Work has started on a three-year project to protect the medieval spire of Glasgow Cathedral.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is managing the work, which involves dismantling the head of the 225ft spire and rebuilding it to repair damaged stonework and secure its long-term future.
A steel frame was added inside the spire in 1970 to help support the medieval masonry. Since then, bolts that hold the frame in place have rusted and pushed against the stone, causing cracks and movement. This corrosion has been exacerbated by increased rainfall due to climate change.
HES stonemasons have already begun carving replacement stones, while conservation teams will retain and reinstate as much original medieval fabric as possible during the rebuild.
“Our teams are combining traditional craft skills with modern conservation expertise to tackle complex damage high above the cathedral roofline.”
HES head of south region, David Borthwick, said: “Glasgow Cathedral is a defining part of the city’s skyline and one of Scotland’s great medieval buildings.
“Our teams are combining traditional craft skills with modern conservation expertise to tackle complex damage high above the cathedral roofline. It is challenging work, but it is essential if we are to protect as much historic stone as possible and keep this nationally important monument resilient in a changing climate.”
Oldest building in Glasgow
Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in Glasgow and the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 virtually intact.
Dedicated to St Kentigern, also known as St Mungo, the present building originated in the 12th century, although much of what stands today dates from a major rebuilding in the 13th century.
The stone spire was constructed in the 15th century, replacing an earlier wooden spire destroyed by lightning in 1406.
