Glasgow Sheriff & Justice of the Peace Court – Tours for Children

Glasgow Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court took approx. 5 years to erect (June 1981 until January 1986). Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the court on 29 July 1986. Our building was designed by architects Keppie Henderson & partners of Glasgow. A Charles Rennie Macintosh influence can be seen extensively in the design of the building. Solar panels were installed on the roof in June 2008 to reduce our carbon footprint and keep our energy costs down. On entry you will see the sculpture above the reception area which includes symbols from the Glasgow coat of Arms. The Glasgow coat of arms is accompanied by a rhyme to remember what the symbols represent: “This is the tree that never grew, this is the fish that never swam, this is the bird that never flew and this is the bell that never rang.” These are all symbols taken from the story of St Mungo (Kentigern) the Patron Saint of Glasgow. There will be pre-bookable adult and children’s tours of the court rooms and cells reception area (lasting approx. 1 hour). The children’s tour includes the re-enactment of a mock trial as well as interactive activities and opportunities to meet those who work in our building.