Music studio used by stars may be at risk

Aformer Rosyth church now used as a recording studio by bands like Primal Scream and Snow Patrol could be demolished.

Early plans have been submitted to Fife Council to knock down the former St Margaret’s Anglican church building on Hilton Road.

It could see the building – which some say looks like the upturned hull of a ship – replaced by flats.

Co-owner Michael

Brennan, who runs Sub Station Studio from the site, said the application is simply to open up opportunities for his family-run business – and says he has no concrete plans yet.

He said: “We’ve operated successfully for the past 22 years but the pandemic and current financial crisis has hit the music industry hard.

“The planning application is simply to widen the future opportunities for the business should we need them.

“We have no plans currently to move or close the studio.”

A total of 12 new flats could be built on the site if the plans go ahead.

A similar proposal was approved by councillors back in 2011 but the permission has since lapsed.

St Margaret’s was built in 1968 in a modernist style to accommodate a then-expanding Rosyth community, with many of

its congregation employed at the naval dockyard nearby.

With a large gable end and sweeping roof structure, the church – designed by architect J R Johnston – was said to represent a mission tent.

However, many also regarded the design to mirror that of an upturned

ship’s hull in a nod to the dockyard.

It eventually closed as a church in 1996 and was later refitted to form a recording studio, which continues to operate.

Along with Primal Scream and Snow Patrol, Sub Station Studio has been used by artists including The Skids, Faith No More, The Jesus and

Mary Chain and Big Country.

If approved, the planning permission in principle would allow Mr Brennan to submit detail proposals for the redevelopment of the site within a three-year period.

The plans are expected to come before the local authority for determination early in 2023.

FAMED: Primal Scream front man Bobby Gillespie recorded at Sub Station Studio.