbey, Dunfermline Palace and Inchcolm Abbey are currently closed.

HES explained that this has been done as "a precaution for essential high-level masonry inspections" and, overall, access has been restricted at 70 sites across Scotland to protect the public.

There is concern that climate change has accelerated the deterioration of historic buildings and the scale of the damage has to be assessed before remedial work can be planned and carried out.

Sites have been closed for fear that masonry from crumbling buildings could fall on staff or visitors.

A spokesperson for HES told the Press last week: "Despite some concerns about whether St Bridget’s Kirk will be able to re-open, we can assure the public that we will look to reinstate access as soon as it is safe to do so once we have conducted the relevant inspections.”