Church’s plan to convert old pub
IT has been a trend for churches to be turned into pubs because of dwindling congregations.
But now a Parkhead community has applied for permission to convert a pub into a church.
Parkhead Nazarene, a church based in Burgher Street, has applied for planning permission to convert the former Charter bar on Tollcross Road i nto a new centre for worship.
The pub, which has been lying vacant and derelict for many years, had a record of problems which resulted in the licence being withdrawn.
A report to the city council says in 2013, Parkhead Nazarene invested £900,000 in a new community church in Burgher Street which has become the main community hub in the area.
It works in close partnership with local groups and agencies to deliver community focused events and services.
The former pub, which was previously called Cotters Bar, has been identified as a hub for an area which lacks a facility where people can meet and also lacks a local church.
The report says: “A group of local residents who currently attend Parkhead Nazarene will form a core group to transform this derelict building into a community church.
“In practical terms there are no physical changes required other than internal fittings and furnishings.
“While it will take some time to build activities, use of the building will be daily from 9am until 9pm.
“Activities will be similar to those currently taking place in Burgher Street but tailored to the needs of the specific community.”
A cotter is an old Scots term for a peasant farmer who cultivated a small plot of land.
In the past, Tollcross lay outside the city boundary with agriculture rather than industry being the main source of employment.
Elsewhere the new North Harris Free Church of Scotland want to take over the Harris Inn in Tarbert, Harris.
The church – created after a number of worshippers quit the Church of Scotland in protest of the ordination of gay ministers – say it would make a suitable home for its congregation.