GLASGOW CONSERVATION TRUST WEST

From 1990 to 2006, the Glasgow Conservation Trust West was a registered charity with a remit to conserve and promote the historic West End of Glasgow, one of the finest examples of Victorian town development in Britain. In partnership with Glasgow City Council and Historic Scotland, the Trust encouraged original research, published conservation information, co-ordinated capital grants for restoration projects and promoted activities to enhance public appreciation of our architectural heritage.

GCTW closed on 31st March 2006. In 2007, Glasgow City Council -- with the support of Historic Scotland -- established a new independent body with a remit to promote the conservation of the city's historic built environment in its 22 Conservation Areas: The Glasgow City Heritage Trust.

For further details on the new Glasgow City Heritage Trust, please visit their website at www.glasgowheritage.org.uk.

GCTW Activities and Publications

  • West End Conservation Manual: In addition to its many successful conservation and restoration schemes around the West End, GCTW's main legacy was its Conservation Manual, a detailed technical guide made up of thirteen separate sections devoted to different aspects of building conservation. In total, the Manual contains over 700 pages and more than 1,000 illustrations on the maintenance, repair and restoration of Victorian and Edwardian buildings. THE MAUNAL IS STILL AVAILABLE ON CD-ROM through a spin-off company called Glasgow West Publications. Click here for details.

  • Maintenance and Design Guidelines: GCTW's detailed guidance on the proper maintenance of older buildings within a Conservation Area are still available on-line.

  • West End Lectures: An annual series of talks on the architectural and social history of the West End is held every autumn between October and December in conjunction with the Friends of Glasgow West (the Trust's support group) and the University of Glasgow's Department of Adult and Continuing Education.

  • Friends of Glasgow West: The Trust is supported by a voluntary group now numbering over 200 members which publishes material on building conservation, organises public lectures, co-ordinates local history events and undertakes research in such areas as decorative glass and co-operative property management.

  • West End Festival: The Friends of Glasgow West have continued to promote the West End as a popular visitor destination, particularly during the annual West End Festival which takes place every June. This includes guided walks around historic districts such as Hillhead, Hyndland and Dowanhill, looking at the development of West End suburbs and the contributions of important architects such as Alexander "Greek" Thomson, Charles Wilson, James Thomson, J.J. Burnet and J.T. Rochead. More information on West End events is available at www.glasgowwestend.co.uk.

    Please click here for a short history of Glasgow's West End.






    updated May 2008.

    Comments or queries are welcome. GCTW's mailbox is still live. Please eMail to: mail@glasgowwest.org