Inside derelict former Dunfermline church once eyed as £2m Wetherspoons ‘superpub’

Erskine House is going to auction this month with a £130,000 cut in its asking price.

By Neil Henderson

March 4 2024, 12:25pm

Erskine House in Dunfermline is to be auctioned off. Image: Auction House Scotland

A former Dunfermline church that was once eyed as a Wetherspoons ‘superpub’ is set to be sold off after having its asking price cut by £130,000.

B-listed Erskine House, which is more than 200 years old, will go under the hammer later this month.

It will be the second attempt at selling the building in just weeks, after it failed to sell at auction in February with a guide price of £230,000.

It is now being offered for sale with a starting price of £99,000.

The striking stone-built property commands an elevated site on Pilmuir Street, close the the city centre.

The exterior of Erskine House. — Erskine House commands a prominent position in the city. Image: Auction House Scotland

Designed by architect David Whyte, the oldest parts of Erskine House date back to 1798.

It replaced an earlier church on the site, which had been established in the early 1740s by the Rev Ralph Erskine, one of the founders of the Secession Movement.

It continued to be used as a place of worship under Church of Scotland ownership until 1998 before being sold off.

It was then run as a soft play centre for a time.

Two of the large stained glass windows in the main building. Image: Image: Auction House Scotland

The main area of the church with its stained glass windows. Image: Auction House Scotland

A wooden floored function room. — A wooden-floored function room. Image: Auction House Scotland

The upstairs balcony area. Image: Auction House Scotland

One of several large stained glass windows withing the property. — One of several large stained glass windows within the property. Image: Auction House Scotland

Many original feature still exist including a carved wooded staircase. — Many original features still exist including a carved wooded staircase. Image: Auction House Scotland

The Dunfermline Press reports that JD Wetherspoon then planned to turn it into a £2 million ‘superpub’ but those proposals never came to fruition.

The building was bought by the Yes U Are Partnership in 2012, with plans for a multi-purpose venue, but that too never happened.

The site has since fallen into a state of disrepair but still retains many original features – including large stained glass windows, wooden staircases and a balcony.

Erskine House is now going to auction again on March 21.

Another view of the wooden staircase. Image: Auction House Scotland

Erskine house is a B-listed building. — Erskine House is a B-listed building. Image: Auction House Scotland

A view of the church from the upper floor. Image: Auction House Scotland

One of the large rooms in the extension. Image: Auction House Scotland

The rear of Erskine House. Image: Auction House Scotland

The historic former church is to be auctioned off. Image: Auction House Scotland

Another view of the exterior of Erskine House. — The site is in a derelict state. Image: Auction House Scotland

The listing on Auction House Scotland says: “A major programme of works is required, including extensive roof repairs, which is reflected in the highly competitive guide price.

“A number of potential outcomes are available, including commercial multiple occupancy, residential development or hospitality.

“Any development would, of course, be subject to all required consents.

“The variety of development options, allied with the hugely attractive guide price, is sure to attract strong levels of demand.”