Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland

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Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland

Speaking For Scotland's Buildings! Campaigning. Membership. Events.

18/08/2026

The AHSS has issued the following statement on the future of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art:

“Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s design for the Glasgow School of Art is—or was—of national and international significance. On that basis alone, we believe there is a compelling case for a proportionate restoration of the building for the enjoyment of future generations.

“Given the investment that will be required, we believe that alternative, probably public, uses should be considered, allowing the widest possible range of the community to enjoy this iconic masterpiece of early Modern architecture.”

17/07/2026

The open letter to Jenny Gilruth MSP calling for urgent action to halt demolition plans for Hillhead Baptist Church has now been published in The Herald.

AHSS is pleased to stand alongside national heritage organisations in highlighting the importance of this much-loved Glasgow landmark and the wider issue of finding positive futures for historic church buildings across Scotland.

Read the letter in The Herald: https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/26276958.much-good-can-come-kirks-buildings-sales/

You can also read more from SAVE Britain’s Heritage here: https://www.savebritainsheritage.org/news/national-organisations-urge-scottish-minister-to-halt-demolition-plans-for-glaswegian-church

🏛️ Historic buildings can have new life — and Hillhead Baptist Church deserves a future.

16/07/2026

📸 A few highlights from our recent AHSS tour of Kelvinside.

From remarkable architecture to fascinating stories, it was a wonderful opportunity to explore one of Glasgow’s most distinctive historic neighbourhoods with fellow members and heritage enthusiasts.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such an enjoyable day.

If you couldn’t make this visit, don’t worry—there are plenty more opportunities to explore Scotland’s historic buildings and places with AHSS. We have talks, guided walks and day trips taking place throughout the year, and we’d love to welcome you.

Take a look at our upcoming events and join us on our next adventure:
🔗 https://www.ahss.org.uk/news-events/

13/07/2026

🏰 Join the AHSS for a day exploring historic Stirling!

From medieval streets and remarkable civic buildings to one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, Stirling is packed with fascinating architecture and history.

On Saturday 19 July, we’ll be taking a guided walk through the city, discovering the stories behind some of its most significant buildings and places.

Whether you’re a regular on our visits or joining us for the first time, we’d be delighted to welcome you.

Find out what’s included and book your place here:
👉 https://www.ahss.org.uk/news-events/day-trip-to-stirling/

Please share with anyone who loves Scotland’s historic places!

10/07/2026

🏛️ AHSS has asked the Scottish Ministers to call in the decision to approve the demolition of Hillhead Baptist Church in Glasgow.

The B-listed church, designed by Thomas Lennox Watson, is a significant part of Glasgow’s built heritage and sits within the Hillhead Conservation Area.

We believe this case raises important questions about how the future of listed buildings is assessed, and the wider implications for Scotland’s historic environment.

Read our full statement to find out why we’ve requested ministerial intervention.

🔗 https://www.ahss.org.uk/news-strathclyde/ahss-requests-scottish-ministers-call-in-hillhead-baptist-church-applications/

Do you think decisions like this should be reviewed at a national level when they could set an important precedent?

09/07/2026

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s fire on Princes Street, and with the emergency services working to bring the situation under control.

The building affected is an important listed building with a remarkable history, originally built as the Palace Hotel in 1869 before later becoming the Liberal Club and, more recently, part of Debenhams.

While public safety must always come first, we have written to the City of Edinburgh Council urging it to seek specialist conservation structural engineering advice before any decisions are made about demolition. Historic buildings damaged by fire can sometimes be stabilised and significant elements retained.

We hope every effort will be made to assess the survival of the historic façade, gables and other important architectural features before irreversible decisions are taken.

Historic buildings are part of Scotland’s shared heritage. Once lost, they cannot be replaced.

08/07/2026

🏛️ SAVE Britain’s Heritage has added a record 208 buildings to its national Buildings at Risk register — and a number of Scottish sites are included.

Among those noted are much-loved and distinctive buildings in Edinburgh, Portobello, Leith, Glasgow, Ayr, Inverness and Portsoy, including the Odeon in Edinburgh, the County Cinema in Portobello, St Vincent Street Church in Glasgow, and others with stories still to tell.

These places are part of the character and memory of our towns and cities. With care, imagination and investment, buildings at risk can be brought back into use and given a new future at the heart of their communities. 💚

Find out more via SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register. https://www.savebritainsheritage.org/buildings-at-risk

11/06/2026

Did you know that AHSS members can access the complete digital archive of the AHSS Magazine?

The current issue is now available in the members’ area of our website, alongside the complete digital archive of past editions.

This edition explores the bicentenary of the Royal Scottish Academy, William Playfair’s search for stone for the Royal Institution, fire safety in historic buildings, traditional skills, conservation casework, and the mystery of Edinburgh’s missing Trinity Stones.

Access to the full digital archive is included with AHSS membership, giving you decades of insight into Scotland’s architecture and historic environment.

https://www.ahss.org.uk/magazine/

Magazine is edited by Abigail Daly / Ruskin Lane

09/06/2026

🏰 Our Strathclyde Group is looking forward to a day exploring some of the Scottish Borders’ finest architectural treasures this August.

Our Summer Study Day will take us to the magnificent Mellerstain House and Floors Castle, where we’ll discover centuries of architectural innovation, beautiful interiors, impressive collections and stunning landscapes.

From the elegance of the Adam family designs at Mellerstain to the dramatic Gothic transformation of Floors Castle, this promises to be a fascinating journey through Scotland’s architectural history.

And with fellow heritage enthusiasts along for the ride, it’s sure to be a memorable day out.

📸 Which historic house in Scotland would be top of your must-visit list?

https://www.ahss.org.uk/news-events/scottish-borders-gems-from-renaissance-to-classical/

04/06/2026

* UPDATE: This event is postponed due to a technical issue and we will advertise a new date soon! *

We’re looking forward to setting sail on Edinburgh’s historic Union Canal for this year’s Forth & Borders Group Summer Party!

Join fellow AHSS members and friends aboard the Lochrin Belle for a leisurely evening cruise through the heart of the city, with the chance to enjoy the canal’s rich heritage from a unique perspective. The Union Canal has connected communities, industries and landscapes for over 200 years – and there’s no better way to experience it than from the water itself.

Good company, fascinating surroundings and a summer evening on the canal – what more could you ask for?

https://www.ahss.org.uk/news-events/events/fb-summer-party-a-cruise-on-board-the-lochrin-belle-along-the-union-canal/

📸 Re-Union Canal Boats

Address

15 Rutland Square
Edinburgh
EH12BE

Telephone

+441315570019

Website

http://www.ahss.org.uk/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/theahss/

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