Glasgow Council Approves Mackintosh Building Sale for Scottish Catholic Museum

Glasgow City Council has approved the sale of the former Martyrs' School, a category A listed building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, to the Bishops' Conference of Scotland for £250,000. The three-storey building, completed in 1898 and formerly used as a school, arts centre, and council offices, has been vacant since 2024 and is set to be transformed into a public museum housing Scottish Catholic archives, artworks, and artefacts. The purchaser plans to invest £1.75 million in a sensitive refurbishment, which will also include office space, ensuring the building’s full occupation. This decision followed a marketing exercise that attracted three bids, with the council favoring the Bishops' Conference's unconditional cash offer and the sustainable cultural use of the building. Councillor Ruairi Kelly highlighted the importance of finding sustainable uses for heritage buildings and praised the project as a positive outcome that secures investment and public access to an early example of Mackintosh’s work. The museum will be linked to the Bishops’ Conference’s existing property nearby, St Mungo’s Church and retreat, enhancing its cultural significance in the historic Glasgow district.