An extended arcade joins everyday shops to a unified upper frontage around the square.
Quick facts
- Date
- Later nineteenth century
- Architect / designer
- Possibly William Tait; attribution uncertain
- Type
- Tenement with shops
- OS grid reference
- NS 29500 82443
The building and its setting
Nineteen round-headed ground-floor openings face Colquhoun Square. Above, projecting bays, closely grouped windows and strongly marked cornices organise three storeys of rendered walling and stone dressings. The block turns into West Princes Street, enclosing two sides of the corner.
Its story
HES tentatively attributes the building to William Tait and recognises the influence of Alexander Thomson in its window grouping. The council’s draft appraisal explains its role in enclosing the square and notes that later brick housing echoes the older arcade.
Why it is included
Includes everyday shops and housing that shape the public square.
What to look for
- The rhythm of arches at street level
- The projecting centre and closely grouped upper windows
Reading the surroundings
Use public streets or signed park routes. Respect private premises and check venue or parish arrangements before entering.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The Tait attribution is not established fact, and Thomson’s influence does not make this his design. Historic shop names and internal fittings in the listing are not presented as current.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: LB34765 — Designation, grid location and architectural development; historical observations are not a fresh condition survey.
- Argyll and Bute Council: town-centre appraisal, consultation draft — Page 9 explains the block’s relationship to the square and later housing.
Location
OS grid reference NS 29500 82443 · Location confidence: HES national-grid point converted to WGS84; approximate location, not an entrance or statutory boundary. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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