Proposal to designate Glasgow Central Mosque

The Glasgow Central Mosque, built 1979-1984, is an outstanding example of a purpose-built mosque design in Scotland and a significant example of the use of Postmodern style of architecture. It is the first mosque building designed according to Islamic architectural traditions in the country and includes a courtyard and Arabesque garden that contribute to the special architectural interest.

As well as reinterpreting traditional Islamic architecture, the mosque reflects local traditions by using red brick, pigmented red concrete and terracotta tiles to reference the red sandstone traditionally used in much of Glasgow.

The Mosque is also of outstanding social historical interest for how it tells the story of the development of the Muslim community in Scotland in the latter half of the 1900s. Since its opening, the Mosque has operated as a centre of education of Islamic faith.

Elizabeth McCrone, Director of Heritage at HES, said:

“The Glasgow Central Mosque is a distinctive local landmark and an important building both in terms of its architecture and the role it has played in the historical development of the Scottish Muslim community. We welcome comments through our consultation on our proposal to designate the Glasgow Central Mosque, and we welcome information that can further increase our understanding of the building and its use.”

The consultation opens today (Wednesday 24 July) and runs until Wednesday 21 August. More information about the consultation process and the building can be found in the Report of Handling, which is linked on the consultation page.

Once the consultation has closed, HES will consider the comments received and make a decision on the designation.

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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