A 183-year-old church on the city’s south side has been badly damaged by fire, with part of the building collapsing.

13:49, 07 Dec 2025Updated 14:04, 07 Dec 2025

The blaze at its height.(Image: Lorna Mcconaghy)

A historic church located in Glasgow’s southside has been destroyed in an overnight blaze.

Fire crews were called to Pollokshaws Parish Church on Shawbridge Street in the early hours of Sunday morning, December 7, after reports of a fire at around 2.44am.

Flames gutted much of the 182-year-old building, and part of the church has collapsed in the incident.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed to Glasgow Live that three fire appliances, including a high-reach unit, were deployed to tackle the blaze in the early hours of the morning.

As of 11.30am, crews remain at the scene, with Shawbridge Street closed to traffic while the fire continues to be managed.

Shawbridge Street remains closed(Image: Daily Record)

Flats on either side of the church were evacuated as a precaution, but no injuries have been reported.

Firefighters have been fighting the fire from outside the building due to the risk of further collapse, and it has not yet been confirmed that the blaze is fully extinguished.

The church has been gutted by the fire.(Image: Daily Record)

Shawbridge Street remains closed between both terminations while emergency crews continue their efforts.

Local residents have expressed their sadness at the fire, describing it as “absolutely devastating for the Pollokshaws community” on social media.

One person said: “The church has stood for generations — and seeing it like this from above is truly emotional. Sending strength to everyone affected by last night’s fire.”

Another added: “Absolutely devastated about Pollokshaws Parish Church being burnt down. That was the family church away back as far as my nanna and grandad.”

Glasgow City Council urged drivers to avoid the area in the wake of the blaze.

The local authority said: “Shawbridge Street between both terminations of Shawholm Crescent is currently closed to traffic due to a fire.

“Emergency services are on location.

“Road users are advised to use alternative routes and delays are to expected.”