Iconic Cathkin Park football ground given historic monument status

An iconic Glasgow football ground that once hosted Scottish Cup finals has been given historic status.

Cathkin Park in the city’s Southside has been recognised with scheduled monument status by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

The late 19th to early 20th century stadium, which still has its terraces and embankments, is one of the few to survive without major modernisation.

The site, now a public park owned by Glasgow City Council, was first used as a football ground by Queen’s Park in 1883.

It was initially known as Hampden Park, named after the original Hampden, and hosted Scottish Cup finals between 1885 and 1899.

Dara Parsons, head of designations at HES, said: “Scotland is recognised as a pioneering nation in the development of football, and Cathkin Park played a key part in that story.

“We’re pleased to be able to acknowledge that history by designating the site as a scheduled monument to ensure its significance can be protected and celebrated.”

Ged O’Brien, founder of the Scottish Football Museum, said: “It is hard to understate the importance of this stadium. Two founders of modern world football played on this site.

“It exists as a crucial example of the way in which Scotland developed the concept of the early modern football stadium.

“Cathkin Park is a living monument to Scotland’s influence on many stadiums around the world.”