Glasgow Film Theatre
Our first location is right here at the GFT.
The History
The Glasgow Film Theatre, or GFT, is an independent cinema in Rose Street, Glasgow. It opened as The Cosmo and was Scotland's first arts cinema and only the second purpose-built arthouse in Britain. It is protected as a category B listed building.
The Cache
Look at the John Kissack plaque to the right of the door. There is a date on the plaque. This is the date the theatre opened. What is the first number in the date? This is A. What is the second number in the date? This will be B.
We’re now moving on to visit the Glasgow School of Art which is just around the corner at 167 Renfrew St (N 55° 51.962' W 004° 15.779').
Glasgow School of Art
The History
The building was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow’s most famous architect. The first half of the building was completed in 1899 and the second half in 1909. This project helped make his international reputation. During the early stages of the Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh also completed the Queen’s Cross Church project in Maryhill, Glasgow. Currently tours of the building depart at 10AM, 10:45AM, 11:30AM, 12:15PM, 1PM, 1:45PM, 2:30PM, 3:15PM, 4PM, 5PM and are recommended. However, they are popular so booking in advance may be necessary.
The Cache
On the left hand side of the School of Art, on Dalhousie Street, there is a plaque. What is the second number of the first date? This will be C. Now go around and look at the front of the School. At the front, on Renfrew Street, there are a number of very decorative street lamps, designed by Mackintosh. How many of them are there? This is D. *Update d=4.
We are now going to go around the corner to visit the Garnethilfl Synagogue at 129 Hill Street (N 55° 52.048' W 004° 16.069'). Depending on the route you chose to get there you may walk by St Aloysius College. St Aloysius was founded in 1859, and still has its original building, as well as some very contemporary modern extensions. St Aloysius RC Church is next door and associated with the school.
Garnethill Synagogue
The History
Garnethill Synagogue the oldest synagogue in Scotland, being built in 1879-81. The style, chosen by designers John McLeod and Nathan S. Joseph, is Romanesque revival. The synagogue is still in use today.
The Cache
How many steps are there leading to the front door? This is E.
There are pillars to the right and left of the door. How many are there? This is F.
We are now going to go and visit The Tenement House (N 55° 52.096' W 004° 16.103'). The best way to get here is to take the left on the left on Garnet Street and then the left on Buccleuch Street. The Tenement House is the last house on the left. As you walked down Garnet Street you may have noticed an old school on your right, I’ll tell you more about it in a minute.
The Tenement House
The History
The Tenement House is not a museum as commonly understood. It is in fact an original 19th-century tenement flat which was owned by an elderly lady and never changed. After her death the house was left in her will to the church which intended to sell it to raise funds. It was only on inspection of the flat somebody noticed its potential as it had remained completely unchanged from the olden days and decided to preserve it. The house is open to visit between 1pm and 5pm between March and October.
The Cache
Across the road from the house there are two brown signs highlighting that the house is there. How many symbols are on the larger one? This is G.
Now look at the sign post with directions to the city centre. How long will it take to walk to Sauchiehall Street if you don't avoid the steep hill? This is our H.
Our last stop, before you find the cache, is The Old Sick Children's Hospital on West Graham Street. (N 55° 52.104' W 004° 15.690'). As you walk along Buccleuch Street you’ll walk past the two buildings which were once Garnethill School. They have now been converted into apartments, but are still nice to look at. If you go down on to West Graham Street via Dalhousie Street there are some lovely steps down. If steps are going to be an issue then go down on any other street and there won’t be an issue.
On West Graham Street you can see the buildings of Stow College. Stow was the first purpose-built Further Education College in Glasgow, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009.
The Old Sick Children's Hospital
The History
This purpose-designed dispensary was opened in West Graham Street in 1888. More than 780,000 children had been treated there by the time the dispensary closed in 1955.
The Cache
The building to the right is a School of Art building. Look at its name. If A=1, B=2, C=3 and so on, then what does the fifth letter of the first world equal? This will be I. Lastly, what does the last letter of the second word equal? This will be J.
Now let’s go get the cache!
The Cache
Our last stop on this tour is where the cache is. You can get here at:
N H I° (A+D) (F-D). (J-J) A G'
W (C-C) (B-B) E° (B-C) I .F J I '
Here’s hoping you have enjoyed your wee tour folks, and have enjoyed your visit to Garnethill.