I’ve an ongoing interest in electricity generation in Scotland and have been collating details on all past and present power stations in Scotland therefore I thought it would be good to contribute a thread on electricity generation in Glasgow. While researching this topic I’ve been struck by the lack of information that is readily available on this very significant subject and I’ve had to scratch around to get a reasonable picture of what has gone in the past.
To kick it off I’ve listed the below the Glasgow power stations which over the years have been concerned with the public supply of electricity in Glasgow and some photos of the locations today. As you can see there are some gaps in the chronology which if anyone can help fill I would be very grateful. I’ve also collated various scanned and digital images of the stations as they were in the past, I wasn't sure about posting these as some are from SCRAN, Virtual Mitchell, RCHMS, current books etc, but I thought it would be a shame not, so I would like to acknowledge any copyrights where they exist and apologies if I've infringed any. Many were originally taken by J Hume who was a pioneer in recording our industrial past and who I hope would approve of their use here. Many are of a past and present theme but I wanted to group them under this specific thread. It would be great to see other past pictures from any source, especially any unpublished or colour ones.
If folks are interested, I’ve got lots of detailed information on the individual stations, including equipment, locations and timelines which I can also post.
I’ve omitted any details regarding private/industrial generation but know that many companies have built and operated their own power stations over the years, good examples being, Singers, Babcocks, various steel works and I am keen to hear of other examples and any details that other forum members might come across.
John St, Opened 1888 by Muir, Mavor & Coulson Ltd, Closed 1897 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Largest size 0.33MW. Demolished?
Kelvinside, Opened 1892 by Kelvinside Electricity Co, Closed <1914? by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Largest size 0.8MW. Demolished 1980?, Some buildings may remain as part of rebuilt sub station.
Waterloo St, Opened 1893 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Closed 1904 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Largest size 2.5MW. Building is still there but it was extensively modified when?
Port Dundas, Opened 1899 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Closed 1922 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Largest size 36MW. Demolished after 1960?, surrounding wall still remains.
St Andrews (Also called Pollokshaws Rd), Opened 1899 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Closed 1922 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Largest size 24MW. Much of the building is still there.
Springburn, Opened 1898 by Glasgow Corporation Tramways as an experiment for electric traction for the trams, Closed 1901 by Glasgow Corporation Tramways, Largest size 0.2MW. Demolished 1990s?
Govan, Opened 1900 by Govan Burgh, Closed 1921 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Largest size 4MW, Demolished ? Some buildings remain as part of rebuilt sub station.
Pinkston, Opened 1901 by Glasgow Corporation Tramways, Closed sometime after 1974? by South of Scotland Electricity Board, Largest size 65MW. Demolished 1990s?
Partick, Opened 1902 by Partick Burgh, Closed 1920 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Largest size 2MW, This was also a waste disposal plant, Bits were demolished at various times, some buildings remain as part of a sub station.
Yoker, Opened 1905 by the Clyde Valley Electrical Power Co, Closed 1976 by South of Scotland Electricity Board, Largest size 100MW. Demolished ?
Clyde's Mill, Opened 1916 by the Clyde Valley Electrical Power Co, Closed 1978 by South of Scotland Electricity Board, Largest size 332.5MW. Demolished ? Also a separate gas turbine was installed in 1965 and seems to have been treated as a separate station being closed after the main station? and demolished 2000?
Dalmarnock, Opened 1920 by Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department, Closed 1977 by South of Scotland Electricity Board, Largest size 237.5MW. Demolished ?, surrounding wall still remains.
Govan Waste, I've no pictures of this one and haven't yet visited the location.
Govan Waste, Opened 1928 by Glasgow Cleansing Dept, Closed ? by ? Largest size 10MW, Demolished ?
Braehead, I've no old pictures of this one and I couldn't bring myself to photography the metal wedge that is xcape the occupies this site!
Braehead, Opened 1951 by the British Electricity Authority, Closed 1979 by South of Scotland Electricity Board, Largest size 260MW. Demolished 1990s?
Polmadie, Did this ever generate electricity in addition to burning Glasgow’s waste?
I hope everyone finds these of interest