12 December 2018

The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon officially unveiled a statue of Charles Rennie Mackintosh on the 90th anniversary of his death. 

The statue by Kelpies sculptor Andy Scott is believed to be the world’s first public sculpture celebrating Mackintosh. 

The artwork was commissioned by Sanctuary Group to mark the completion of a £60 million regeneration project in Anderston. 

The First Minister joined Andy Scott, representatives from the housing provider and residents to unveil the statue.

She said: “This magnificent new Charles Rennie Mackintosh statue is a fantastic addition to Glasgow and recognises the incredible legacy of one of Scotland’s most iconic architects, designers and artists.”

The 10-year project saw many 1960s blocks demolished and replaced with 540 affordable homes. 

The Scottish Government, through Glasgow City Council made £39.7 million available for the transfer and redevelopment of Anderston’s existing housing stock for the purposes of the area’s regeneration. The Scottish Government made a further £7.7 million available towards the delivery of the regeneration project’s final 119 homes.