A Brief History Of The Lighthouse In Glasgow

Described as a ‘beacon for Scotland’s creative industries’, The Lighthouse is one of Glasgow’s many architectural masterpieces embellishing the city. It also happens to sport panoramic views of unparalleled proportions.
The building, as the first public commission to come from Glasgow golden boy artist, architect and overall design debonair Charles Rennie Mackintosh, was designed in 1895 when he was a draughtsman at Honeyman and Keppie, an architectural practice. Mackintosh included an 8,000-gallon water tank in the tower, a nifty feature designed as a saving grace in case of a fire.

For decades, The Lighthouse served as the enviable HQ of the Glasgow Herald newspaper, the eighth oldest daily paper and also the longest running national newspaper in the world. During the 1980s, the Herald took the helm of new offices, leaving the Mackintosh premises unused for 15 long years.

It saw life once more in 1999, when it was renamed ‘The Lighthouse’ and became Scotland’s Centre For Design and Architecture, a title close to Glasgow’s heart considering the city’s status as a UK City of Architecture and Design. That same year and to celebrate the creative prowess, the Clydesdale Bank issued a £20-note decorated with an illustration of The Lighthouse.

Today, the building boasts swarms of inquisitive people scaling the spiraling steps to witness the breathtaking panoramic views. A multifaceted edifice, the floors host an enthralling visitor centre, coveted exhibition space and events venue, each of which empower the centre to champion Scotland’s design and architecture industries.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.