The High Altar, St Peter's College

St. Peter’s College is Scotland’s most significant example of twentieth century architecture and one of the most complete examples of the late modern movement in the UK. Designed by two young architects, Isi Metzstein and Andy MacMillan, of the leading post-war practice, Gillespie, Kidd & Coia, the college was widely published at the time of its opening in 1966 and contributed towards the practice receiving the RIBA Gold Medal in 1969.

St. Peter’s has attained a level of symbolism and meaning that goes far beyond its brutalist concrete aesthetic. In 1992, the buildings were granted category A-listed status; the highest level of protection awarded by Historic Scotland, and one that is reserved specifically for buildings of international significance. Despite this, St. Peter’s has continued to deteriorate to the point that it is now derelict.

A major retrospective exhibition of the work of the original architects is planned for 2007 at The Lighthouse, Scotland’s National Centre for Architecture, Design and The City. There is also an ongoing campaign by The St Peter’s Buildings Preservation Trust and increasing outrage among the country’s art and architecture community. Despite this Historic Scotland continues to avoid open dialogue on the buildings’ future and they continue to crumble.

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Europe / UK-Scotland

Lat: 55° 58' 13" N
Long: 5° 39' 28" W

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Precision is: Medium. Nearby, but not to the last decimal.

Canon 10D Sigma 17-35mm