Hielanman’s Umbrella is a railway bridge spanning Argyle Street in Glasgow which supports the concourse, tracks and platforms of Glasgow Central Station.

The name, Hielanman’s Umbrella, is Scots and comes from ‘Highlandman’s Umbrella’ a term that refers to the large number of Gaels that used to congregate underneath the bridge. Further information on the cultural origins of the name and Gaelic history can be found on glaschu.net

Glasgow City Council’s brief for ‘environmental enhancements’ cited the overall purpose to design inclusive, small scale but impactful interventions to enhance the amenity and general appearance of the space as well as improving the sense of security and wellbeing for all users. The key aspects for the project were to include a focus on: Shopfronts; Lighting; Public Art and Activity.

There is a rich architectural, technical, social and cultural heritage to the site and our design improvements seek to engage all of these elements and bring new vibrancy and excitement to the space. We worked closely and collaboratively with the design team; artist Toby Paterson, Gross.Max, Nich Smith Lighting Design, Hollis, Civic Engineers, Fiona Sinclair, Rachel E Millar Signwriter and HEALTHY as well as Sculpture Placement Group.

The proposals include for new cladding to shopfronts which include a colour scheme and proportioning system developed with Toby Paterson, dynamic lighting which tracks the movement of trains overhead developed with Nich Smith and a sculptural planter with Scots Pine tree to the west end of the tunnel designed by Gross.Max. An artwork strategy has been set out to include neon artworks ‘under the umbrella’ and new handpainted signage (developed with Rachel E Millar) has been specified to all shopfronts and, importantly, to the East and West facades.