Is there a building in your area that you’ve always been curious about? Want to find out more?
Here are some resources that may help:
To find out more about the building:
- Historic Environment Scotland’s designations portal provides information on listed buildings across Scotland. You can search by keyword or on a map.
- Does the building look derelict? The Buildings at Risk Register provides information on buildings that are vacant or have fallen in to disrepair.
- The Dictionary of Scottish Architects is a database providing biographical information and job lists for all architects known to have worked in Scotland during the period 1660-1980. you can search by building or architect.
To see information on a map:
- Explore Scotland’s Historic Environment via modern, historic, aerial and data maps using PastMap
- The National Library of Scotland has a large collection of maps that can be searched by place name.
To find old photos of the building:
- The Virtual Mitchell service by the Mitchell library enables the user to search for historic photos of a particular location.
- Scran aims to provide educational access to digital materials representing our material culture and history.

Here are some things to think about when considering the significance of a building:
- Look at the building on its own and in its context
- What is it made of? Where did the materials come from?
- When was it built? What else was built at the same time? Is this building similar or different?
- Who designed it? What else did they design in Glasgow?
- Are there details on the building eg. carved decoration?
Happy investigating!