Clydesdale horses will return to their home in a Glasgow park after an historic stables block is to be transformed into a visitor attraction in a £13m project.

The A-Listed stables and sawmill in Pollok Country Park will become a heritage centre which will celebrate the famous Clydesdale horses that will once again become a feature in the park.

The redevelopment of the stables and courtyard will mean the horses, four of which had to be moved to other stables, outside the city, will be able to return.

Glasgow Times:

The development will also include a café, flexible event spaces for community groups and schools and provide training and employment opportunities for local people.

The cash is coming from the UK Government, part of its UK wide ‘Levelling Up’ fund, following a successful bid by Glasgow City Council.

READ MORE: ‘Pollok Park is about to get even better’ says Minister

Iain Stewart, UK Government Scotland Minister visited the stables and met the team from Glasgow City Council heading up the project.

He said: “In Scotland we are investing £1.7billion to Level Up communities so that projects like this can flourish.

“It will see the stables restored to their former glory and future proof the site while bringing important economic and educational benefits.”

Glasgow Times:

He added: “It’s going to be a huge asset again for the city.

“Glasgow, in the last few months, has seen its international reputation enhanced for all the world to see.

“Visitors to the city and the local people will be able to enjoy this heritage facility in fantastic old buildings which will be restored to their former glory.”

The A listed stables, close to Pollok House in the park, were closed completely four years ago after they fell into a sate of disrepair and have since become dilapidated and closed off to the public.

The plan will involve a lot of restoration of original stone features and some replacement like to the roof.

On-site traditional power generation combined with other renewable technologies will establish the stables and Sawmill as a net zero carbon neutral site.

John MacLean, Senior Project Manager, at the council said: “The plan to restore a valuable asset for the city and bring the Clydesdales back.

“It is also about merging new technology with old.”

He said it will be an educational facility for schools and nurseries as well as a visitor attraction.

It was always hoped they would be restored but tight council budgets and competing, costly heritage projects put it on hold.

It is recognised that maintaining and restoring facilities is a challenge.

Glasgow Times:

Alex MacLean, Head of Asset Management, said there’s a lot of heritage assets in the city to refurbish.”

The restoration will provide another attraction in Pollok Country Park and give people another reason to visit.

Alex Fleming-Knox, programme liaison officer with the council said: “A visit to Pollok Country park is a day out. This helps bring more visitors o the south side of the city.

The project team and the Minister met Rowena, one of the horse moved from the stables who is hoped will return when the project is complete.

Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Following on from the refurbishment of the Burrell Collection, the restoration of the Pollok Country Park stables and sawmill continues the renaissance of one of Glasgow’s finest green spaces.

“The remarkable A-listed Stables and Old Courtyard will not only create a tremendous standalone attraction for Glaswegians and our visitors but will be yet another venue showcasing the cultural and heritage treasures in this park.”