Perched atop this hill stands the Ruchill Water Tower. It is a testament to Glasgow’s history. This imposing structure has watched over Ruchill since 1900. The Ruchill Water Tower was a vital part of the former Ruchill Hospital.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Glasgow in the late 19th century. The city needed a new fever hospital. So, the Glasgow Corporation purchased land in Ruchill in 1891. This was for a public park, a golf course, and a hospital. Alexander B. McDonald, the City Engineer, designed the Ruchill Hospital. He chose a Neo-Jacobean style. Red brick dressed with red sandstone ashlar became the main materials.
Construction began in 1895. Lady Bell, wife of the Lord Provost, laid the foundation stone. The hospital opened in 1900. Princess Christian officiated the opening. It was designed to combat infectious diseases. These included smallpox, diphtheria, and scarlet fever. The Ruchill Hospital had an initial capacity of 440 beds. These beds were spread across sixteen isolated ward pavilions. The hospital also included a kitchen, administration block, and a mortuary. A laundry, staff villas, and cottages were also added. Rising above it all was the Ruchill Water Tower. At 165 feet, it was a necessity. The height of the site demanded a reliable water supply.
The Ruchill Water Tower stored water for the entire hospital complex. It ensured constant water pressure. This was for sanitation, hygiene, and fire suppression. The tower’s design reflects Victorian engineering. It is a blend of functionality and architectural flair.
In 2010, a plan arose to demolish all the remaining buildings, apart from the Ruchill Water Tower. Glasgow City Council rejected this plan. The demolition happened in December 2012. The Ruchill Water Tower remained. It stood as a prominent landmark.
Over the years, the Ruchill Water Tower faced decay. In 2009, engineers assessed the tower’s condition. They found it to be severely deteriorated. A restoration project began. The aim was to return the tower to its original condition. The engineers had to determine how the upper parts of the tower were assembled. They also had to find out what materials were used.
The Ruchill Water Tower was primarily a gravity masonry structure. It resisted wind loading. It supported four large water tanks on the middle floors. By 1900, structural steel was available. The eighth and ninth floors incorporated steel grillages. These grillages supported the inset tower wall masonry. The tower reduces in plan size through these floors. The tower ends in a copper-clad timber cupola.
The restoration revealed hidden defects. The steelwork at the ninth floor was badly corroded. The builders had left the ends exposed to the weather. The steel sections were also smaller than specified. Cracking was found in the south-west corner masonry at the eighth floor. This was due to corrosion. The top flanges of the steel sections had been left exposed.
The restoration work included strengthening the steelwork. New timber flooring was added. The masonry was stabilised. Innovative techniques were used. Friction-bolt connections were devised. This was an alternative to welding. The design promoted robustness. It conserved the historic fabric.
Today, the Ruchill Water Tower stands as a symbol of Glasgow’s past. It represents the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage. It is a reminder of the Ruchill Hospital. It is a testament to Victorian engineering. The Ruchill Water Tower continues to watch over the community. It has been here for over a century.