Closed in 2009 St James’s Primary School in Glasgow’s Calton area stands before you. A grand building it once was a bustling hub of learning. Now it’s a testament to Glasgow’s rich history.
Built around 1895 by architects Thomson and Sandilands this B-listed school is a stunning example of Victorian architecture. Its red Dumfriesshire ashlar stone gleams. Its intricate detailing is breathtaking. Notice the original glazing pattern a unique design of its time. Imagine the children who once walked these halls.
The school’s symmetrical facade faces Green Street. The three-story block boasts three bays on each side. A central advanced section adds grandeur. A raised panel above the centre adds to its elegant appearance. At the rear a large central wing extends. Its end is semi-polygonal on the plan. Individual slate roofs with red-tile ridging top the building. A smaller two-story janitor’s lodge sits at the southeast corner. It’s a compact structure partially rendered stonework. Decorative wrought-iron gates and railings surround a low stone coping.
For years St James’s Primary School stood vacant and derelict. Moss and water damage threatened its very existence. Roof slates slipped vegetation grew rampant. Yet in 2022 hope emerged. A plan to transform the school into Glasgow’s fourth Gaelic school began. This ambitious project costing around £16.5 million is a testament to preserving history. It will rejuvenate a significant heritage asset.
The restoration includes twelve teaching spaces and two general-purpose rooms. A three-court sports hall dining hall is also part of the plan. The existing classroom spaces will be reused. A new extension on the former playground will house an assembly hall kitchen and a drama and performance classroom.
The project is not just about bricks and mortar. It’s about revitalizing the community. It’s about ensuring that the legacy of St James’s Primary School continues for generations to come. This building that once stood silent now promises to echo with the voices of Gaelic-speaking children. St James’s Primary School is more than just a building. It’s a story of resilience renewal and the enduring spirit of Glasgow.