A GROUP of Muslim parents are planning to open Scotland's first Islamic secondary school in Glasgow.

Glasgow Community Education Association, which is behind the project, has reportedly bought Abbotsford House, a former state school in the Gorbals, for £400,000.

The group plans to rename the B-listed Victorian building The Islamic Institute.

It is understood parents, business owners and members of the city's Muslim community will fund the school.

It plans to offer private secondary education to boys and girls, as well as having a nursery.

A women-only bazaar is to be held in Govanhill today to help raise funds for the planned school.

It is understood the association has no plans to pursue public funding for the school.

Last year, it was reported the Glasgow Community Education Association was trying to raise £300,000 to buy the derelict Holmlea Primary School in Cathcart and turn it into a private Islamic school and community centre.

However, Glasgow City Council confirmed the bid had been abandoned and the school was back on the market.

A council spokeswoman said: "The organi- sation was unable to complete the sale of the building. As a result, the council has withdrawn from the transaction and the property will be remarketed."