Pub plan could save landmark church

The church of Scotland has given its blessing to what may be Britain's only "pub in a church" plan, in a bid to save a landmark A-listed place of worship.

Despite fears in some quarters that there are already too many licences in Glasgow's West End the scheme, for Lansdowne Parish Church at Kelvinbridge, has been given the green light.

It involves using the church main hall for theatre or music productions with a bar and restaurant annexe.

On Sundays the hall would revert to normal use for church services.

Proceeds from the planned licensed wing would fund restoration work.

Minister Rev Roy Henderson says it's a necessary step to save features including what has been described as "perhaps the finest stained glass window in the city", the great south window by Alfred Webster.

The church was built in 1863 and has a commanding spire almost 220 feet high.

The pub scheme, which has approval from the council, has also been given the backing of David Howat, a local lawyer who led a successful campaign to block a plan to open a nightclub beneath the nearby Botanic Gardens.

"The plan involves operating the church through the Four Acres Charitable Trust," he said, "and they have a sound reputation for the way they restored the former Dowanhill Parish Church (another local landmark) while raising funds from a licensed facility.

"It could add something to the area without causing any problems - this part of the area doesn't have too many licences, and this wouldn't be just another pub."

After detailed discussion the Church of Scotland approved transfer of the building to the Trust, with a two-year option to purchase the property.