Arts and Culture
Preserving Scotland’s Cultural Heritage
As specialists in existing buildings, conservation and heritage, GLM bring unrivalled expertise to Scotland’s arts and cultural sector. From galleries and museums to theatres and heritage landmarks, we help safeguard the buildings that tell our nation’s story – while adapting them for modern audiences.
We are supporting the National Trust for Scotland with the condition and maintenance of some of their key heritage assets. Our previous work also includes The Queen’s Gallery and Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Why GLM Are the Perfect Partners for Arts & Culture
Our focus on existing buildings, combined with deep conservation and heritage expertise, makes GLM the natural choice for Scotland’s cultural institutions. We understand the unique challenges of working with listed buildings, sensitive collections, and public-facing spaces.
Conservation & Heritage
Accredited conservation professionals experienced in working with listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and structures of national significance. We navigate Listed Building Consent and heritage regulations with confidence.
Architecture & Design
Sensitive architectural interventions that respect a building’s character while meeting modern accessibility, environmental, and audience experience standards – following the RIBA Plan of Work.
Building Surveying
Comprehensive condition surveys, defect diagnosis, and planned preventative maintenance programmes that protect irreplaceable cultural assets for generations to come.
Project Management
End-to-end project delivery managing design coordination, budgets, and programmes – ensuring minimal disruption to venues, collections, and public programming.
Cost Management
Rigorous budget preparation and post-contract cost control are essential for publicly funded cultural organisations working within strict financial frameworks and grant conditions.
Retrofit & Sustainability
Passivhaus-accredited retrofit solutions that improve the energy performance of historic buildings sensitively – helping cultural venues meet net-zero targets without compromising heritage value.
Project Highlights
A selection of projects demonstrating our expertise across Scotland’s cultural landscape – from royal palaces to community heritage venues.
The Queen’s Gallery
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Supporting the ongoing maintenance and conservation of the gallery space within the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse – home to the Royal Collection exhibitions in Scotland.
Custom House
Bowling, West Dunbartonshire
Conservation and adaptive reuse of the historic Customs House – transforming a heritage landmark into a vibrant community and cultural space on the Forth & Clyde Canal.
National Trust for Scotland
Various locations across Scotland
Ongoing partnership supporting the condition assessment and planned maintenance of heritage assets across Scotland’s most treasured cultural properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we’re most often asked by clients in the arts and cultural sector.
What experience does GLM have in the arts and cultural sector?
GLM has extensive experience working with cultural institutions across Scotland. Our portfolio includes projects for the National Trust for Scotland, The Queen’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Customs House in Bowling. Our conservation and heritage specialism means we understand the particular sensitivities of working with historically significant buildings in the cultural sector.
Can GLM work with listed buildings and scheduled monuments?
Absolutely. Conservation is one of our core specialisms. We have accredited conservation professionals on our team who are experienced in navigating Listed Building Consent applications, working with Historic Environment Scotland, and delivering sensitive interventions that preserve a building’s significance while meeting modern requirements.
What services can GLM provide for a gallery or museum project?
We offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to cultural venues, including building surveying, condition assessments, planned preventative maintenance, architecture, project management, cost management, principal designer services under CDM Regulations, and retrofit solutions for improving energy efficiency in historic buildings.
How does GLM help cultural venues with sustainability and net-zero targets?
Our Passivhaus-accredited retrofit team specialise in improving the energy performance of existing buildings. For cultural venues in historic buildings, we develop sensitive strategies that reduce carbon emissions and energy costs without compromising heritage character – helping organisations meet their environmental commitments and funding requirements.
Does GLM work across all of Scotland?
Yes. With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Highlands (Inverness), we have national coverage across Scotland. We regularly work on projects from the Borders to the far north, and on the islands. Our regional presence ensures we can provide responsive, local support wherever your project is located.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Get in touch with our team to explore how GLM can support your arts or cultural venue.
