TWO Scottish churches have received funding as part of a £645,000 rescue package for historic and community-minded places of worship.

The grants from the National Churches Trust will fund repairs to St James the Less in Penicuik and help pay for the conversion of sanctuary space in the Methodist Church in Kirkcaldy. Each were given £10,000.

Huw Edwards, broadcaster, journalist and vice-president of the National Churches Trust, said: "Churches, chapels and meeting houses are some of the most beautiful buildings in the country and these grants will help to bring more of them back to their full glory.

"As well as being kept beautiful, it is important that places of worship can help local people. That's why the National Churches Trust's latest grants also help projects to install kitchens, toilets and to improve access for the elderly and people with disabilities."