St Bride's Church, East Kilbride

St Bride's Church is a Catholic place of worship in East Kilbride featuring substantial brick walls, deep slotted windows, and light cannons that direct natural light into key areas. These light cannons illuminate the sanctuary and pulpit areas to emphasize the spaces where worship is focused.

The building was designed in the 1960s by architects Gillespie, Kidd and Coia and won the Bronze Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects for its design. The project was part of a wave of modern church architecture that combined traditional spiritual spaces with contemporary design principles.

The interior layout shows traditional Catholic worship arrangements with a prominent sanctuary, while the exterior design draws from Scottish castle architecture. The use of brick and window design creates a bridge between religious purpose and local architectural heritage.

The building is open on many days, and visitors should keep their movements calm to respect the concentration of others. The acoustics inside are notable and contribute to a peaceful setting, especially when fewer people are present.

The building originally had a tall bell tower standing for two decades before its removal due to concerns about material durability. The absence where it once stood serves as a reminder to visitors of this change in the structure's architectural history.

Location: South Lanarkshire

Location: East Kilbride

Inception: 1957

Architects: Gillespie, Kidd & Coia

GPS coordinates: 55.76292,-4.16831

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06