One of the oldest churches in Scotland, St Monans Auld Kirk is a significant and stunning historic building in the East Neuk of Fife. Following news of the upcoming sale of the building, OCA Studio are working with local community organisation St Monans Auld Kirk Enterprise, supported by Fife Historic Buildings Trust, to assist in their aim to acquire and manage the Auld Kirk for the benefit of the community of St Monans.

Proposals for the Auld Kirk centre around enabling its continued use as a space for village celebrations, including the crowning of the St Monans Sea Queen, as well as for individuals to celebrate important life events. Interventions in the main space of the building are primarily limited to fabric repairs and conservation work, however, a carefully-crafted furniture piece tucked into the north transept is proposed to house a flexible kitchen and bar space which will support the provision of these and other events, as well as allowing the space to function as a community cafe. The former entrance to the west will be reopened with new glazing, connecting the interior of the Kirk to its surroundings and allowing it to benefit from views out to the coast.

A small early 20th century vestry to the north of the building is proposed to be remodelled to create a wider, more welcoming and accessible entrance that will assist with wayfinding for visitors.

The new entrance structure is clad externally in recycled oxidised copper, tying in with the warm sandstone of the Kirk. A splayed surround to the new glazed entrance door helps to draw people into the building, and is lined in warm Scottish larch.

The proposals for the Auld Kirk are designed to have a low visual impact on the main space and exterior of the Kirk, while providing the facility and flexibility required to support its ongoing operation. Based on the principle of conservation through use, these proposals will allow this historic building to remain at the heart of the local community as a financially- viable and environmentally-sustainable resource.