Police treating fire that destroyed Cumbernauld church as deliberate

Police are treating a fire that destroyed a listed church building in Cumbernauld as deliberate.

Emergency services were called to reports of St Mungo’s Church being “well-ablaze” around 7.50pm on August 2.

The fire burned overnight, leaving the building, which dated back to the 1960s, significantly damaged.

The moderator of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Rosie Frew, joined members of the church to survey the damage on Wednesday, where she was brought to tears over the wreckage.

Glasgow & West

Moderator brought to tears over wreckage of church destroyed by fire

St Mungo’s Church in Cumbernauld was gutted by the blaze that took hold on Saturday evening and burned through the night.

The building was described as a local landmark and boasted an eye-catching pyramid-shaped roof designed by notable Scottish architect Alan Reiach.

Police say they are now treating the fire as deliberate and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

St Mungo's in Cumbernauld — St Mungo’s in Cumbernauld Church of Scotland

The roadway on St Mungo’s Road has reopened but the footpath around the church remains closed.

Detective sergeant Craig Jeffrey said: “Enquiries so far have established the fire was deliberate. We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact us.

“We’d also ask anyone with footage of the area at the time to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3110 of Saturday, August 2 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.