GLASGOW University's historic tower will be out of use for around seven months as it undergoes essential restoration work.

Work on the A-listed bell tower is part of a refurbishment programme that is expected to last for 40 weeks until April next year.

As a consequence the bells will be out of use from mid July until the end of March 2016.

A University of Glasgow spokesman confirmed the refurbishment.

He said: “This work is being undertaken to repair the building fabric of the tower, the spiral staircase and the bell cradle.

“Scaffolding will be erected around the entire tower and spire to facilitate the restoration works.”

He also added that plans are in place to avoid disruption to the local area by keeping noise levels to a minimum.

Architectural historian Neil Baxter, secretary of The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland explained the building historical significance of the tower.

He said “It’s significant in terms of scale and in quality of architecture.

"It is one of the most important Victorian buildings in Scotland.

"It is the 2nd largest neo gothic structure in the UK after the house of parliament.

“The tower was built in the late 19th century and they wanted to build something of prestige for the 4th oldest university in the UK.

“It is a building that is much loved by the people of Glasgow, it stands on a hilltop and gives a brilliant view that can be seen for miles around and is particularly beautiful at night.

"A hugely impressive structure and now one of the most stunning landmark buildings in Scotland.

“There are relatively few buildings in Scotland with a top level of listing but Glasgow University certainly merits that listing.”

The tower is listed which means that no radical changes can take place without a lengthy discussion with Historic Scotland.

A university spokesman said: “There are no changes planned at all to the existing appearance of the bell tower and spire.

"Only repair works that are deemed necessary to rectify and address known defects are being undertaken.

“Working on a building of this nature is complex and requires to be undertaken with very specialist traditional skills.

"The repair works will comprise stonework indenting and repointing, renewal of both the bell chamber and spire base lead covered flat roofs, structural repairs to the bell cradle and the repair of the spire wrought iron spiral staircase.”

After moving from it’s original site on Glasgow’s high street in 1870 a newly built campus was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and the largest of these new buildings was the bell tower.

The tower’s signature spire was designed by Sir George's son, John Oldrid scott, and was added to the building in 1887, bringing it to a total height of 85 metres (279 feet).

It has been a part of the Glasgow skyline ever since, with the buildings distinct gothic design and point being seen from all over the city on a clear day.

The tower on the Gilmorehill campus has also been credited as the inspiration behind the design of the Clocktower complex of buildings for the new University of Otago in New Zealand.