Clyde Port Authority Building,
6 Robertson Street
1882-86, 1905-08
JJ Burnet

The Clyde Port Authority (formerly the Clyde Navigation Trust) at 6 Robertson Street, was designed by JJ Burnet between 1882 and 1886 and later extended by the same designer in 1905 to 1908.

Originally intended as a development over four stages, only phase one and two were ever built.

The scale and size of the building illustrates the power and influence of the original occupants.

The building facade was originally intended to continue up Robertson Street, centred around a pedimented structure. Only the right wing of this plan has been realised.

The corner section of the building, executed in a more Baroque style, is part of the later addition . On both sides of the dome stand two sets of sculpture by Robert Hodge in 1908, representing Europa and Anphitrite.

The entrance, at 16 Robertson Street, is accessed through an open arcade and is less ornate than the interiors.

The Trustees Corridor is in original magnificent condition and features a ceiling of guilded domes, black and gold pilasters and columns and a mosaic floor.

The walls of the reception room are panelled in walnut, with a blue and gold Tynecastle Tapestry above.

The ceiling is finished in hardwood boarding with guilded and coloured ribs.

Above the fireplace are the Royal Arms, stamped in gold leaf on the wall covering.

From the reception room large sliding doors at both ends lead into adjoining committee rooms.

The Trust Hall is located in the huge corner drum and used to seat the Lord Provost, the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, General Manager and Secretary as well as the 42 Trustees.

Within the Hall are two alcoves flanked by marble Ionic columns which were originally positions for the professional officials such as The Engineer.

In the upper sections of the windows in the Trusts Hall, stained glass panels depict scenes from the trades.

Situated above the Director's position is a broken pediment surrounding the emblem of the Clyde Navigation Trust."