Glasgow landmark the West Boathouse finally reopens after two years

The West Boathouse on Glasgow Green, which first opened in 1905, celebrated its grand reopening on Sunday, May 14 with an Up The Watter event.

The event saw more than 250 people join Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Harry Leask and representatives from funders, project partners and volunteers to officially reopen the famous boathouse.

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On the celebratory day, boats carried a specially commissioned flag down the River Clyde where it was raised to commemorate the reopening, and an afternoon of crafting activities, tours, rowing demonstrations, music and an appearance from Clota, the ancient and venerable river goddess of the Clyde, followed.

The £3.05m restoration project, which was led by ARPL Architects and overseen by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, has successfully restored and futureproofed the building for many years to come.

As part of the glow-up, the listed building has seen an improvement in accessibility, new facilities with flexible, multi-use spaces, and a bespoke pontoon to allow for safer access to the river for a wide range of groups.

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Liz Davidson, chair of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, said: "It’s wonderful to celebrate the reopening of the West Boathouse during Glasgow Building Preservation Trust’s 40th anniversary year.

"We’re delighted to have delivered a project which has preserved a key part of Glasgow’s architectural and sporting heritage and especially one where the country has achieved such success at Olympic and international level.

"Our lottery funded community activities reached out and helped people learn more about sport, history, ecology and the importance of the River Clyde.

"It is fantastic to now see this landmark back in use as a busy hub for rowing and other activities for generations to come."

The project has run in tandem with community heritage activities in a bid to encourage new audiences and people to re-engage with the River Clyde.

The Glasgow Building Preservation Trust also worked with volunteers from Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club and Clyde Amateur Rowing Club, to further encourage new users and audiences into the building and onto the river.

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The project, which has taken five years to develop and till December to finalise, was funded by several groups, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, The Robertson Trust, Glasgow City Council and the William Grant Foundation.

Caroline Clark, National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland director, said: "Our new 10-year investment strategy has a focus on delivering long-term benefits for people, places and our natural environment.

"This project demonstrates how that works. Investing in the boathouse has secured its future and preserved important sporting heritage. It has also delivered a much-improved environment on this stretch of riverbank encouraging pride of place and supporting wider engagement with the river and its wildlife."

Susan O'Connor, head of grants at Historic Environment Scotland, added: "It's fantastic to see the West Boathouse reopen after two years of restoration which we're proud to have funded.

"The boathouse is a much-cherished piece of Glasgow Green’s history with a wonderfully prominent location, and we’re delighted to see it continue to be used for its original function.

"Not only is the building better preserved for future generations, but its improved accessibility means that even more people can enjoy this beautiful piece of our heritage."

To find out more about the West Boathouse or to visit, click HERE