McLennan Arch: Glasgow’s Storied Gateway to History
A neoclassical triumphal arch that stands as a historic gateway to Glasgow Green and a symbol of the city’s rich architectural heritage.
McLennan Arch is a magnificent neoclassical triumphal arch located at the entrance to Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest park. Originally part of the 18th-century Glasgow Assembly Rooms, the arch was preserved and relocated multiple times, finally settling here in 1991. It stands as a symbol of Glasgow’s rich architectural heritage and social history, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s evolution from industrial hub to vibrant modern metropolis.
A brief summary to McLennan Arch
- Glasgow Green, Saltmarket, Glasgow, G1 5JZ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon to see the arch bathed in soft, dramatic light ideal for photography.
- Explore Glasgow Green beyond the arch to experience the park’s historic sites and lively events.
- Look for the inscription on the arch that commemorates Bailie James McLennan’s role in preserving this landmark.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take the number 9 or 75 bus from Glasgow city centre to the Saltmarket stop near Glasgow Green. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing around £1.80–£2.50. Note that some services may reduce frequency in the evenings.
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Subway and Walk
From Glasgow Subway, alight at St Enoch station and walk about 15 minutes southeast along the High Street and Saltmarket to Glasgow Green. The walk is flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers.
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Taxi
A taxi from Glasgow city centre to McLennan Arch takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, with fares typically ranging from £5 to £8. Taxis are available 24/7 but may be more expensive during peak hours or late at night.
McLennan Arch location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about McLennan Arch
A Monument Rescued from Glasgow’s Past
The McLennan Arch originally formed the grand central façade of the Glasgow Assembly Rooms, designed by the renowned architects Robert and James Adam in 1796. This building was a social hub for the city’s elite during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, hosting gatherings and cultural events. When the Assembly Rooms were demolished in 1890 to make way for urban development, the arch was salvaged thanks to the philanthropy of Bailie James McLennan, whose name it now bears. This act preserved a key piece of Glasgow’s architectural heritage and ensured the arch’s survival as a standalone monument.Journey Through Time and Place
Since its rescue, the McLennan Arch has had a peripatetic existence. Initially re-erected at Monteith Row in 1893, it was moved again in 1922 to the western edge of Glasgow Green near Charlotte Street. Its final relocation came in 1991, when it was positioned facing the Old High Court in the Saltmarket, where it now serves as the majestic gateway to Glasgow Green. Each move reflects Glasgow’s changing urban landscape and the city’s commitment to preserving its historic landmarks amidst modernization.Architectural Grandeur and Symbolism
The arch is a striking example of neoclassical design, featuring four large Ionic columns and a wide central opening that once framed a grand window of the Assembly Rooms. Above the smaller side openings are plaques with figures thought to represent music and the muses, hinting at the cultural aspirations of the original building. The arch’s Greco-Roman style lends it a timeless elegance, making it a favored subject for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.Glasgow Green: The City’s Oldest Park
Situated at the western entrance to Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest public park dating back to the 15th century, the McLennan Arch marks the threshold to a space steeped in history. Glasgow Green has been a site of political rallies, public executions, and community gatherings over centuries. The arch’s presence here enhances the park’s historical narrative, linking Glasgow’s architectural heritage with its social and political past.A Living Landmark in a Vibrant Setting
Today, the McLennan Arch stands not only as a monument to Glasgow’s past but also as a vibrant part of the city’s cultural life. It frames the entrance to Glasgow Green, which hosts festivals, concerts, and outdoor events year-round. The arch’s location offers visitors scenic views and a tangible connection to the city’s evolution, from industrial powerhouse to a modern cultural hub.Legacy of James McLennan and Civic Pride
James McLennan’s role in saving the arch is commemorated by an inscription on the monument itself, acknowledging his gift to the citizens of Glasgow. His philanthropy reflects the civic pride and community spirit that have long characterized the city. The McLennan Arch remains a symbol of Glasgow’s resilience, architectural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, inviting all who pass beneath it to reflect on the city’s enduring story.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Glasgow 2014 Monument
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The Glenlee Propellers
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Nelson's Monument, Glasgow
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Tolbooth Steeple
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Glasgow City Heritage Trust
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Explore Glasgow's rich history with the Glasgow City Heritage Trust, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the city's architectural and cultural heritage.
Former Templeton Carpet Factory
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Good as Gold Street Art
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Glasgow City Chambers
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Walter Scott Monument
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George Square
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James Watt Statue
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The Lighthouse
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Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow
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Bronze 3D Map of City Centre
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The Gatekeeper
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Unmissable attractions to see
St Andrew's in the Square - Glasgow
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An exquisite Georgian-era former church transformed into Glasgow’s premier cultural and event venue, rich in history and architectural beauty.
Clutha & Victoria Bar
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Explore Clutha & Victoria Bar in Glasgow, a lively pub offering live music, delicious pizza, and a warm Scottish atmosphere.
Barrowland Park
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A lively urban park at the heart of Glasgow’s music scene, where culture and community come alive on Gallowgate.
Tron Theatre
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Historic church-turned-theatre at the heart of Glasgow's Merchant City, showcasing bold contemporary work and emerging Scottish talent.
Mural Trail #.09 Billy Connolly
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Celebrate Glasgow’s beloved comedian Billy Connolly through this vibrant mural on Osborne Street, a highlight of the city’s renowned Mural Trail.
Britannia Panopticon
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Discover Glasgow’s Britannia Panopticon, the world’s oldest surviving music hall, where Victorian variety meets early cinema in a vibrant historic venue.
Trongate
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Explore Trongate, Glasgow’s oldest street and historic merchant hub, where commerce, culture, and heritage converge in the city’s vibrant heart.
o2 accadamy
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Historic art deco music venue in Glasgow's Gorbals, hosting diverse live shows with a lively atmosphere and accessible facilities.
Murial of a man
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A vibrant pop art mural blending graphic novel style and Japanese influences, lighting up Glasgow’s historic Trongate with bold color and creativity.
"SPACEMAN" Mural Trail #5
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A vibrant, graphic novel-inspired mural bringing cosmic color and modern art flair to Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.
Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew
0.5 km
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Andrew in Glasgow for an unforgettable experience of architectural beauty and spiritual serenity.
Blackfriars of Bell Street
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Discover Glasgow's Blackfriars: A lively gastropub offering hearty meals, craft drinks, and live music in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Glasgow Police Museum
0.5 km
Discover Glasgow’s policing heritage through fascinating artifacts and a global uniform collection in this volunteer-run, free museum in Merchant City.
Merchant Square
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Experience Glasgow’s Merchant City charm with vibrant dining, lively events, and a historic courtyard at Merchant Square.
Barras Market
0.6 km
Explore Glasgow’s historic Barras Market, a lively weekend bazaar famed for antiques, street food, and authentic local culture every Saturday and Sunday.
Essential places to dine
Mono
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Glasgow’s vibrant vegan café-bar blending creative plant-based cuisine, indie music vibes, and a unique record shop atmosphere.
Boteco Do Brasil
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Discover the vibrant flavors of Brazil at Boteco Do Brasil in Glasgow – where delicious cuisine meets lively nightlife.
Mharsanta - Scottish Restaurant & Bar
0.5 km
Experience authentic Scottish cuisine and warm hospitality in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Merchant City.
The Dhabba
0.5 km
Experience authentic Northern Indian cuisine in Glasgow with vibrant flavors, a nut-free menu, and a welcoming atmosphere at The Dhabba.
Cafe Gandolfi
0.5 km
A historic Glasgow bistro blending Scottish culinary tradition with artisanal craftsmanship and warm, convivial atmosphere.
Metropolitan Bar and Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience Glasgow's vibrant culinary scene at Metropolitan Bar & Restaurant – where gourmet pub fare meets expertly crafted cocktails.
Bar Soba Merchant City
0.6 km
Experience Glasgow's Asian fusion at Bar Soba Merchant City - where unique cocktails meet vibrant flavors in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Table Twenty Eight
0.6 km
Chic restaurant and cocktail bar in Glasgow’s Merchant Square, renowned for gourmet dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks.
Turkiye EFES Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Turkish cuisine and grilled meats served with warmth and tradition in Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City.
Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos
0.7 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean tapas and inventive cocktails in Glasgow’s charming Merchant City hotspot, Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos.
The Italian Kitchen
0.7 km
Authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City.
Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow
0.7 km
Authentic Italian dining with fresh flavors, lively ambiance, and live music in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City.
Saint Luke's & The Winged Ox
0.7 km
Discover the fusion of delicious grill cuisine and live music at Saint Luke's & The Winged Ox in Glasgow – where every meal is an experience.
Mediterraneo Italian Restaurant & Champagne Bar
0.7 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors and elegant champagne moments in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant city centre.
Saints of Ingram
0.7 km
Historic Hutchesons’ Hall hosts Saints of Ingram, a stylish Glasgow venue blending classic brunch, cocktails, and live weekend entertainment.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mr Ben Retro Clothing
0.2 km
A snug, long‑established vintage boutique in Kings Court with handpicked garments, textured displays and friendly, specialist service.
Minted
0.3 km
Discover rare vintage streetwear and sustainable style at Minted, Glasgow’s curated hub for iconic 90s and sportswear fashion.
Social Recluse
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Discover unique gifts and stylish apparel at Social Recluse, Glasgow’s boutique for creative and quality designs in the city center.
Boots
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Discover the best in beauty and health at Boots in Glasgow, your one-stop cosmetics shop for quality products and expert advice.
Pride of Glasgow
0.5 km
Discover tartan treasures and whisky wonders at this spirited Argyle Street shop, where Scottish pride meets Glasgow's cheeky charm in every authentic souvenir.
Grab n Go convenience store
0.5 km
A compact, dependable convenience store on Gorbals Street offering snacks, basics and friendly counter service for locals and passersby.
Shop local
0.6 km
A compact, practical convenience store on Crown Street supplying everyday essentials and neighbourhood flavours in Glasgow’s Gorbals.
The Glasgow Souvenir Outlet
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Authentic Scottish treasures in Glasgow's vibrant core: tartans, whisky keepsakes, and artisan crafts for every traveler's suitcase.
Never miss a gift
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Modern Love Store
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Bob's Bubbles Glasgow
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Shop Small at St Enoch
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Co-op Food - Glasgow - Crown Street
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The Clydeside Collective
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Explore Glasgow’s creative heart at The Clydeside Collective, a vibrant gift shop showcasing unique handcrafted arts and crafts by local artisans.
Primark
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Vast budget fashion haven on Glasgow's Argyle Street: trendy clothes, beauty, home goods, and more in a wheelchair-accessible city-center mega-store.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Avant Garde Music Bar & Restaurant
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Maggies Rock n Rodeo
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Sharkeys Bar
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Family-run Gorbals gem serving hearty pies, perfect pints, and warm welcomes in a dog-friendly local atmosphere.
Home
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Glasgow's go-to pub for live sports, craft cocktails, and hearty sharing plates in the vibrant Merchant City – where every visit feels like home turf.
Strathduie Bar
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Traditional Glasgow pub revived in Merchant City: darts, live music, draught beers, and cozy rooms for authentic Scottish hospitality.
Bar 91
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Laid-back Merchant City pub pouring craft brews, global bites, and live tunes opposite City Halls—a Glasgow essential for day-to-night vibes.
Cairns Bar
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Cozy Merchant City pub pouring Belhaven ales, serving pub classics, and screening live sports in Glasgow's lively heart—perfect for pints and pies anytime.
Steps Bar
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Discover Glasgow's Art Deco time capsule: Steps Bar's preserved 1930s elegance, walnut gantry, and jukebox vibes await in Merchant City's historic heart.
BrewDog Glasgow Merchant City
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Craft beer rebellion meets smoky barbecue in Glasgow's historic Merchant City – 25 taps, outdoor patio, and dog-friendly vibes await.
Bacchus Bar
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Glasgow's friendliest independent bar in Merchant City, pouring wine-god vibes with live music, quizzes, and unbeatable value since over two decades.
The Spiritualist Glasgow
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Moody, theatrical cocktail bar and small-plate restaurant in central Glasgow — inventive drinks, shareable dishes and a lively evening atmosphere.
Sloans
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Glasgow’s oldest bar and restaurant since 1797, famed for lively events, historic charm, and legendary Macaroni Cheese in a vibrant city-centre setting.
Speakeasy
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Pig 'n' Whistle
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Cozy Glasgow pub pouring pints and serving comfort food in a lively City Centre spot with a welcoming beer garden.
The Piper Whisky Bar
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Glasgow's premier whisky haven with 200+ Scotches, live music nightly, and pub grub overlooking George Square – pure Scottish spirit in every sip.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
18 Candleriggs
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Glasgow's kitsch cabaret haven where dazzling shows, tasty grill fare, and lively vibes create unforgettable Merchant City nights.
Polo Lounge
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Glasgow's grandest gay nightclub: multi-level dance floors, cheap drinks, and non-stop energy until dawn in Merchant City's heart.
Riding Room
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Fancy cabaret club in Glasgow's gay triangle, serving exotic kettle cocktails alongside burlesque, magic, and cheeky shows in a lively, intimate venue.
Club X
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Glasgow's underground RnB haven: where beats throb, lights flash, and the LGBTQ+ community dances till dawn in Merchant City's beating heart.
Delmonicas
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Scotland's biggest gay club: drag shows, karaoke, DJs, and non-stop inclusive party vibes in Glasgow's Merchant City heart.
AXM Glasgow
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Scotland's biggest LGBTQ+ nightclub: two floors of pop, charts, and dance in Glasgow's heart, with cheap drinks and zero attitude.
La Cheetah Club
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Glasgow’s intimate basement club with a powerful sound system, vibrant underground beats, and a welcoming community spirit.
Sub Club
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Glasgow’s legendary underground nightclub, Sub Club, pulses with cutting-edge sound and authentic dance culture in an intimate basement setting.
Classic Grand
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Glasgow's ultimate electronic music haven in a reborn cinema, where thunderous beats and euphoric crowds collide until dawn.
Cathouse Rock Club
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Glasgow's unrelenting rock fortress since 1990—metal riffs, live gigs, and alternative fury across three pounding rooms.
Platinum Lace Glasgow
1.1 km
Glasgow’s premier gentlemen’s club with stunning dancers, VIP luxury, and an electric nightlife atmosphere in the city centre.
Club Tropicana & Venga
1.1 km
Two-room retro nightclub in central Glasgow with themed ’80s/’90s nights, booth bookings and a high-energy weekend atmosphere.
Popworld Glasgow
1.2 km
Dive into a whirlwind of 80s-00s pop anthems, retro props, and cocktail-fueled dance marathons at Glasgow's ultimate cheesy nightclub escape.
142B Lounge
1.2 km
Glasgow's premier spot for Afrobeats, Amapiano, and African flavors—dance, dine, and vibe in luxury VIP style until dawn.
Kokomo Glasgow
1.3 km
Kokomo Glasgow was a late-night nightclub and bar known for its energetic vibe and central city location on West Regent Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Classical Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
