Latest news with #GeneralAssemblyoftheChurchofScotland
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Church fire 'deliberate' as Kirk Moderator visits remains amid police probe
"Following this awful fire, so much will be on hold, time will be needed to grieve, to re-think, to re-imagine, to seek God's guidance." The fire which tore apart a Church of Scotland building hailed as an iconic landmark is being treated as deliberate by police. The B-listed St Mungo's Church at St Mungo's Road in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, was deliberately torched by a firebug on Saturday evening. The blaze broke out at around 7.50pm, with no injuries reported. Nearby roads which were closed in the aftermath have since reopened, but the footpath around the church remains shut. Police are now appealing to the public for information in a bid to catch the firestarter. 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." The appeal came as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland visited the ruins of the iconic church. The Kirk said the building had been "destroyed by fire" and Rt Rev Rosie Frew's visit was so she could "stand in solidarity and support the devastated congregation". She stood shoulder to shoulder with visibly upset members of the church on Wednesday, August 6, as they surveyed the wreckage of what was an iconic landmark at the heart of the town. Struggling to contain her own tears, she said they are "grieving" the loss of a beloved gathering place and the thoughts and prayers of the wider Church of Scotland family were with them. With its pyramid shaped roof, the B-listed building in the town centre was deemed an important landmark since it was built in the 1960s, designed by notable Scottish architect Alan Reiach. Emergency services unfortunately could not save it. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Speaking outside what is left of the building, Mrs Frew said: "How often do we hear it said and sung that the 'church is not a building, the church is a people?' But people need a gathering place and this has been your gathering place since 1966. A building described as iconic, a landmark – a building that holds a special place in the lives and the memories of so many." St Mungo's Church is now part of Trinity Parish Church, a union formed from Cumbernauld Old Church and Kildrum and St Mungo's churches on 15 August, 2024. Mrs Frew said: "I'm conscious that there has been much change in recent times with the coming together of the churches that make up Cumbernauld Trinity. "I've read of your plans and hopes and dreams, the St Mungo's Hub was, is, a big part of your vision for the future. Following this awful fire, so much will be on hold, time will be needed to grieve, to re-think, to re-imagine, to seek God's guidance. You are very much in the thoughts and prayers of members and congregations across the Church of Scotland." Mrs Frew led those gathered, including Rev Dr Grant Barclay, Clerk to the Presbytery of Glasgow, and her chaplain Rev Dr Karen K Campbell, in prayer. Morag Rusk, the Session Clerk of Cumbernauld Trinity Church and previously Session Clerk of St Mungo's Parish Church, said: "I was alerted just after 8pm by a member of the congregation who was hysterical and told me 'St Mungo's is on fire'. "I immediately went up to the church and just stood looking at the scene for an hour or two with people from the congregation. We are absolutely devastated and still coming to terms with it. It is such a well-loved and unique building for the congregation and people in the town. "It was an iconic landmark for Cumbernauld and the pyramid tower be seen as you drive into the town from whatever direction, Glasgow, Airdrie and Falkirk. "We have to get through our grief but we hope to honour this special place and recreate something in its memory as there is so much history for people – the scene of so many funerals, weddings and family events. "You can see from the huge outpouring of shock and sadness in the community that it is such a loved building." Rev Alastair Duncan, Interim Moderator of Cumbernauld Trinity Church, said he felt "deep sadness". He added: "St Mungo's was a place that has seen many, many important occasions for 60 years so it's just deeply, deeply distressing and devastating for the congregation." Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3110 of Saturday, 2 August, 2025. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Moderator visits ruin of 'iconic' church devastated by fire
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland visited the ruins of an iconic church destroyed by fire to stand in solidarity and support the devastated congregation. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rt Rev Rosie Frew stood shoulder to shoulder with visibly upset members of the former St Mungo's Church in Cumbernauld yesterday as they surveyed the wreckage of what was an iconic landmark at the heart of the town. Struggling to contain her own tears, she said they are "grieving" the loss of a beloved gathering place and the thoughts and prayers of the wider Church of Scotland family were with them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With its pyramid shaped roof, the B-listed building is in the town centre and has been an important landmark since it was built in the 1960s, designed by notable Scottish architect Alan Reiach. Rt Rev Rosie Frew outside St Mungo's Church in Cumbernauld that was ravaged by a fire on 2 August, 2025. The alarm was raised around 7.30pm on Saturday, August 2, that the building and connecting halls, was well alight. The emergency services attended the scene but unfortunately the complex could not be saved. There were no reports of injuries and an official investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. Speaking at a gathering outside what is left of the building, Mrs Frew said: "How often do we hear it said and sung that the 'church is not a building, the church is people?' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "But people need a gathering place and this has been your gathering place since 1966. Devastated - Susan Cassidy, Kathryn Ross, Rt Rev Rosie Frew and Morag Rusk. "A building described as iconic, a landmark – a building that holds a special place in the lives and the memories of so many." St Mungo's Church is now part of Trinity Parish Church, a union formed from Cumbernauld Old Church and Kildrum and St Mungo's churches on 15 August, 2024. Mrs Frew said: "I'm conscious that there has been much change in recent times with the coming together of the churches that make up Cumbernauld Trinity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I've read of your plans and hopes and dreams, the St Mungo's Hub was, is, a big part of your vision for the future. "Following this awful fire, so much will be on hold, time will be needed to grieve, to re-think, to re-imagine, to seek God's guidance. "You are very much in the thoughts and prayers of members and congregations across the Church of Scotland." Mrs Frew led those gathered, including members of the congregation, Rev Dr Grant Barclay, Clerk to the Presbytery of Glasgow, and her chaplain Rev Dr Karen K Campbell, in prayer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Loving God, gathered here today we give thanks for this church building A place of worship where God has been glorified in word and music, in beauty and creativity A place of gathering for this community, the people of this parish A place where the good news of Jesus Christ has been preached faithfully Sunday by Sunday Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A place of joy where life and love have been celebrated in the happiest of times A place of refuge where tears have been shed and anguished prayers uttered in the hardest of times A place of comfort where the peace of God has been felt in heart and mind Gathered here today we pray For this congregation and this community Past and present As they grieve this loss As they come to terms with this tragedy As they share memories As they make plans for the future Gathered here today we ask That you would be their comfort That you would give them strength That you would be their guide In the days and months ahead In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Among those gathered was Morag Rusk, the Session Clerk of Cumbernauld Trinity Church and she was the Session Clerk of St Mungo's Parish Church before the union. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Reflecting on Saturday night, she said: "I was alerted just after 8pm by a member of the congregation who was hysterical and told me 'St Mungo's is on fire, it's terrible, I'm heartbroken'. "I immediately went up to the church and just stood looking at the scene for an hour or two with people from the congregation. "We are absolutely devastated and still coming to terms with it, it is such a well-loved and unique building for the congregation and people in the town. "It was an iconic landmark for Cumbernauld and the pyramid tower be seen as you drive into the town from whatever direction, Glasgow, Airdrie and Falkirk." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Rusk said the building was used every day of the week by a range of community groups including a Gaelic choir and was the base of a well-used free café for tackling poverty that was set up after the COVID-19 pandemic. "Amidst our shock and grief, we are trying hard to find a positive and we know there will be one day," she added. "Cumbernauld Trinity Parish Church's web page refers to a passage from the Book of Isaiah about new beginnings and we have to cling onto that hope. "Looking forward in to the future after the cause of the fire is known, I would hope that we can recreate something on the site. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I don't know what that will be yet and I don't know how long it will take but the bell is still there in the tower and we have retrieved some plaques. "We have to get through our grief but we hope to honour this special place and recreate something in its memory as there is so much history for people – the scene of so many funerals, weddings and family events. "You can see from the huge outpouring of shock and sadness in the community that it is such a loved building." Rev Alastair Duncan, Interim Moderator of Cumbernauld Trinity Church, said he felt "deep sadness" over what has happened. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "St Mungo's was a place that has seen many, many important occasions for 60 years so it's just deeply, deeply distressing and devastating for the congregation," he added. "Although it wasn't the principal place of worship of the united Cumbernauld Trinity congregation, it was still very much in use. "To lose all of that, the history, the memories, the associations, as well as to lose the capacity for all the community groups that were using it and the possibility of what might have been in the future, is utterly devastating." Mr Duncan said the congregation is "very much in mourning for what it's lost". Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "It's early days but the hope is that there'll be something new as Cumbernauld is to be extensively redeveloped for the next 10 to 15 years, new houses are to be built very close to the site," he added. "This church and all the artistic impressions of the future was very much in the plan so it would be tragic if there wasn't something fit-for-purpose built to replace it in the years to come. "That remains to be seen and decided but at the moment it is a time to grieve, a time to mourn, a time for lament."
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Moderator visits 'landmark' Cumbernauld church devastated by fire
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland visited the ruins of an iconic church destroyed by fire to support the devastated congregation. Rt Rev Rosie Frew stood shoulder to shoulder with members of the former St Mungo's Church in Cumbernauld on Wednesday as they surveyed the wreckage of what was an iconic landmark at the heart of the town. She said they are "grieving" the loss of a beloved gathering place and the thoughts and prayers of the wider Church of Scotland family were with them. With its pyramid shaped roof, the B-listed building in the town centre, and had been an important landmark since it was built in the 1960s - designed by notable Scottish architect Alan Reiach. The alarm was raised around 7.30pm on Saturday, 2 August that the building, comprising of the pyramid-roofed sanctuary and connecting halls, was well alight. The emergency services attended the scene but the building could not be saved. There were no reports of injuries and an official investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. The Church was devastated by fire (Image: Church of Scotland) Speaking at a gathering outside what is left of the building, Mrs Frew said: "How often do we hear it said and sung that the 'church is not a building, the church is a people?' "But people need a gathering place and this has been your gathering place since 1966. "A building described as iconic, a landmark – a building that holds a special place in the lives and the memories of so many." St Mungo's Church is now part of Trinity Parish Church, a union formed from Cumbernauld Old Church and Kildrum and St Mungo's churches on 15 August, 2024. Mrs Frew added: "I'm conscious that there has been much change in recent times with the coming together of the churches that make up Cumbernauld Trinity. "I've read of your plans and hopes and dreams, the St Mungo's Hub was, is, a big part of your vision for the future. "Following this awful fire, so much will be on hold, time will be needed to grieve, to re-think, to re-imagine, to seek God's guidance. "You are very much in the thoughts and prayers of members and congregations across the Church of Scotland." READ MORE: Mrs Frew led those gathered, including members of the congregation, Rev Dr Grant Barclay, Clerk to the Presbytery of Glasgow, and her chaplain Rev Dr Karen K Campbell, in prayer. Among those gathered was Morag Rusk, the Session Clerk of Cumbernauld Trinity Church and she was the Session Clerk of St Mungo's Parish Church before the union. Reflecting on Saturday night, she said: "I was alerted just after 8pm by a member of the congregation who was hysterical and told me 'St Mungo's is on fire, it's terrible, I'm heartbroken. "I immediately went up to the church and just stood looking at the scene for an hour or two with people from the congregation. "We are absolutely devastated and still coming to terms with it, it is such a well-loved and unique building for the congregation and people in the town. "It was an iconic landmark for Cumbernauld and the pyramid tower be seen as you drive into the town from whatever direction, Glasgow, Airdrie and Falkirk." Rev Alastair Duncan, Interim Moderator of Cumbernauld Trinity Churchm outside St Mungo's (Image: Church of Scotland) Ms Rusk said the building was used every day of the week by a range of community groups including a Gaelic choir and was the base of a well-used free café for tackling poverty that was set up after the COVID-19 pandemic. "Amidst our shock and grief, we are trying hard to find a positive and we know there will be one day," she added. "Cumbernauld Trinity Parish Church's web page refers to a passage from the Book of Isaiah about new beginnings and we have to cling onto that hope.
Glasgow Times
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
More than 100 to attend peace vigil at Faslane naval base
The event will take place outside HM Naval Base on the Clyde (Faslane) at the south gate on Maidstone Road from 10.30am to 12pm on Saturday, August 2. It will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during the Second World War. Read more: 'Large helicopters' to take over skies in army exercise The gathering is organised by Justice and Peace Scotland and led by senior figures from Scotland's three largest Christian churches. Participants will include the Most Rev William Nolan, Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow and Bishop-president of Justice and Peace Scotland; Rt Rev Rosie Frew, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; and the Most Rev Mark Strange, primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. They will be joined by representatives from the Quakers, the Iona Community, the United Reformed Church and other faith groups. The event will include prayers and reflection on the 'immorality of possessing nuclear weapons' amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Organisers warn the risk posed by the UK's 'soon-to-be upgraded and expanded' nuclear arsenal is greater than in recent memory. Archbishop Nolan said: 'The phrase 'never again' gained much currency 80 years ago. 'But the actions of nuclear powers, including our own, run contrary to that. 'As the late Pope Benedict articulated, the very concept of a nuclear deterrence has instead fuelled an arms race as those on opposing sides keep seeking to outdo the other. 'We have seen this in the replacement for Trident. 'Deterrence itself, therefore, has increased insecurity and does nothing to build up trust which is necessary to encourage disarmament and build up peace.' HM Naval Base Clyde, located on the Gare Loch near Helensburgh, is home to the Royal Navy's four Vanguard-class submarines, which carry [[Trident]] 2 D5 nuclear missiles. These weapons are estimated to be 80 times more powerful than those dropped on Japan in 1945. Read more: Army veteran credits Paisley support centre with helping him rebuild confidence Rt Rev Rosie Frew said: 'On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it seems right to stand with other Christians saying no to nuclear weapons and yes to peace. 'My hope and prayer is to live in a world without war or the threat of war, a world without the threat of the deployment of nuclear weapons. 'I know opinion is very divided on holding nuclear weapons but I don't believe anyone would ever wish them to be deployed, both those who will gather outside and those who serve in HM Naval Base Clyde. 'The Church of Scotland stands in solidarity with all those who work at Faslane in the service of the United Kingdom, while praying for peace in a world where there is no threat of nuclear weapons ever being used.'
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Inside David Tennant's close relationship with his very famous in-laws
David Tennant may not have came from fame himself but his wife Georgia Tennant's parents are two very well known actors. David Tennant's love for acting talents truly runs in his family with the Scots icon being married to his Doctor Who co-star Georgia Tennant, and two of the couple's five children now following in their parents footsteps in the entertainment industry. While David himself did not come from a family of entertainers, with his own father being a minister who served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, his wife's family are very well known with his father-in-law also having a huge Doctor Who connection. Georgia Tennant, formerly known as Georgia Moffett, is the daughter of famous actors Peter Davison and Sandra Dickinson. Peter and Sandra married in 1978 and welcomed Georgia in 1984 but divorced when she was ten-years-old. Here's all you need to know about who they are and David's relationship with them. Peter Davison Peter Davison is best known for playing the fifth incarnation of The Doctor in Doctor Who. The iconic sci-fi seems to run in the family's blood with David famed for his legendary portrayal of the tenth version of the character. Meanwhile, Georgia played Jenny, the character's 'daughter' in the story, The Doctor's Daughter. Peter has made a comeback to the role several times, appearing in the Children in Need special Time Crash, where he acted alongside son-in-laws David and The Power of the Doctor, which celebrated 100 years of the BBC. The 74-year-old star also returned to his role for several audio stories. In addition to his Doctor Who catalogue, Peter has also had major roles in series such as All Creatures Great and Small, Law & Order: UK, Holding the Fort and The Last Detective. Although he is known for his "grumpy" persona, even once holding up a sign referring to David which read 'He's not special,' Peter has great admiration for his son-in-law. When asked at a convention who he thought he was a better Doctor between his daughter's husband and Peter Capaldi, the star replied: "I can only have one answer to that, even if it was not true. "It would have to be David Tennant. Peter Capaldi, don't get me wrong, is a brilliant actor. I thought he did a fantastic job. But if you ask me to choose, I'm afraid I'd have to say David Tennant." Sandra Dickinson Sandra is also an actor and she first met her former husband on set when they played the roles of brother and sister in an episode of The Tomorrow People. Sandra and Peter also worked together to compose the theme song for the children's show Button Moon. Her other acting credits include her role in the series Uncle and major films including Ready Player One and The Batman. The 76 year old has a close relationship with Georgia and David and when she married her third husband Mark Osmond in 2009, it was the couple's eldest child, Ty, who gave her away. Speaking in 2018 to The American about turning down the chance to become a Hollywood star, she explained: "But the thing is, if I hadn't done that my daughter would not be married to a lovely actor called David Tennant, she wouldn't be a writer and an actress and a producer now, I wouldn't have the four grandchildren, so it's jolly good I didn't continue in Hollywood back then ...but I'd love to now."
