Pollok House to undergo major refurbishment

Glasgow's iconic Pollok House is set to close for approximately two years from 20th November 2023 so that a comprehensive refurbishment project can take place.

Article Source: National Trust for Scotland
Last Updated: 7 September 2023 13:35

Pollok House will close on 20 November 2023 for approximately two years to facilitate the second phase of a £4 million programme of investment led by Glasgow City Council. The works will comprise roof and general building fabric repairs.

Visitors and members of the National Trust for Scotland have until November to explore the house and view the opulent upper rooms used in the past by the Stirling Maxwell family, admire the precious works of art displayed and also discover the lower-level spaces in which staff and servants worked. The popular café and shop in the old servants’ wing on the ground floor and the outdoor space will remain open until the spring of 2024.

Pollok House was built in 1752, close to the site of earlier dwellings dating back to medieval times, and was extended between 1890 and 1904. In the late 19th and through to the mid-20th century, it was the home of Sir John Stirling Maxwell, 10th Baronet, a great benefactor to Glasgow and one of the founders of the National Trust for Scotland. It is said that the conversation that led to the Trust being established took place in Pollok House’s Cedar Room at the beginning of the 1930s.

A key part of the city’s heritage, Pollok House and the surrounding Pollok Country Park is owned by the people of Glasgow, after the historic mansion and the collections contained therein were gifted to the city by Sir John’s daughter, Dame Anne Maxwell Macdonald, 11th Baronetess in 1966. The National Trust for Scotland has managed the house under contract to Glasgow City Council for 25 years.

The renovation work at Pollok House follows Glasgow Life’s award-winning refurbishment of the Burrell Collection, situated close by in Pollok Country Park. Glasgow City Council are also developing an integrated plan for the entire country park, which includes the £15 million project to refurbish and repurpose the stables and sawmill adjacent to Pollok House, funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up programme. Pollok Country Park is the city’s largest park and the only country park within Glasgow.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Chief Executive, Phil Long OBE said: “It’s been a great privilege for the National Trust for Scotland to have managed Pollok House over the last quarter of a century, especially as it was here that some of the earliest discussions leading to our charity’s founding took place at the beginning of the 1930s.

“We’re therefore delighted that the house’s owners, Glasgow City Council, have confirmed that they intend to invest in its refurbishment, following on from their very successful project at the adjacent Burrell Collection.

“While access to the house will necessarily be limited by the works from November, the Trust will continue to welcome visitors and members to the sites we own and care for around the city, namely the Tenement House, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson’s Holmwood and Greenbank Garden.”

The Trust is in discussion with its staff and volunteers based at Pollok House, as well as their trade union representatives, about possible arrangements following the house’s closure, although the shop and popular café there will remain open until at least March 2024.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.

Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.

Five things to do at the Glasgow Coffee Festival

Gill McIntyre, Glasgow Coffee Festival's Specialist & Event Coordinator, shares her can't miss moments ahead of this year's event!

Outstanding Achievement awarded to actress Elaine C Smith at The Pantomime Awards 2025

Elaine C Smith picked up the illustrious award for her exceptional contribution to the Pantomime Industry for many decades as one of Scotland's best-loved pantomime legends.

Glasgow to welcome new West End Champagne bar

Cuvée, a new Champagne, wine and cheese bar is set to open in Glasgow’s West End at the end of April.

Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.

Hop Into an EGGceptional Easter at Gravity Active

This Easter, get ready to bounce into an unforgettable adventure at Gravity Active.

A festival for tiny tots is coming to Glasgow this Summer

A festival for Glasgow's littlest revellers is launching this summer, and it's set to be a treat for the whole family!

Glasgow Fort announces Easter weekend opening hours and holiday fun for families

Glasgow Fort has confirmed its opening hours for the upcoming Easter weekend and is inviting families to enjoy a packed programme of fun, food and entertainment throughout the school holidays!

Award winning Rickshaw & Co. brings bold flavours and big heart to 850th celebrations

Rickshaw & Co., a vibrant Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant in Glasgow's West End, is proudly taking part in the city's 850th anniversary celebrations as a must-visit destination for food.

Glaschu announces two wine dinners with legendary Brian Maule

Glaschu, one of Glasgow's most established fine dining restaurants, will join forces with acclaimed chef, Brian Maule for two nights only next month.

Shop perfectly imperfect art and craft this weekend at The Briggait

Glasgow's creatives are having a studio clear out ahead of the Spring Clean Artists and Makers Market this weekend; a unique shopping experience with a focus on seconds and samples.

Black Sheep Coffee brews up excitement with new store opening at Silverburn

Silverburn, Glasgow's leading shopping and leisure destination, has announced that Black Sheep Coffee has opened its doors, serving as a sanctuary for coffee lovers.

Glasgow Fort launches search for Chief Fun Officer

Glasgow Fort is on the hunt for its first-ever CFO... and it's not Chief Finance Officer but Chief Fun Officer!

Iconic singer songwriter Horse to perform spectacular rooftop set at the Pavilion Theatre on Monday 7th April

Legendary Scottish singer-songwriter Horse McDonald is set to deliver an unforgettable performance on top of the Pavilion Theatre on Monday 7th April.

BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.

First Bus to improve reliability of over 30 Glasgow bus services thanks to AI

First Bus is making minor service updates to 33 routes across Glasgow from Sunday 20th April as its new AI-driven timetables continue to improve reliability for customers across the city.

June dates now on sale for Bongos Bingo, including 90s specials!

Expect all of the usual madness plus special themed prizes and music at Bongo's Bingo's 90s specials at SWG3 Glasgow in June!

HARIBO UK announces first Scottish retail store in Silverburn shopping centre

Scottish HARIBO-lovers are in for a treat! The UK’s leading confectionery manufacturer, and creator of Tangfastics and Starmix, is set to open its first retail store in Scotland.

The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!

American BBQ legend and first Arab pitmaster both set to cook in Scotland for the first time

Pioneering pitmaster Pat Martin is coming to Glasgow as Meatopia makes its Scottish debut at SWG3 in June!

Taste the Place launches to celebrate culinary heritage of Glasgow

Taste the Place, a new range of experiences celebrating Glasgow's rich cultural heritage through food, has launched!

Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces record breaking statistics as festival draws to a close

Glasgow International Comedy Festival welcomed over 61,000 comedy fans to 605 shows this year, marking its biggest ever event!

Premium menswear brand, Bee Inspired, confirmed for Silverburn

Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn has expanded its streetwear offering with the addition of globally recognised urban fashion brand, Bee Inspired.

Pitch perfect Govan Music Festival wraps up fantastic fourth edition

Govan Music Festival has wrapped up in Glasgow after four joyful days of music and community participation, showcasing themes of hope, renewal and connection across its programme.

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton to star in supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story

The King's Theatre Glasgow is delighted to announce that Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton will star in the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story!

Rosco McClelland wins Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at GICF

Rosco McClelland has been announced as the winner of 2025's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, at Glasgow International Comedy Festival's Comedy Gala.

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

University of Strathclyde retain the Glasgow Taxis Cup

University of Strathclyde were crowned winners of Scotland's largest student varsity sporting competition, the Glasgow Taxis Cup, for the third time since 2022.