Glasgow's Barlinnie prison has become an A-listed building.
The Victorian jail, which has housed some of the country’s most high-profile criminals for over one hundred years, has been listed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The protected status covers the surviving parts of the earliest layout of the site, developed between 1880 and 1908.
Five accommodation halls, the chapel, the former infirmary and store building, the gatehouse, work sheds and the surviving parts of the early boundary wall will all be conserved.
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Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: “Barlinnie is an outstanding example of a purpose-built prison complex in Scotland and holds great significance as the most complete surviving example of its building type.
"As Scotland’s largest and best-known prison, it also holds an important place in the national consciousness.
“This listing will ensure that what makes this building special can be considered in any decisions about its future.”
The decision follows a submission from Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney in June 2023 and a public consultation, where nearly 80% of the 225 responders said they strongly agreed that Bar-L should become A-listed.
We previously reported that calls have been made to convert the infamous building into a museum and visitor centre after its decommissioning.
In line with the current plan, the East End jail will be replaced by HMP Glasgow by 2027.
Work is ongoing at the former Provan Gas Works site for the new complex, which will have a larger capacity to address Scotland's growing prison population.
Barlinnie was built between 1880 and 1908 and is Scotland's biggest prison.
It housed several famous prisoners, such as former MSP Tommy Sheridan and ex-Rangers footballer Duncan Ferguson.
Gangster Paul Ferris and Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, also resided here.
From 1947 until the abolition of capital punishment in the UK in 1969, 10 men were hanged at the 'Big Hoose'.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “This listing by Historic Environment Scotland recognises the historical significance of HMP Barlinnie and we will work alongside HES and others to carefully consider next steps.
“We are replacing HMP Barlinnie with HMP Glasgow, which has been designed to deliver fit-for-purpose, safe and secure accommodation and will have a transformative impact in how we support and rehabilitate people.”
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