Plans to convert Kilmarnock pub into a mosque

Aug 14 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

A MUSLIM group wants to convert a Kilmarnock pub into a mosque and education centre.

The Al-Huda Educational Society of Kilmarnock has plans to turn the Hillhead Tavern in to a religious education and community centre and make it Ayrshire’s first mosque.

It has applied to East Ayrshire Council for a change of use for the pub in Hill Street, which has been up for sale for more than a year.

For two years, the Al-Huda Society has held evening meetings in the Old Man’s Cabin in Witch Road – only 100 yards from the Hillhead Tavern.

The group, which has 100 members, also holds weekly prayer meetings at St Michael’s Church hall, Kilmarnock.

A centre would allow the society to hold meetings and prayers as well as a youth centre and fitness, sewing and cookery classes under one roof.

The society proposes to have the centre open seven days a week from 1pm to 11pm during the summer and 1pm to 9pm in the winter.

It estimates there are currently 1500 ethnic minority families in Ayrshire, which could use the centre.

In a written statement to the council, the Al-Huda Educational Society declares its aim is “to provide Muslims and non-Muslims with the opportunity to vlearn and understand Islam through dialogue, discussion and social interaction.”

The society also states: “Our Imams (religious leaders) and community workers encourage constructive engagement in society and a rejection of extremism in all its forms. We unequivocally reject all terrorism.”

A representative of the society, a Mr M Shaheen, this month posted a notice on a Leeds-based Muslim group’s website asking for help to raise the £250,000 he estimates it will cost to convert the pub.

The post says: “We are a registered charity and have approximately £100,000 in our account but to purchase the ex public house we require £250,000 in total, this will allow us funds for renovation as well.

“After the refurbishment it will became an excellent facility for the local Muslim community in Kilmarnock and Ayrshire. The mosque building will include a separate space for a prayer area for ladies including ablution area and toilet facility.”

He also says in his post that the group have applied for permission to build a Muslim cemetery and that they intend to hold Salat (prayers) at the centre five times a day.

The application is expected to be heard by councillors at a future meeting of the planning committee.