A Scottish fire station has been listed for its significance as 'a major example of postmodern architecture' in Scotland.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has designated Tollcross Fire Station in Edinburgh as a listed building at Category B.
During its analysis, HES concluded that the fire station was unique amongst contemporary stations from the later 20th century for its exceptional architectural quality, combining the demands of a modern fire station with a thoughtful response to its compact urban site.
The building combines a bold and innovative design with traditional materials and references to historical Scottish architecture in a playful and artistic way, HES said.
READ MORE: Oban war memorial given listing status 100 years after being unveiled
Tollcross Fire Station opened in 1986, replacing the Fire Service’s previous Lauriston headquarters, and remains an operational fire station.
The new building was designed by Wick-born architect Donald William Bain, who worked with Lothian Regional Council Department of Architectural Services and on the development of Livingston during the 1960s.
The relief sculpture mounted on the front of the building was the result of a design competition, and the winning design was by a then-third-year student at Edinburgh College of Art, David Roxburgh.
Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: "The Tollcross Fire Station is one of Scotland’s major contributions to the postmodern style, and it is one of the best examples we have of this architectural style which is rare in Scotland."
UPDATE: Great news, as @HistEnvScot designates Tollcross Fire Station in Edinburgh a Category B listed building.
— C20 Society (@C20Society) December 6, 2023
One of the finest examples of Scottish postmodern architecture, it becomes the first post-war listed fire station in the UK 👏🏼https://t.co/e4aBW0N1YE pic.twitter.com/PiYjMTQMLA
“It now joins a very select few other notable buildings of the same era on the list of Scotland’s most important buildings, such as the Dundee Repertory Theatre and Princes Square in Glasgow.
“Anyone can propose a building for listing via our website. We are currently being asked to consider more of the buildings of the later modern period as recent as the late 1980s, as their architectural quality and contribution to our social and economic history is increasingly recognised.”
The listing for Tollcross Fire Station comes weeks after a Scottish war memorial was given listing status by HES - 100 years after it was built.
The memorial, which is situated on the Corran Esplanade looking out over Oban Bay, was first unveiled on November 11, 1923.
The community of Oban decided to create the memorial in 1919. It was originally paid for by public subscription, and the community raised most of the £1,450 cost in six weeks.
The memorial was designated for its historic significance as well as the high quality of its sculpture by sculptor Alexander Carrick, who made an important contribution to war memorials in Scotland, as well as for its historic significance.
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