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From 18 May 2024 to 13 June 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list the Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow.

The Low Port Centre is a former community outdoor and education centre designed by Wheeler & Sproson and built 1986-88. It includes a mural in the entrance foyer by James Cumming RSA RSW (1922-1991) titled ‘The Community: A Festival of Time’. The mural painted in 1988, depicts a theme of timeless community with a scene of 39 figures and characters symbolising various aspects of community life within a colourful town setting.

The mural is a rare and important public work of artist James Cumming, one of the most significant Scottish painters of the later 20th century and a figure of major influence as both an artist and a lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art. Award-winning architectural practice Wheeler & Sproson had a particular interest in the integration of art and architecture and commissioned this work for the purpose-built outdoor education centre. The building is a relatively rare example of this building type and is designed in modern style with influence of Scottish vernacular, a characteristic style of Wheeler & Sproson.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with West Lothian Council as the planning authority and the owners and occupiers of the site. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.

We received two responses to the consultation. The response did not raise issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. 

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the building at category B, listed building record (ref: LB52635).  

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

•  Report of Handling – Decision (PDF)

From 22 May to 12 June 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list St Kane’s Hall, in the village of New Deer, Turriff.

St Kane’s Hall is a former Free Church (now in use as a school hall/gymnasium) built between 1884 and 1885. It was designed by the well-known Aberdeen-based architects Ellis & Wilson in the Early Gothic style. This former church has special architectural and historic interest as a good example of a Gothic church in a small rural village, which is little altered to the exterior. The church is prominently situated along the Main Street.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make. 

We consulted directly with Aberdeenshire Council as the planning authority, who are also owners of the site. 

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.

We received one response to the consultation. The response did not raise issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. 

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report on Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page. 

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the building at category C, listed building record (ref: LB52638).  

We have published a Report on Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:

•  Report of Handling – Decision (PDF)

From 7 March to 15 May 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list the former Mecca Cinema at 124 Balmore Road in Glasgow.

The Mecca Cinema, opened in 1933, is a rare survival of a 1930s cinema which retains its architecturally distinctive character to the main elevation. It is a notable example of the work of architect James McKissack, a foremost Scottish cinema designer of the earlier 20^th century. The cinema is an architectural landmark in the streetscape and its wider setting in Possilpark. It is of social historical significance for the association with town planning, leisure, and industry in the early 20^th century.

Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make.

We consulted directly with Glasgow City Council as the planning authority and the owner of the site.

Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.  

We received a total of 26 responses to consultation, including one response from the owner, one response from an interested party and 24 responses to our online survey.

The overwhelming majority of people who responded expressed strong support for the designation. No one raised issues that brought into question the cultural significance of the site for designation. Many of the comments noted that the building was a significant architectural landmark in the local area. Some comments noted the perceived impact listing may have on the future use of the building.

We have reported in more detail on the consultation in our Report of Handling, which can be downloaded from the Heritage Portal or from the bottom of this page.

Comments from the online survey are published in full (where we have appropriate permissions). The report can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

After considering the comments received during consultation, we have

• Listed the front and side part of the building at category C: Listed Building Record (Ref: LB52634)

We have published a Report of Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

PDF Files:

• Report of Handling – Decision
• Online Consultation Survey Report – Mecca Cinema