Burntisland Church was built by the townsfolk for themselves. It was not provided by ‘the heritors’ (local wealthy people). This is partly because Burntisland did not have many ‘landed gentry’, and partly because those who had land and money preferred to keep it and continue to use the wee Kirkton church. The Kirkton graveyard continued to be used for many years after the Kirk there had fallen into ruin.
Visitors to Burntisland Church are usually struck by a few things:
- Its odd square shape with octagonal belltower atop, partly hidden at the top of the Kirkgate by a high kirkyard wall.
- Its impressive interior with four huge stone pillars and wooden galleries around all four sides.
- The amazing paintings from the early 1600s on the gallery fronts, mainly nautical or trade guild related.
- The odd box pews, pumfils, and the ornate ‘Magistrates Pew’ against the NE pillar.
