Historic Glasgow mansion opens to public after £3.5m rebuild

“My father and I would walk past it on the way from Easterhouse to Hogganfield Loch, and it had a big impact on me,” he says.

“And there were the ghost stories, of course, which for a small boy, were quite exciting…”

Ghost-hunters will be very welcome when the medieval building opens to the public on Thursday (September 14) following a £3.5m restoration - and so too will local residents, tourists, history buffs and shoppers from the nearby Fort retail park.

Ian accepted the keys to the mansion house from Glasgow City Council on Monday (September 11) on behalf of Provan Hall Community Management Trust, “with the greatest delight."

“We are ambitious about the future of Provan Hall and aim to become a top-tier heritage attraction in Scotland,” he said.

“It will be rooted in the local community and enhance the lives of local people, while promoting Easterhouse across the city and the country. A national asset, creating real local impact.”

Provan Hall overlooks Auchinlea Park in Easterhouse, part of the Seven Lochs Wetlands, and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Glasgow. Debate rages around whether it or the Provand's Lordship can lay claim to being the oldest, explains local historian Peter Mortimer.

"It's like the Old Firm of Glasgow's medieval houses," he jokes, at a special launch event attended by supporters, children from Aultmore Park Primary, and volunteers.

Built in the 15th century as a hunting lodge for Glasgow Bishops, it is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and leased by Glasgow City Council. It will be run by the Trust, a charity made up of local organisations and residents.

Christine Pont, of Provan Hall Community Management Trust, who will run the building (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

If its walls could talk, they would reveal a host of fascinating stories about famous residents and staff.

Ukrainian student and volunteer guide Alice Ulianova has been researching one in particular, Harold Bride, who was a survivor of the Titanic disaster.

Alice Anastasia, volunteer guide and researcher (Image: Newsquest)

 “He came here for a quiet life,” explained the 20-year-old, who came to Glasgow from Odessa with her mother last year to escape the war.

“It has been very interesting learning about his story. I love history, and want to study art history at Glasgow University.”

Alice, who is currently doing an access course at West College Scotland, likes Glasgow but misses home.

“I have family there still, it is a worry,” she added. “Today, it is lovely to finally see people here and for them to hear the stories of this place.”

Local historian Peter Mortimer (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

In addition to exhibitions and interactive displays, the attraction plans to offer a range of events and activities including weaving workshops, history talks, volunteering opportunities and ghost tours.

Provan Hall is rumoured to be one of the city’s most haunted buildings. Many decades ago, a jealous soldier murdered his wife and her child there, and paranormal investigators believe their spirits haunt the attics and stairwells.

History re-enactor Andy Middleton (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Local councillor, Ruairi Kelly, Glasgow's convener for neighbourhood services and assets, handed the keys of the building to the Trust.

“Provan Hall looks amazing after its sympathetic restoration and it is a fantastic community asset,” he said.

Provan Hall, which is re-opening to the public after a £3.5m restoration (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

“Around 14m people visit the Fort shopping centre every year, so it would be great if we could bring even a tiny percentage of those people over here.

“Here’s to 700 years of Provan Hall and hopefully, 700 more.”

Provan Hall will open to the public from September 14 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am until 4pm.