Homes Treasures valued by experts (by Mike Delaney)

Kirk chiefs are planning to sell off an under-threat old folks home's treasures.

They claim a visit by experts from on of the world's top auction houses to the Church of Scotland-owned Leslie House was for routine insurance purposes.

The move had prompted suggestions from anti-closure campaigners that money raised from any sale could go towards keeping the home open.

The church's Board of Social responsibility want to shut down the home alleging that they can't afford it anymore, although they have put closure on hold until the fate of the remaining residents is decided.

Leslie House 21 Group spokeswoman, Anne McLean, said: "We were excited to learn that a team from Sotheby's had been invited to value the many antique paintings and furnishings.

"These treasures were all bequeathed to the church at the same time as the house.

"To sell these at auction would certainly help the board out of its financial difficulties and let us all look to a happier future."

But a spokeswoman said: "As is the case with many of the board's properties, valuations of paintings are required to take place on a regular basis for insurance purposes.

Closure

"Sotheby's visit in July marked the third time in 15years that they have been to value the home's paintings.

"No paintings have been removed and there are no plan s to put any of the paintings up for auction.

"Joint action between the board and Fife Council remains focused on the move towards closure.

"Assessments of each individual resident are nearing completion to establish the most appropriate future care requirements for the 12 remaining residents.

It is believed that the paintings include several of the Spencer-Nairn family who donated the home to the church in 1954.

The home is also believed to contain stained glass taken from Leslie's Anderson hall and other items.