The Western Baths Club’s 150th Anniversary

That the Parliament congratulates The Western Baths Club in Hillhead on the occasion of its 150th anniversary in 2026; notes that the A-listed building was designed and built by local firm Clarke and Bell, in a style described as Spanish Gothic or Moorish, cost between £9,000 and £13,000 and, at the time, boasted the largest pool in Scotland; acknowledges the challenges faced by the baths over the years, including when they closed just six years after opening and 400 shareholders lost their combined £10,000 subscription; understands that it was eventually saved by the formation of the new Western Baths Company in 1886; acknowledges the devastation caused when a section of the pool hall roof collapsed in 1977; commends the role played by the late Mr W. M. Mann, whose innovations helped save the baths and enabled them to operate on a commercially sustainable basis following the roof collapse; notes that details of this, and of the wider rich history of the baths, are captured in an excellent blog by longstanding board member Hilary Barclay; highlights that it began its anniversary year with a traditional ceilidh in February 2026 and that a highly successful Gala Dinner was held in May at Oran Mor beneath its stunning auditorium roof, which was designed by the late Alasdair Gray, a former baths member who also designed the floor of the club's downstairs foyer, and wishes all those associated with the 150th anniversary of The Western Baths Club every success and enjoyment during the various celebrations, which include a sponsored swim and a winter ceilidh to round off the year's festivities.