The site was built between 1900 and 1901 to generate power for the electrification of Glasgow’s tram system which had began in 1894. Equipped with Belliss and Morcom generator sets, Glasgow Corporation had decided to electrify the network by 1901 for the opening of the International Exhibition at Kelvingrove Park.
The power station at Pinkston was originally constructed of red brick and the cooling tower was added between 1952-54. It was considered critical to the functioning of Glasgow as a city - camouflage paint was applied to the power station during World War II in order to avoid its destruction in bombing raids.
After passing to the South of Scotland Electricity Board in 1958, it was decommissioned in the 1960s, with the cooling tower being demolished in April 1978.
1. Queen Street
Glasgow's bustling Queen Street pictured in 1965 with Pinkston cooling tower in the distance. | Glasgow City Archives
2. Pinkston Power Station
Pinkston Power Station pictured in 1957. | Glasgow Museums
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3. Pinkston Power Station
Pinkston Power Station from the canal at Port Dundas in 1962. | Glasgow City Archives
4. Pinkston Power Station
Port Dundas canal basin, Speirs Wharf, and the Pinkston cooling tower. The gas lamp provides the atmosphere. 1949 | Glasgow City Archives