Images show aftermath of Cumbernauld church fire

The Herald Scotland

17 hours ago

On pictures taken at the scene today, the dramatic aftermath can be seen as the structure was drastically damaged.
Dramatic images show aftermath of Cumbernauld church fire (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
Since August last year, St Mungo's Church building has been part of Trinity Parish Church, a union formed from Cumbernauld Old Church and Kildrum as well as St Mungo's churches.
The congregational roll is around 350 members.
Rev Alastair Duncan, interim moderator of Cumbernauld Trinity Church, said: 'The congregation is devastated by the sudden loss of its building by fire on Saturday evening.
'St Mungo's, with its iconic pyramid-shaped roof, stands at the heart of Cumbernauld town centre, and is and has been an important landmark since it was built in the 1960s, designed by notable Scottish architect Alan Reiach.
'But 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, at the heart of a town centre which is scheduled for extensive redevelopment over the next 10-15 years.
'The building is cherished by many who have had associations with St Mungo's through rites of baptism and marriage and funeral services, as well as by generations of faithful worshippers, youth and children's organisations and other community groups.'
Rt Rev Rosie Frew, moderator of the General Assembly, said: 'I was shocked to read of the destruction of the St Mungo's Church building at the weekend, and relieved to hear that no one was injured.
'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."
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
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She added that members of the church pray for the 999 crews to respond and announced her plan to visit Cumbernauld and her more about the church there.
Residents and worshippers alike took to social media to send well-wishes and prayers.
Jamie Hepburn, MSP, said: "It is incredibly distressing to see another fire at an important building in the area so shortly after a similar at the [[Cumbernauld]] Theatre Cottage Building.
"My thoughts are with the congregation at Cumbernauld Trinity Parish Church as they come to terms with this terrible incident at the St Mungo's Church building.
"A local landmark of importance, this place of worship is linked to countless numbers of local families as a location for christenings, weddings and funerals.
"And it has also served as an important hub for the wider community, hosting birthday parties for local children, community organisations and back in the day graduation ceremonies for students at our local college. The whole area is impacted by this terrible incident."
(Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) The Presbytery of Glasgow added: "Please pray for the congregation of Cumbernauld Trinity and the people connected with the St Mungo's building in Cumbernauld at this time."
One local commented: "Thoughts and prayers to all involved with St Mungo's.
"I had many good memories of St Mungo's when I was in the Cub Scouts and Beavers. I live in Bridlington now but felt devastated when I heard the news."
Another shared: "I'm devastated, I just don't understand how this happened. Sending love."
Police Scotland has confirmed that an investigation is underway into the fire.