Designating HMP Barlinnie

Overview

We are proposing to designate the earliest phases of development of HMP Barlinnie, 81 Lee Avenue, Riddrie, Glasgow as a listed building at category A.

HMP Barlinnie is a purpose-built prison complex designed in 1880 and opened in 1882 with subsequent phases of early development up to 1908. It is located within the residential area of Riddrie to the northeast of Glasgow City centre.

The features of the prison proposed for listing are the earliest surviving structures built at the site from the late 19th to early 20th century and include the five accomodation halls, chapel, former infirmary and store, former work sheds, former gatehouse and sections of the boundary wall.

The site is an outstanding example of a purpose-built prison complex in Scotland and is significant as the largest and most complete surviving example of its building type. Built following prison reforms of the late 19th century, the buildings reflect the latest developments in prison design and are exceptionally important in the history of Scottish prison architecture. 

An early and very rare surviving example of a purpose-built prison in Scotland, the majority of the buildings of the early prison design survive and retain their late 19th to early 20th century character.

As Scotland’s largest prison, the building has a place in the national conciousness. Having been in continual use since the 1880s, the site is also of outstanding social historical interest for what it can tell us about changes in penal discipline and reform in Scotland from the late 19th to 21st century.

We are now gathering views on our proposal to list this building at category A. 

To help you respond to the following survey, please read why we think the HMP Barlinnie meets the criteria for listing by downloading our Report on Handling. You can also download a copy of the proposed Listing Map.

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How we designate listed buildings

We list buildings of special architectural or historic interest. A dedicated team researches and assesses all designation applications.

You can find out more about listed buildings in the Advice and Support section of the Historic Environment Scotland website, and read our Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019).

To merit listing, the structure must meet set listing criteria.

Find out about the listing process.

Why your views matter

We’d love to hear your thoughts and whether you agree with our proposal. You can do this by completing the short questionnaire below. We are also keen for any more information that you might have about the building/site, which will enhance our understanding of its significance and our record. 

This questionnaire usually takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Find out what comments we consider and what happens next in our consultation guide or watch our designations video on YouTube.

For a version of this video in British Sign Language, please visit our Youtube channel.