Wednesday February 4th 2026
Glasite Chapel. Galashiels
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A planning bid to demolish a derelict mid-19th century chapel has been refused after heritage groups opposed it.
Save Britain’s Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland were two of the organisations which raised objections to the “irreversible” flattening of Glasite Chapel or meeting house at Botany Lane in Galashiels, one of only a small number of such structures in Scotland.
It is of particular interest as a surviving meeting place of a relatively rare sect, and also for its architectural interest, with a house and chapel contained within one uniform and simple structure.
The building is currently on the ‘Buildings at Risk’ register and has not been occupied since the beginning of the century.
The applicant, Galashiels-based Morrison and Murray Engineering, submitted a planning bid to Scottish Borders Council requesting permission to flatten it.
The company say repairs are not financially viable and were seeking complete demolition of the building due to its “perilous condition”.
In his report refusing the application, SBC lead planning officer Carlos Clarke states: “Fundamentally, the Listed Building description identifies the chapel as being one of only a small number of such structures in Scotland, and its particular interest lies in it being a surviving meeting place of what was a relatively rare sect, but also its unusual location within an industrial area.
“The application form refers to repairs not being financially viable. However, no information has been provided to evidence that, such as an options appraisal and full costings.
“Also, no evidence of marketing has been submitted demonstrating an adequate attempt has been made for others to purchase or let the building, repair it and put it to new use.
“Ultimately, the condition of the building and its location do clearly present difficulties and challenges and those aren’t to be underestimated.
“However, this application does not demonstrate, on the above grounds, that all repair options have been costed, evidenced and alternatives comprehensively ruled out.”
In its response another objector, The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, stated: “Were the council to grant consent for demolition of this building they would be rewarding neglect and acting in a way which would undermine their own policies.”
A building condition report submitted with the application, from Marsh & Riddell surveyors, stated: “The roof was found in very poor condition generally, with large swathes of the slates now beginning to slip from their fixings.
“Structurally the roof timbers are also in very poor condition because of the long-term water penetration. The roof timbers were inspected internally from a ladder with the rafter ends found to be completely rotten.
“The external walls were found in poor condition with several defects identified that require remedial actions.
“All internal floors, walls and the staircase have been removed from the property, most likely as a result of dry and wet rot damage.
“With the property essentially being open to the elements all internal finishes are now damaged beyond repair.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
