Lighthouse, Glasgow

The Lighthouse in Glasgow is not a coastal lighthouse, but one of the city’s most distinctive design landmarks. Set on Mitchell Lane, just off Buchanan Street, it occupies the former offices of The Glasgow Herald newspaper. Completed in 1895, the building was Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s first public commission, designed while he was working with Honeyman and Keppie. Its red sandstone tower, inspired by a Scottish baronial stair-turret, was once a practical feature but later helped give the building its memorable name: a beacon not for ships, but for design, culture, and ideas.

In 1999, when Glasgow was named UK City of Architecture and Design, the building reopened as Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture. It became known for exhibitions, creative events, and displays exploring how design shapes everyday life, from graphic design to sustainable architecture. The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre added further interest, offering insight into the life and work of Glasgow’s most celebrated architect and his lasting influence on the city.

The building is famous for its 134-step helical staircase, which winds up the Mackintosh Tower and offers spectacular views over the city’s rooftops. Although the original design galleries and café have closed, the landmark is currently being transformed into a cutting-edge green technology and climate innovation hub. While parts of the historic Charles Rennie Mackintosh interior are planned to reopen to the public, the building is currently undergoing refurbishment and is best appreciated from its Mitchell Lane exterior for the time being.