ENFPS is developing a project for interpretation panels at Pittenweem Priory and Tolbooth to explain the history and importance of these buildings.
The Priory with its Great House, fortified Gatehouse and Prior’s Lodging is one of the few monastic sites in Scotland with its structures relatively complete, and the Tolbooth is the burgh’s most important landmark. But at present there is nothing in Pittenweem to indicate to visitors the historic or architectural significance of the Priory and Tolbooth or of the adjacent St Fillans Cave that was associated with the monastery.
Recent published research on the Priory's religious, political and social history means that we now know a great deal more about its origins, from the earlier monastery on May Island through to its later role as a base for important national figures who were its churchmen and post-reformation noblemen owners. The author of much of this research, Prof Anthony Lodge, has already provided the text for the proposed panels which would explain the historic connection to the earlier monastery on May Island, the original layout of the Priory monastic buildings and how they were adapted post reformation into the Tolbooth and Parish Church.
Sponsorship funding has been raised to cover the initial feasibility work for the project, and a design and interpretive consultant has been appointed to provide us with recommendations for organising the content for the panels and with a specification for their manufacture and installation. This will be used to invite quotations from panel design and installation companies which will provide the firm price and scope needed to approach potential sponsors for the balance of the funding needed.