Latest news with #AlanReiach
STV News
5 days ago
- STV News
Police treating fire that destroyed listed church building as deliberate
Police are treating a fire that destroyed a listed church building in Cumbernauld as deliberate. Emergency services were called to reports of St Mungo's Church being 'well-ablaze' around 7.50pm on August 2. The fire burned overnight, leaving the building, which dated back to the 1960s, significantly damaged. The moderator of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Rosie Frew, joined members of the church to survey the damage on Wednesday, where she was brought to tears over the wreckage. The building was described as a local landmark and boasted an eye-catching pyramid-shaped roof designed by notable Scottish architect Alan Reiach. Police say they are now treating the fire as deliberate and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward. Church of Scotland St Mungo's in Cumbernauld Church of Scotland The roadway on St Mungo's Road has reopened but the footpath around the church remains closed. Detective sergeant Craig Jeffrey said: 'Enquiries so far have established the fire was deliberate. We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact us. 'We'd also ask anyone with footage of the area at the time to please come forward.' Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3110 of Saturday, August 2 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
'Fabric of Cumbernauld has fallen apart after church fire'
The destruction of a Cumbernauld church in a devastating fire will have lasting repercussions for the area, locals blaze that wiped out the St Mungo's Church building on Saturday came just over a week after another fire wrecked the nearby Cumbernauld Cottage Theatre. Community groups that used the church for events have been left scrambling to find replacement were no injuries in the blaze, which took until Sunday to put out. Caroline Noble, a volunteer with Cumbernauld and Carbrain Community Hub, told BBC Scotland News she feels like the original landmarks and heritage of the North Lanarkshire new town are said: "The full fabric of Cumbernauld has just fallen apart, really. It kind of feels like there is going to be nothing left, which is sad."The 1960s church, designed by Scottish architect Alan Reiach, is a B-listed building - meaning it is classed as being of regional or local importance. The community hub, based minutes away from the church, would use the building for some bigger events or activities, including a weekly café offering free have since found an alternative site for the café, but Ms Noble believes the loss of the church - and in particular the distinctive triangular roof visible across the area's skyline - will take time to get used added: "It's such an iconic building in Cumbernauld. Everyone was talking about it because it's just such a shock."Rhona McMillan, a member of the Cumbernauld Gaelic Choir that used the church as a rehearsal space, said the news was told BBC Scotland News: " It is a huge loss to the community and our thoughts are with the congregation and ministry team. "The choir have been rehearsing there for three years every Monday night, and it was an ideal space for singing and learning Gaelic." 'Place of special memories' The St Mungo's Church building was part of Trinity Parish Church, a union formed from Cumbernauld Old Church and Kildrum and St Mungo's churches in August 2024. Any decision on what happens next with the building will partly lie with the Church of Scotland, whose moderator the Rt Rev Rosie Frew said she was shocked by the said: "As well as being the focus of much of the life, work and worship of the congregation, St Mungo's has been both an iconic landmark and a place of special memories for the people of Cumbernauld."My thoughts and prayers, and those of members of the Church of Scotland, are with the congregation and community at this difficult time."She is scheduled to visit the site Alastair Duncan, the interim moderator of Cumbernauld Trinity Church, said the congregation had been left devastated and that the building was "cherished by many".He added: "Aside from its distinctive architecture, the B-listed building is held in great affection by the people of Cumbernauld, and its location remains a significant presence for the Church of Scotland." Online speculation has already intensified for what will happen next to the site, including calls for it to be Noble, who studied the area's heritage for her masters degree, believes the building's importance to the overall community should not be said: "I truly believe that heritage spaces are more than buildings, they are places where people's stories and memories are all held. "When the building isn't there, those stories still exist, so it has been more than just a building - not just for the church but for the whole community. "It's going to be odd not having it there."
STV News
03-08-2025
- General
- STV News
Fire crews on scene of church fire as 'landmark' listed building destroyed
Emergency services remain on the scene of a fire at a church in Cumbernauld that has burned overnight. Seven fire engines and specialist resource were called to St Mungo's Church on St Mungo's Road around 7.50pm on Saturday. The building was described as 'well-ablaze' forcing the evacuation of a number of properties nearby. Due to the volume of smoke, residents of Cumbernauld town centre and Seafar were urged to stay indoors and keep their windows closed. Three fire engines remain on the scene as of Sunday morning with the blaze described as 'under control' There are no reports of any casualties. St Mungo's Road has been closed to businesses, residents and pedestrians. A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: 'With regard to the fire at St Mungo's church in Cumbernauld, emergency services remain at scene. 'The fire is under control, and there no reports of any injuries. 'No further requirement to remain indoors or to keep windows and doors closed. 'St Mungo's Road is still closed to businesses, residents and pedestrians. 'Enquiries into the cause of the blaze ongoing.' St Mungo's Church is a B-listed building dating back to the 1960s. Historic Environment Scotland describes it as a 'striking landmark in the centre of Cumbernauld'. It adds: 'Prominently sited on the top of a small hill, the bold copper pyramidal roof is an important landmark. Alan Reiach designed two churches in Cumbernauld, both of which can accommodate 800, Kildrum Church – the earlier of the two. Alan Reiach (1910-1992), who was apprenticed to Sir Robert Lorimer (1864-1929), was primarily involved in the design of public buildings, including churches, schools, universities and hospitals. 'Noteworthy features of St Mungo's Parish Church include the bold pyramidal roof, with apex of which forms a roof light lighting the nave of the church, and above this is a pyramidal belfry. 'The impressive Baltic redwood-lined interior gains natural light from the large central rooflight and clerestory windows.' Councillor Alan Masterton for Cumbernauld North described the incident as 'very sad'. He added: 'Very sad to see another listed building in Cumbernauld on fire tonight with St Mungo's Church well ablaze, following the fire at Cumbernauld Theatre a few weeks ago.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
