As the appointed contractor for this project, we have been entrusted with the restoration of Glasgow’s iconic tenement buildings—an important part of the city’s architectural heritage.
Our scope of work includes carrying out isolated Lithomex repairs to address weathered and damaged stone surfaces, precise stone indenting to replace deteriorated masonry, and comprehensive chimney repairs, including partial rebuilding where required. In addition, we are undertaking full repointing of the masonry using traditional methods to ensure both structural integrity and visual continuity with the historic fabric of the buildings.
High Street, Glasgow – Tenement Masonry Construction Overview
Glasgow’s High Street, one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares, is lined with traditional tenement buildings that exemplify classic Scottish urban masonry from the 18th and 19th centuries. These tenements were built during a time of rapid industrial expansion, and their stone construction reflects both durability and craftsmanship suited to a densely populated, fast-growing city.
The buildings are primarily constructed from blonde and red sandstone, locally quarried and known for its workability and distinctive coloration. The load-bearing masonry walls use coursed rubble construction in the rear and side elevations, while the street-facing façades are typically finished in ashlar stonework—smoothly dressed and precisely laid blocks that project a refined, urban character.
Features such as projecting window bays, cornices, string courses, and decorative lintels further highlight the skilled stone carving associated with Glasgow’s Victorian and Edwardian architectural heritage. Tenement design typically included thick masonry party walls for fireproofing and insulation, with structural strength enabling multi-storey construction long before the advent of steel frames.
Over time, pollution and weathering darkened many of the tenements’ facades, though recent conservation work—particularly on the High Street—has helped restore their natural color and detail. Restoration often involves stone indents, lime mortar repointing, and sensitive cleaning techniques to maintain historical integrity while ensuring modern safety and livability.
The masonry of Glasgow’s High Street tenements not only defines the streetscape but also stands as a physical legacy of the city’s working-class resilience, industrial might, and architectural pride.