Glasgow City Chambers to begin charging fees for visitors

Visitors to Glasgow's city chambers are to be charged to tour and experience the A-listed building.

The landmark can currently be toured for free, but the council budget passed on Tuesday has proposed people pay a fee to visit the building for the first time.

Another idea is to make the property - which tourism body Visit Scotland once compared to Harry Potter's school Hogwarts - available for more external events.

The building dates back to 1888 and boasts Western Europe's largest marble staircase, ceilings decorated with 1.5 million mosaic tiles and grand granite pillars.

Councillor Jon Molyneux of the Greens said there was a push "to do more to celebrate this incredible building".

He added that new initiatives were "recognising what an incredible asset we have".

A report presented to the council said an option to open the city chambers "will investigate the opportunity to capitalise on the unique cultural political and architectural position of Glasgow City Chambers and a revitalised George Square by introducing paid for tours and experiences and increased use for external events".

The council has not yet released a potential pricing plan.

The building serves as the headquarters of the council as well as housing offices for staff.

Other highlights include a lavish banqueting hall and imposing chambers where council meetings are held, with Venetian stained glass windows and mahogany panelling.

The Victorian building was designed by Scottish architect William Young and cost £552,028 to build.

Story by Local Democracy Reporter Sarah Hilley.