Coatbridge High School, Albert Street, Coatbridge

Coatbridge High School is a large, complex building dating from 1908, with substantial additions made in 1930 and further major extensions in 1962/3. It occupies a corner site and comprises several blocks of varying height and style, all constructed in red sandstone ashlar with some bull-faced stone and slate roofs. The original block is two-storey and displays a symmetrical, classically-detailed facade. Later additions to the north are two and three-storey, executed in a generally plainer style that attempts to maintain compatibility with the original design. Most windows in the original building are timber-framed cross-windows with top hoppers; the additions incorporate metal-framed multi-pane windows.

The Albert Street elevation features the original block on the right-hand side. Eleven bays are projected to the centre, with a single-storey porch featuring a round-headed fanlight, banded columns, and a segmental hood. Buttressed bays flank the central part, incorporating attached Ionic columns to the first floor. The left and right returns feature two windows to each floor, while the recessed wings previously provided separate entrances for boys and girls.

The Dunbeth Road elevation showcases a 12-bay block (1930) at its centre. To the left are nine two-storey bays with a stepped parapet. A slightly advanced stairwell bay with a stepped-back parapet and large multi-pane windows is on the right. Two three-storey bays are at the far right. A single-storey gable (1908) has a bull-faced stone finish and window with four panes. A two-storey block to the far left connects to a later glazed panel block (1962-3) via angled returns.

The Colt Terrace elevation shows a recessed nine-bay block at the centre (1930) with basement openings, round-headed principal floor windows, and a piended roof. An advanced four-bay block (1908) has four square-headed windows, while the right return is distinguished by a four-light window and shouldered gable. Another four-bay block (1908) features segmental-headed and pedimented windows breaking through the eaves, and a large Diocletian window to the left return. A two-storey, 15-bay block (1962-3) at the far right displays full-height glazed panels and a flat roof. The interior of the building has not been inspected.

The site is bordered by boundary walls constructed from saddleback-coped rubble with Glasgow-style wrought-iron railings. Two capped ashlar gatepiers are located on Colt Terrace and Dunbeth Road, while five similar gatepiers are present on Albert Street.