Background
The earliest Muslims moved into Newton Mearns in 1960s. Over the years the Muslim community grew significantly and efforts were made to cater for its needs:
- Taraweeh prayers started at local residents’ homes in 1980s, however, as the community continued to grow Crookfur Primary School was hired. After a few years the Taraweeh prayers were relocated to Eastwood High School then later to St Cadocs Primary School where it remained for many years.
- Qur’an classes started at local residents homes’ in the late 1980s.
- Urdu and Islamic classes started at Eastwood High School in 1990s.
- In the early 2000s, a Musallah was established at a local brother’s home where daily prayers began.
- In the early 2000s, submissions were made to the East Renfrewshire Council Local Development Plan consultations to establish the needs of the Muslim community.
- In 2006, a planning application was submitted for a purpose-built mosque at Leslie Avenue, however, it was rejected in 2007.
- In 2008, 11 potential sites for a purpose-built mosque within East Renfrewshire were considered.
Purchase of former Royal British Legion Hall, 8 Langrig Road
- In 2011, the former Royal British Legion building on Langrig Road was purchased by the local Muslim community.
- During 2012-2013, initial renovation works of the centre were carried out and planning permission was sought for change of use to class 10 (religious and education).
- After initially being unsuccessful in obtaining planning permission, temporary permission was granted in 2013 for 3 years.
- After a successful trial period, permanent planning permission was granted in 2016.
- Initially the site was known as East Ren Centre, however, it was later changed to Newton Mearns Islamic Centre.
Newton Mearns Islamic Centre
The primary purpose of the Newton Mearns Islamic Centre is to establish daily, Jumuah, Taraweeh and Eid prayers for the local Muslim community to pray together in congregation. In addition to this, there are various activities taking place:
- Maktab classes
- Weekly circles
- Tajweed Class (brothers & sisters)
- Ladies coffee mornings
- Mother & Toddler
- Girls Youth Club
- Talk to an Alimah female helpline
- Girls Youth Helpline
- Seniors Social Club (male and female)
