An early low building gained shaped timber gables, iron-mullioned windows and a remarkably complete pub interior in Alexander Cullen’s 1902–1903 remodelling.
Quick facts
- Date
- Early nineteenth century; remodelled 1902–1903
- Architect / designer
- Alexander Cullen remodelled the building
- Type
- Historic public house with early-twentieth-century interior
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB6453)
- OS grid reference
- NS 69720 60465
Architecture and continuing use
The single-storey front is symmetrical around a panelled entrance, with tripartite windows rising into curved dormer lights. Shaped Jacobean-style timber gables and iron Corinthian mullions give the modest building an elaborate silhouette. Inside, boarded walls, ribbed pine coving, fireplace and architectural bar fittings survive.
Its story
The structure may have begun as an early-nineteenth-century farmhouse. Alexander Cullen remodelled it as a public house in 1902–1903, adding the distinctive front and extensive bar shelving. It continues the hospitality use for which the interior was designed.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises an uncommon transformation of an early rural building and one of Scotland’s notably complete historic pub interiors.
What to notice
- Shaped timber gables rising above the dormer windows.
- Cast-iron Corinthian mullions dividing the frontage.
- Architectural shelving and ribbed pinework inside during legitimate patron access.
Reading the surroundings
Enter only during advertised business hours and as a customer. Respect staff and patrons, ask before photographing the interior, and check licensing and accessibility arrangements.
Timeline
- Early 1800s The low symmetrical building was probably erected, perhaps as a farmhouse.
- 1902–1903 Alexander Cullen transformed the exterior and installed the surviving bar fittings.
- 1993 The inn received Category B protection.
- 2026 Current business listings continue to advertise the Rowan Tree as an open pub.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The original farmhouse function is suggested rather than proven. Independent listings support current operation, but opening hours should be checked before travel.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Rowan Tree Inn, LB6453 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and architectural interest.
- Trove designation: LB6453 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
- Uddingston Heritage Trail: Rowan Tree Inn — Current community heritage identification of the inn and its continuing local role.
- Cylex: Rowan Tree Inn — Recent business-directory evidence for the address, telephone and published opening times.
Location
OS grid reference NS 69720 60465 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · 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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