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Founded in 1451, The University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the UK and the second oldest in Scotland, and counts First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, philosopher and economist Adam Smith and actor Gerard Butler among its varied alumni.
The University boasts more listed buildings than any other Scottish university, and is home to the breathtaking Cloisters and the Lion and the Unicorn Staircase, which was transported brick-by-brick from its original location in University’s Old College site on High Street.

The move to the larger Gilmorehill campus where it still stands today, was made in 1870. At the time of its development, it was the second largest structure being built in the United Kingdom (the largest being the Houses of Parliament). The building was designed in the Gothic revival style by the architect George Gilbert Scott. It was finished by his son Oldrid Scott, who added the finishing touches to the tower, and completed the Bute Hall, and it has since been developed by a number of other architects. At it’s time of initial creation, Gothic revival had become fashionable as a style for public buildings. In the 1860s Gilbert Scott produced four major buildings: St Pancras Station, the Law Courts, the Albert Institute at Dundee, and Berlin Parliament House, as well as Glasgow University, in this style. The Main Building of the University is now called the Gilbert Scott building in honour of the accomplished architect.

The main Gilmorehill campus is based in the West End of the city, within easy reach of the city centre by public transport or on foot. It’s a compact, campus-style environment with all the benefits of being in a major city.

The East Quadrangle of the Gilbert Scott Building