This attractive Partick church is the third oldest of the catholic faith in Scotland…read more It is used extensively by the area's Polish community and conducts its masses in the native language as well as in English.

st simons rc church is located in the west end of glasgow - not far from the famous art galleries…read moreand kelvingrove park it is the 3rd oldest rc church in glasgow - built in 1858, and since world war II has been a home for the polish community (c20k) - they have 2 masses in polish @ weekends

This one is worth a visit. No crowds, no tourists, and garnering far less attention than it's big…read morebrother Glasgow Cathedral, this is what I like to see. Out of the way, lesser known stops that are equally stunning yet peacefully serene. A Neo Gothic Catholic church designed in 1814, the structure sits on the north bank of the River Clyde. A spectacular organ built in 1903 was relocated here in 1981, and the entire building was significantly renovated in 2009. A mirrored memorial stands outside the building dedicated to the Arandora Star ship disaster of 1940, the largest in the world dedicated to this disaster. Look for the 200-year-old olive tree in the courtyard near the memorial.

Situated on the banks of the Clyde, just across from the court, I have often popped in for a quiet…read morethink. Since my religious life has been reduced to visiting churches when the congregation are out, I haven't caught more than the end of a mass here, but I find it one of the more congenial spots for a little rest after shopping, a peaceful contemplation of life before going out for the night or a total tearful breakdown after getting dumped, again. St Andrews is nicely old fashioned: the pews are scattered with penitents and regular worshippers, spending time alone with their faith- or, as in my case, existential doubt. It has shrines, a sense of calm and plenty of spots for personal prayer. I find this an atmosphere far more conducive to prayer than the updating that many churches have embraced. It also has a good selection of prayer books and helpful texts at the back.

Carfin Pilgrimage Centre popped up in 1996, and has been a popular visitor attraction ever since. I…read moream not Catholic, but the centre is not exclusively for those of the Catholic faith. Over the years, I have been inside the centre many times, as they have a large cafe. My mum and I used to go up for lunch every Wednesday and it was always lovely, real home cooking and friendly service. The unique thing about this centre is the Pilgrimage exhibition. On the upper level of the centre, the display is audio-visual, and takes you through an account of the pilgrims who travelled to the site, which is interesting regardless of faith. It costs a small fee to enter the exhibition, all of which goes towards the upkeep of the Grotto. A nice place to stop off for a cup of coffee and a cake, or have a break if you are visiting the Grotto.

lovely grotto and miracles have happened here , however i hate the pilgramige centre. it is anti…read morechristian. jesus lost his temper when they were trading in the temple. the church is not the place to make money!!! selling good luck guestures are AGAINST the cathoic faith , we beleive in jesus and his teachings not pegan charms for luck !! its shamfull to see the charms and evil in this place. look with your own eyes its not the way of god the grotto is otherwise a place of god

One of the finest designs by Glasgow's other great architect, GFC has a beautiful exterior that…read moredisplays Indian influences and a sharp, clear interior that expresses the rational revolution that inspired the Scottish protestant movement. Determinedly elegant and sparse, the austerity contributes to an atmosphere of calm, intelligent contemplation: perfectly in tune with the theology of the Free Church. Despite its city centre location, this is not a bustling church but one where thoughtfulness is valued: for anyone wishing to get off the increasingly kitsch treadmill of MacIntosh, it is more than worth a visit.

This was my #1 choice for Doors Open Day 2015. The grandiose, Greek façade of the GFC has peaked my…read morecuriosity for years, but I never thought to venture in as I thought it was closed to the public. The gravity of the building belies the warm welcome visitors receive from the congregation inhabiting the building. Like many a Greek temple, unfortunately this building is in need of some work. Entering into the vestibule, you'd be forgiven for thinking you are in just another church. It's fairly unspectacular & somewhat dated, but look at the pillars supporting the staircases at either end and you'll see the first sign that this building is a wee bit special. Entering through either of the double doors and you're immediately transported to a venue which could easily be a smaller sibling of Glasgow grand theatres. You're line of view is cut off by the overhanging balcony, before the space opens up in front of you. The yellow oak pews, striped with dark strips of mahogany, have buffeted by years of worshippers, the dark crimson paint on the walls has faded and is in need of retouching. The pulpit and organ are set on a stacked platform in front of the pews, the top of the organ reaching up almost to the gods themselves. The wooden frame of the organ has ornate carvings on either side and is peppered with a printed motif. What really gives this place it's character is the balcony and upper cornicing. As I arrived at the top of the stairs I came face to face with a small door (that's small to even to a person of my diminutive stature) which frankly looked like something out of a creepy fantasy/horror film. Turning away from the door to hell, I was immediately struck with the feeling of being in another place. Although I could look right down onto what would be the congregation and pulpit etc, the balcony feels abandoned and almost of a different era. Peeling paint, dusty piles of old forgotten books and broken handrails suggest that the upper levels aren't normally used by anyone. I really felt that I could be exploring an old, abandoned building, the light streaming in from the windows only highlighted the dust I was kicking up. Looking up, again I could see beautifully carved decorations running around the perimeter. Alexander 'Greek' Thomson was said to have been inspired by Greek & Middle Eastern themes, I saw hints of Asia (maybe that's just wishful thinking), whatever it is it's impressive. Sat upstairs, away from the crowds, so to speak, you get a real sense of the church's past. Looking up and down and picturing the yourself perched above St Vincent Street, you can only the gravitas the church must once have enjoyed, how different it once was to today.. Today the church is on a list of 100 most endangered buildings. The city has already been forced to buy and save it from ruin, I just hope that this rough diamond doesn't get lost to another developer or dilapidation.

This imposing red sandstone church dates from 1879. The…read morearchitects were the brothers, William and Robert Ingram, the sons of James Ingram the famous Kilmarnock architect who designed many of the well known buildings in the town, including the beautiful Palace Theatre and St Marnock's Church. William eventually became an architect in Glasgow but Robert stayed in Kilmarnock. He later designed the Burns Monument and the Dick Institute. When Grange Church first opened it was described as a handsome cruciform structure with a spire of 140ft. There are 860 sittings and a hall and classroom to the E has accommodation for 500 people. A memorial stone can be found below the arch on the left side of the window above the entrance to the church. There is a steel bell in the tower which is thought to be the largest in the country. Corrosion makes deciphering the date on the side difficult, but it is thought to read '1867'. The stained glass window behind the pulpit was donated in 1896 by Miss M. Taylor in memory of her father, William Taylor. In 1902, an organ was added and it continued in use until 2009. I don't know how long it has been since this church stopped being used for worship as I see that it is now closed up and there are signs outside which state that it is now for sale or to rent. It will be interesting to see what happens to it in future.

when we visited we were impressed.read more

Attended 'Hinterland' tonight - an atmospheric sound and light installation at the ruins of St…read more Peter's Seminary, a mecca for urban explorers since the former training college for priests was abandoned and the building decayed. Hinterland marks the launch of Scotland's Festival of Architecture 2016 and the 'A' listed St. Peter's makes an excellent venue for this with the remains of its highly regarded bold and experimental Brutalist design. After being transported by bus to the site entrance, we were given light up walking poles with which to make our way through a (very muddy!) woodland trail to the building's entrance. The route takes you through various areas of the building complex and the main performance in the chapel area is great. The light projections dance across the distinctive shapes of the building, the chapel ceiling providing an excellent canvas, while a haunting choral soundscape adds to the atmosphere. The weather was a bit wild and highlighted how the elements have ravaged the building. Tomorrow is the last night of the Hinterland event and is the last chance to see St. Peter's in its current state before work begins to transform it into a public arts venue.

This is a wonderful old ruin, all that's left of the abbey since most of it was pulled down in…read more1562. A church is thought to have stood on this site as early as 1157, but the major part of the building was created in the 13th century. What remains today is still very impressive. The abbey is on a rise overlooking the River Garnock in the centre of the town, immediately off the pedestrianised shopping street. Free to visit too! The Wikipedia website has all the historical background! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilwinning_Abbey

Kilwinning Abbey Tower…read more.. Come here for great views and interesting history! Great views at the top of this tower! Worth all 143 steps! Very knowledgable volunteers and I loved the informative Eglington Castle history too. See the ruins of the Abbey too. There are just ruins of the abbey left.

I was on an escorted tour of Scotland and our guide informed us that although a visit was not…read moreincluded to this Cathedral that it was worth a visit. I'm glad that I went with his suggestion and took time on my own to explore. I loved all the stained art and the beautiful architecture. There were also volunteers available to answer any questions. Entrance is free but a donation is encouraged.

Beautiful piece of history, incredible architecture, nostalgic & awe inspiring. Lots of nearby…read morehistoric sites as well.