Hetherington Building

Can you imagine a language learning hub nestled right in the heart of a bustling university? This, my friends, is the Hetherington Building. A place where languages come alive within the University of Glasgow. The Hetherington Building may not have the gothic grandeur of the main building, but it holds a special place in the university’s fabric. Completed in 1983, the Hetherington Building was purpose-built to house the modern languages department. It’s a relatively young building compared to the historic structures surrounding it, but it quickly became a vital part of campus life. This structure became a hub for students eager to explore the world through language. The building is named after a prominent figure in the University’s history: Sir Hector Hetherington. Hetherington was a Glasgow alumnus, having studied here from 1905 to 1910. He later returned as a lecturer, then a professor of Moral Philosophy, and finally served as Principal of the University from 1936 to 1961. His legacy lives on not only in the name of this building, but in the countless students who have passed through its doors. Interestingly, the Hetherington Building isn’t just about classrooms and language labs. It also houses the Language Centre, a valuable resource for students and staff, as well as a dedicated library attached to the building. It’s a real one-stop shop for all things language-related. In 2009, the Hetherington Building underwent an extension on its northern side, facing Great George Street. This expansion helped to accommodate the growing number of students interested in language studies, ensuring that the Hetherington Building continues to play a vital role in the university’s mission. So, the next time you stroll past the Hetherington Building, remember the legacy of Sir Hector Hetherington and the vibrant community of language learners who call this place home.