March 2025
In March, beneath a dull grey Glasgow sky, I visited the District Courthouse with @Mr Budge. Once inside, it was immediately clear that the ground floor had been completely gutted. Rooms that once buzzed with life were now hollow shells—stripped of furniture, panelling, and any sign of their former purpose. As we climbed the stairs, the building began to reveal its deeper layers of history. A long corridor lined with holding cells stretched out before us. On the first floor, we discovered the main courtroom, which—miraculously—had survived much of the decay and destruction evident elsewhere. Further along, we came across a series of smaller courtrooms, likely once used for family hearings and other civil matters. Despite the silence now, the building still echoed with traces of its past.
History
The building at the corner of Turnbull Street and St Andrew’s Street in Glasgow, Scotland, has a rich history as a judicial and police facility. Constructed in 1906, this red sandstone structure was designed by architect Alexander Beith McDonald, who was known for his work on public buildings for Glasgow Corporation. The building features a distinctive red brick and ashlar façade, rising to three storeys with an attic level, and includes a basement, court hall, and jail cells.
Initially, the building served as the Central Police Office and District Court, housing the city's police administration and judicial functions. In 1908, it became the base for detectives involved in the controversial Oscar Slater case, a notable miscarriage of justice. The building also played a role in significant events, such as the 1914 detention of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and the 1951 recovery of the Stone of Destiny. Notorious criminals, including serial killer Peter Manuel and gangster Jimmy Boyle, were briefly detained here en route to the High Court.
In 2008, the building ceased its judicial functions and was subsequently added to the Buildings at Risk register in 2009 due to its deteriorating condition. Despite being sold to a private developer in 2016 with plans for conversion into a hotel, the building remains unoccupied, though it is considered to be in fair condition. In 2022, it gained attention when film crews for the 'Batgirl' movie used the location for key scenes, highlighting its cinematic potential. Today, the former District Court Hall stands as a testament to Glasgow's architectural and judicial heritage, awaiting a future that respects its historical significance.
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Fujifilm X-T5, 10-24mm
