Did you know that Cowlairs was once home to the first works in Britain to build locomotives carriages and wagons all in one place? Cowlairs a fascinating area in Glasgow’s Springburn district has a rich history deeply intertwined with the railway. Right here where we stand was once the heart of the Cowlairs Locomotive Carriage and Wagon Works.
Established in 1841 by the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway the works were named after the nearby Cowlairs House. It became a major hub of engineering innovation. The works produced some of the world’s most powerful locomotives at the time. The Hercules and Samson two 0-6-0 locomotives were so powerful they reportedly damaged the tracks and tunnel linings during trials. The Cowlairs incline a steep section of track near Queen Street station required these powerful engines. Cable haulage assisted trains until 1909. Banking resumed in 1909 and continued until the 1980s.
Cowlairs wasn’t just about building locomotives. During World War II the works played a vital role in the war effort. They produced Airspeed Horsa gliders for D-Day and a staggering 200000 bearing shells for Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. This showcases the versatility and importance of Cowlairs to the nation.
After nationalisation in 1948 much of the work shifted to Horwich. The Cowlairs works ultimately closed in 1968 transferring its operations to St Rollox. This marked the end of an era for Cowlairs but not the end of its association with railways.
Today Cowlairs has transformed. The former site of the Eastfield Running Sheds has been redeveloped into a maintenance depot for Class 170 trains. A modern Network Rail signalling centre and maintenance depot also occupies part of the old Cowlairs carriage sidings. The main Cowlairs works site is now home to the Carlisle Street Business Park and Cowlairs Industrial Estate. Parts of the area bear witness to this impressive past. While the industrial heart is gone the legacy of Cowlairs endures. It reminds us of the remarkable ingenuity and vital contributions of this Glasgow landmark.