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First look at new Angus mosque as former drill hall transformed

The Arbroath mosque officially opened its doors on Friday afternoon.

The prayer room was full during the official opening.
Inside the mosque for Friday prayers. Image: Steven Brown/DC Thomson

The only mosque in Angus opened its doors to the public in an official ceremony on Friday.

The former drill hall in Arbroath has been transformed into a place of worship, which will provide a focal point for Muslims throughout the county.

Mohammed Naseem, 57, was inspired to open the mosque after the Syrian war brought an influx of Muslims to the area.

The mosque will be run by a board of trustees once it has been formally registered as a charity.

The prayer room before prayers.
The prayer room. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Washing area for before prayers.
It is tradition to wash feet, hands, face and arms before praying. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The prayer room filled up for Friday prayers.
The prayer room was filled for Friday prayers. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Humza Yousaf cutting the opening ribbon.
First Minister Humza Yousaf cutting the ribbon. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Prayers on Friday. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Young and old can attend. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Celebrations as the mosque opens. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

The facility is running Friday prayers until a full-time imam is hired.

A GoFundMe, which has raised more than £10,000, was also set up to help fund the running of the mosque.

First Minister Humza Yousaf attended Friday’s opening ceremony.

Adil Naseem, Mohammed’s son, said it was “a very kind gesture”.

He added: “I’ve seen that he has made time for all the Scottish faiths, which is commendable.”

The mosque is in a transformed former drill house.
The former drill house has been transformed into a mosque. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Faisal, Mohammed Naseem, First Minister Humza Yousaf and Adil Naseem inside the Mosque.
Faisal Naseem, Mohammed Naseem, First Minister Humza Yousaf and Adil Naseem inside the mosque. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Humza Yousaf hugging an attendee at the event.
Hugs all round. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Humza Yousaf delivering a speech before the opening.
A speech ahead of the opening of the mosque. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
The First Minister greeting others at the event.
The first minister greeting people at the event. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson
Attention being paid at Friday prayers.
The mosque is holding prayers every Friday. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

The Naseem family, who own the Bellrock chip shop, bought the TAC Centre on Hayshead Road last year at auction for £65,000.

Speaking previously to The Courier, Adil said: “If anyone is interested and wants to come they can – it’ll be like a community centre too.

“We’re lucky to have the opportunity to help others.”

Mr Yousaf’s visit came after he criticised the Israeli government for its actions in the war in Gaza.