Threat to church

With the debate continuing over the future of the Glasgow School of Art, it is easy to lose sight of other iconic Scottish buildings which are under threat.

Among those is the Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church, which has dominated the skyline of Paisley since 1894.

The building, which was designed by Hippolyte Jean Blanc, is a wonderful example of Gothic architecture and its crown spire rises over 250

feet above the town’s High Street. Now the future of this Grade A-listed building, once dubbed the Baptist Cathedral of Europe, is uncertain as dwindling congregations have made it unviable as a place of worship.

There are plans to change the use of the building, which remain under discussion, but the building will close at the end of August and potentially be boarded up.

Should anyone wish to see this magnificent building before it is closes, they should check details on the website www.coatsmemorial.org.uk – the church is normally open on Fridays from 2- 4pm.

RHONA BROWN Titchfield Road, Troon