A historic church in Glasgow’s south side has been severely damaged after a massive fire tore through the building in the early hours of Sunday, December 7. The blaze gutted much of the 182-year-old Pollokshaws Parish Church on Shawbridge Street, causing part of the structure to collapse.
Emergency services were alerted around 2:44 a.m., deploying three fire appliances including a high-reach unit to control the flames. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed crews remain at the scene as of late morning, with Shawbridge Street closed to traffic while the fire is being managed.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, and an investigation is expected to begin once the blaze is fully extinguished. Local residents expressed shock at the loss, with many noting the historic significance of the church in the community.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of older buildings to fire and raises concerns about preservation of Scotland’s historic sites.