Crail Community Hall

Whether you're a resident or a festival visitor, the Crail Community Hall promises to be a welcoming space to enjoy the best of the Crail Festival's live entertainment program.

The Hall was built as the United Free Church, designed by JD Cairns in 1908. It stands on the site of a previous, smaller United Free Church, following a union with Crail West Church (now Holy Trinity Catholic Church). This is a classic Free Presbyterian Church building from the Edwardian period. Like many churches of its time, it takes inspiration from Scottish architectural traditions while also reflecting the broader British preference for late Gothic, often referred to as Perpendicular style.

The church followed a typical Presbyterian layout, with a focus on preaching. This resulted in a wide yet relatively short central nave, complemented by shallow transepts on either side to provide extra space around the pulpit.

A short chancel, now used as a stage, originally served as the sanctuary, housing the communion table and elders’ chairs. To the east, an integrated church hall blends seamlessly with the rest of the building. Inside, the former church space is particularly striking, thanks to its expressive roof design. The curved undersides of the main trusses define the bays, while paired arches connect to the transepts, creating a harmonious structure. At the western end, the original gallery remains in place.

Listed as Category B, the building’s most distinctive external feature is its octagonal tower, a minor landmark in northern Crail along the A917 St Andrews Road.

Discover more: https://www.crailcommunityhall.co.uk/