“A part of Glasgow’s history”: Glaswegians have their say on Barlinnie being replaced

After the building was deemed unfit for purpose by inspectors, it was announced earlier this week that HMP Barlinnie would be replaced by a larger and more modern prison called HMP Glasgow.

READ MORE: Barlinnie prison set to be replaced by HMP Glasgow The newly dubbed HMP Glasgow will be built on a 54-acre site in Provanmill, in the East End of the city.

Kier Construction has been awarded the contract by the Scottish Prison Service and plan to replace the Victorian-era HMP Barlinnie in 2026.

Commonly known as the Bar-L or The Big Hoose, the Riddrie prison’s walls hold the remains of Scotland’s most sinister historical figures like serial killer Peter Manuel.

READ MORE: Memories: Barlinnie, Glasgow's big hoose on the hill in 1958

We took to Buchanan Street to ask the people of Glasgow what they would like to see done with the historical building, and many said that it could be used as a museum.

Eric Schofield, 73, from Giffnock, said: “I think changing the use to a museum would be the wisest move and it would add to the visitor attractions in Glasgow, and also attraction for the citizens to go and see.”

He added: “Because I’m sure there must be a lot of citizens like me who have never been inside.”

Agnes Duff, from Fife, had the same idea and didn’t want the building to be torn down.

The 70-year-old said: “Well, I think they should make it into a museum or something, because its history. You can’t make that or build it, its actual history, so yes, they should keep it.”

Christine Edwards, 69, from Glasgow, said: “I think it would be interesting to see it, especially for people that have worked there and have not necessarily been inside.

“But certainly, it would be interesting to see it.”

Another idea that arose was converting it into a hotel like the Malmaison Hotel in Oxford.

Jacqui McKinnon, 63, from the West End, said: “I’ve got mixed feelings whether it should be torn down because its part of Glasgow’s history.

“So, it could be made into a hotel, or apartments. A hotel could be a quirky thing.”

Others in Glasgow didn’t think a museum would be beneficial to the city.

Elijah MacDonald, 19, from Cumbernauld, said: “I can’t imagine that it would turn into a tourist attraction.

“They might turn it in to one, but I don’t think it would get much attention.

“Because prisons aren’t fun, and people don’t tend to enjoy them.”