ONE of the country's best-known firms of architects, SBT Keppie, has

been bought over by its Glasgow-based directors, to bring the

prestigious practice back into Scottish ownership.

Dating back to 1854, famous names such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh,

John Honeyman and John Keppie, have all been associated with the firm.

Following the successful merger with Guildford-based Scott Brownrigg

and Turner six years ago, the formerly-named Keppie Henderson will now

be known as Keppie Design Limited, after the buy-out by Scots directors

Peter Scott, David Stark, David Collin and Peter Sassoon.

The practice was established by John Honeyman, famous for his

ecclesiastical work, in the mid-19th century. By 1872, he had designed

the city's Ca d'oro building in Gordon Street. In 1889, John Keppie

became a partner.

But it was in 1902 that the firm's association with Mackintosh began

and in the years to follow, output was dominated by his major projects

including the Glasgow School of Art, the Glasgow Herald building,

Martyrs Public School, St Cuthbert's and Queens Cross Church, Scotland

Street Public School, Hill House in Helensburgh, and The Willow Tea

Rooms.

There are few towns in Scotland that do not have an important building

designed by the partnership. In Glasgow alone, 14 of the 84 properties

to feature in the Doors Open Day next month are attributable to the

Keppie stable.

The new company, based from converted church premises at 160 West

Regent Street, has appointed Peter Scott as chairman.

Confirming the development yesterday, he said: ''The directors of the

new firm regard themselves as custodians of a legacy which encompasses a

huge range of talent and experience, and believe that the diversity of

their skills, interests and personalities is one of their great

assets.''

With a current workload in Glasgow and Edinburgh which ranges from new

hospitals, offices, retail, educational and industrial buildings to

restoration, conservation and interior design projects, the breadth of

the firm's base is significant.

The directors have between them considerable experience overseas as is

reflected in the presence of Harare, Dublin, and Johannesburg on the new

letterhead.