Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Scotland’s Architectural Heritage

05 November 2024 · 6 other contributors · 3,874 words

Opened by Torcuil Crichton Lab Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Responding minister: Stephanie Peacock

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Torcuil Crichton raised concerns about scotland’s architectural heritage in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the destruction of Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh building due to fires in 2014 and 2018, causing significant damage to a grade I listed building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
  • Calls made for the UK Government to engage positively with the Glasgow School of Art board to find a solution for the complete restoration of the Mackintosh building.
  • Minister expressed admiration for those involved in the restoration efforts and relayed the debate content to the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism.

Key requests to Government

I am calling on the UK Government to engage with Glasgow School of Art board positively and find a solution for the complete restoration of the Mackintosh building. I believe that evidence of what can be done is seen in the restoration of the House of Commons after it was bombed during World War II.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Torcuil Crichton Lab Na h-Eileanan an Iar

I am concerned about the destruction of Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh building due to fires in 2014 and 2018. The second fire left a burnt-out shell of what should be a grade I listed building, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Despite global support and donations, the restoration project has faced setbacks, causing anger, pain, and frustration among those who love the Mack. There is fear that the project may falter, given its significance as a landmark of national importance.

Other contributors (6)
  • Chris Murray Lab Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

    Congratulating the hon. Member on securing the debate and highlighting the need for the new UK Government and Scottish Government to take action in protecting Scotland's architectural heritage, citing examples of Charles Rennie Mackintosh style buildings.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Emphasising the importance of preserving architectural heritage across Scotland and Northern Ireland, questioning whether local councils have invested in similar projects, and calling for national UK-wide funding to preserve historical sites.

  • Martin Rhodes Lab Glasgow North

    Suggesting that the restoration of the art school could serve as a catalyst to revitalise Sauchiehall Street's cultural district, improving its vibrancy and importance for heritage preservation.

  • Patricia Ferguson Lab Glasgow West

    Expressing deep sadness over the deterioration of Glasgow's architectural heritage, particularly the impact on the Mack and other historic sites like the ABC cinema, criticizing the lack of respect for cultural history in recent times.

  • Tommy Sheppard SNP Edinburgh East

    Glasgow School of Art has profound impact on Scotland's identity and image. The Mack is integral to this, producing talented artists and influencing students globally.

  • Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

    Supporting the appeal for direct investment to ensure resilience in the face of unforeseen events, citing examples from her constituency such as St Andrews harbour and Largo pier.

Government Response

Stephanie Peacock

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Efford. I am pleased to respond to this debate on the Government's behalf and congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar on securing it. The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism would have responded but is engaged elsewhere; however, the content will be relayed to him. The minister expressed admiration for those involved in the Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh building restoration after two fires in 2014 and 2018, noting its importance to architectural heritage. She highlighted that £10 million was committed by the UK Government towards restoring the damaged building post-2014 fire. While heritage is a devolved matter, the government supports Scottish heritage through collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland and other bodies. The minister detailed existing funding routes such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund (with over £970 million awarded in Scotland), the National Heritage Memorial Fund (£5.3 million granted this year to Mavisbank House), and the Architectural Heritage Fund, encouraging applications for further support. She emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring access to heritage across the UK, from supporting local economies to fostering community pride and social inclusion.

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