November 14 2024

An A-listed Gothic Revival church at 300 St Vincent Street, largely untouched since its consecration in 1904, could become a bar and function venue under new plans by Bradley Mitchell, owner of The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall.

St Columba Gaelic Parish Church, colloquially known as The Highland Cathedral, has been closed since the onset of Covid-19 in 2020 but could find a second lease of life as an entertainment venue to replace the demolished O2 ABC on Sauchiehall Street.

Conversion work would see the conversion of the front hall and meeting room into toilets and the installation of architectural lighting to highlight the interior features of the main hall. The building would otherwise remain untouched however with the Gaelic Church granted continued access on a part-time basis.

In a statement, John Taylor Architect wrote: "The Church of Scotland is in the midst of a nationwide “re-structuring” due to declining congregation numbers in many parts of the country. Blawarthill and St Columba Gaelic congregations were officially linked on 16th Feb 2023, with the St Columba building now permanently closed.

"The proposal is to retain and develop the building into a multi-use venue for entertainment, public events, private hire and staging musical or theatrical performances."

A bespoke pipe organ will also be restored and put back into service for musical events. 

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