About Temple Old Kirk Friends
We are a passionate community initiative dedicated to breathing new life into a historic treasure. Founded in 2020, we are committed to preserving the Kirk's legacy and ensuring its history and stories continue to inspire and captivate all who visit.
Who we are
Temple Old Kirk Friends (TOKF) is a charity set up in 2020 to organise and supervise the conservation of Temple Old Kirk.
Temple Old Kirk is a fine late-medieval Parish Church built over the foundations of the Knights Templar Chapel of Balantrodoch. It is situated in a beautiful wooded valley in a bend in the South Esk river, at the north end of Temple Village.
When TOKF was set up, the Old Kirk was roofless and ruinous, and in danger of total collapse. TOKF have already raised a substantial sum of money, and commissioned an experienced conservation builder to undertake emergency repairs to the Old Kirk.
In cooperation with the Old Kirk's owners, Midlothian Council, and Historic Environment Scotland, TOKF hope to raise sufficient money to complete conservation work on the Old Kirk, and to make its beautiful graveyard more welcoming to visitors, by establishing wheelchair-friendly paths.
Meet our committee members
Discover the dedicated individuals driving the conservation and revitalisation efforts of Temple Old Kirk, ensuring its history is preserved for generations to come. Have a question for our committee? You can email them at info@templeoldkirk.org.
Sandy Delap
Trustee & Vice Chair
My name is Sandy Delap, we moved to Temple in 2002.
I have always loved old buildings and Kirk yards so am delighted to live close to this interesting historical site. I enjoy its peacefulness in all seasons and think about all the lives lived locally.
My wish is for the old building to be watertight and safe so that visitors can walk in and around it again.
This project is very dear to me and I hope we can one day achieve our goal for easy and safe access for all.
John Kerry
Secretary
I have been the Secretary of Temple Old Kirk friends since its inception. I have lived in Temple since 2004, when I retired, following a career editing documentaries for BBC and C4. I became involved in the campaign to conserve TOK soon after my arrival in the village.
I find Temple Old Kirk and its graveyard so fascinating that I have spent a lot of time researching Scottish graveyards and graveyards in general. I have given talks on the subject for Historic Scotland, the Scottish History Society, and Edinburgh USA. I am currently preparing talks on The Picts, the Early Antiquaries, and the Scottish Society of Antiquaries, and (following a hugely enjoyable trip to Orkney this September) on the new discoveries at the Ness of Brodgar.
Shirley Otto
Volunteer Coordinator
A specialist in charity governance, Shirley Otto has been a trustee since TOK was set up. I am involved as it is so important to conserve the Old Kirk, its remarkable grave stones, in its lovely setting. I am the Volunteer Coordinator arranging events and outings for other Kirk yards.
John Baxter
TRUSTEE
I worked in the tourism and heritage sector for over 20 years in a range of museums and attractions before moving into education, engagement and learning. I believe that we are the custodians of our built and natural heritage and we must do all we can to preserve and promote buildings such as Temple Old Kirk for the long term survival for future generations to enjoy.
Sallie Bale
Communications
There's magic in the stone of old buildings. Along with my love of local history, this is what inspired me about Temple Old Kirk.
As a heritage marketing consultant, I'm working to bring this picturesque ruin to the attention of like-minded folk, and make sure it can be enjoyed and appreciated for generations to come.
Meet some of our collaborators
Temple Old Kirk Friends work closely with a range of collaborators to help preserve and share the history of Temple Old Kirk. Our partners include funding organisations, conservation experts, and heritage groups who share our passion for protecting this historic site.
Key collaborators such as Archaeology Scotland and the Adopt-a-Monument scheme have provided invaluable support through surveys, workshops, and conservation advice. We are also grateful for the support of our funding partners, including the Monument Management Fund and local donors, whose contributions have enabled essential restoration and documentation projects. Through these partnerships, we continue to safeguard the legacy of Temple Old Kirk for future generations.
How to get involved with Temple Old Kirk
Discover Temple Old Kirk today
Learn about what you can see and experience at the site today.
Support Temple Old Kirk Friends
Find out more about how you can support the Temple Old Kirk Friends.
