Glasgow, for all its grit, is home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful architecture. Frequently used to double as New York City on screen, the city centre is filled with remarkable buildings, but few are as impressive as the Merchants House of Glasgow. A Category A-listed landmark overlooking George Square, it’s one of Scotland’s oldest surviving civic institutions. From what’s on and photos of the venues to event details and ticket information, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know here—including an exceptionally special new concert from the popular Candlelight series.
Defined by cream sandstone, marble staircases, stained glass and a ship overlooking George Square, the building is a symbol of Glasgow’s commercial past. Yet its most compelling story lies inside. One of its principal meeting rooms is now the James McCune Smith Room, renamed as part of the House’s response to its historic links with slavery, reflecting the city’s ongoing effort to confront its past.
The hidden history behind the Merchants House
Many people are unaware of Glasgow’s historic links to slavery. Much of the city’s early wealth were funded by merchant families whose fortunes were tied to the transatlantic slave economy. The Merchants House is part of that history, acknowledging that some of its former Lord Deans and benefactors profited from slavery or slavery-dependent commerce.
The Merchants House publicly acknowledged its historic links with slavery in 2020. Rather than financial reparations, its response has focused on education, transparency, and historical interpretation. One of its key initiatives was renaming the meeting space the James McCune Smith Room. McCune Smith was the first known African-American to earn a medical degree from the University of Glasgow after being refused entry to US colleges because of his race.
What can you do there?
The Merchants House is one of Glasgow’s most prestigious venues, available to hire for conferences, weddings, and other private events. Alongside exploring its elegant interiors, the Merchants House also hosts the hugely popular Candlelight concert series and, next month, will stage a special concert in collaboration with one of the world’s biggest film studios.
