Historic St Andrew's Cathedral shuts as £4m restoration gets underway

Oct 22 2009 By Tristan Stewart-Robertson

St Andrew's Cathedral

ONE of Scotland's most famous Catholic cathedrals has been emptied at the start of a stunning s4million renovation.

The year-long restoration of St Andrew's Cathedral, Clyde Street, Glasgow, will create a new interior and a garden of remembrance next door.

And the exterior of the Grade A-listed building is set for a revamp with repairs to its 200-year-old stone and stained glass.

But it is inside where worshippers and visitors will notice the greatest changes, including underfloor heating and new flooring, lights and seats.

The bronze doors and famous pipe organ will also receive an overhaul.

At the heart of the project will be a huge new canvas by Glasgow School of Art alumni Peter Howson depicting the martyrdom of St John Ogilvie.

Archbishop Mario Conti is delighted by the renovation, which will be carried out by East End firm Hunter and Clark and will guarantee employment for 250 staff and 40 apprentices.

He said: "My ambition is to see the Cathedral as a magnet, drawing people to its threshold."

Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, believes Glasgow is lucky to have two "wonderful cathedrals".

He said: "I'm pleased to say the council has played a role in the renovation of both.

"We have already supported the upgrading of the area around Glasgow Cathedral and the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, and now we will be supporting the renovation of St Andrew's Cathedral and the surrounding area."

Managing director of Hunter and Clark, Richard Bennie, said: "This project is the culmination of five years of planning, design and fund-gathering."