A red-sandstone railway terminus of about 1919 has gained a new public life as a church while retaining its large arched window, gable and platform-era scale.
Quick facts
- Date
- Rebuilt c.1919; later church adaptation
- Architect / designer
- Caledonian and North British railway-era builders; church architect not established
- Type
- Former railway terminus adapted as a church
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB45082)
- OS grid reference
- NS 70346 58760
Architecture and continuing use
The asymmetrical L-plan building has a strong gabled block, broad multi-light arched window and fluted classical details. A circular rear hall and later alterations reflect adaptation after railway closure, while stone gatepiers and walls preserve its formal approach.
Its story
Bothwell first gained passenger rail service in the 1870s. The terminus was rebuilt when the line reopened in 1919 and finally closed in 1955. Later conversion created an evangelical church; the congregation adopted the name Grace Church Bothwell in 2023 and continues to meet here.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises an unusual surviving suburban terminus, strong red-sandstone design and successful change from transport infrastructure to continuing community worship.
What to notice
- The five-light round-arched window filling the main gable.
- Fluted pilasters and ball-finial details.
- The contrast between the railway-era front and later circular hall.
Reading the surroundings
Attend an advertised service or contact the church. The former railway history does not imply access to all rooms, rear areas or any adjacent transport land.
Timeline
- 1878 Regular passenger service began at Bothwell’s first station.
- 1919 The route reopened with a rebuilt terminus building.
- 1955 The station closed permanently to passenger traffic.
- 2023 A new public name marked the church community’s continuing life in the terminus.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The precise railway architect and date of the later circular church addition are not established in the designation. Current access follows church arrangements.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Grace Church Bothwell and Former Station Terminus, LB45082 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and significance.
- Trove designation: LB45082 — Parallel national designation identity and archival context.
- Grace Church Bothwell: visit — First-party current address, services and visitor information.
- OSCR: Grace Church Bothwell — Official charity identity and 2023 former-name information.
Location
OS grid reference NS 70346 58760 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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