A historic Glasgow church once marred by tragedy is set to close, reflecting a wider trend of church closures across Scotland.
St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Anderston gained national attention in 2006 when it was discovered to be the site where serial killer Peter Tobin hid the body of Angelika Kluk, a 23-year-old Polish student working at the parish.
Tobin had been taken in by the church under a false name before committing the murder. Kluk’s body was later found beneath the church floorboards, leading to Tobin’s conviction and exposure as a serial killer.
Although the building was rededicated in 2007 by the late Archbishop Mario Conti, the church has struggled to recover
According to the Archdiocese of Glasgow, weekday Masses now attract fewer than 10 people, while repair costs are estimated at over £2 million.
Despite its tragic history, St Patrick’s has also stood as a place of sanctuary and Christian service for the local community
Designed by Peter Paul Pugin and opened in 1898, the church has served Glasgow’s faithful for more than a century.
The archdiocese told the BBC that, if planning permission is granted, the listed building could be sold to a developer.
With the wider Catholic Church in Scotland facing financial strain and priest shortages, more closures are expected in the years ahead.