Stonebyres Power Station With Tank And Pipes, Falls Of Clyde

Stonebyres Power Station, constructed between 1925 and 1927, along with associated tank and pipes, represents a significant example of early 20th-century hydroelectric infrastructure. The design was undertaken by Sir Edward MacColl, with advice from an Amenity Committee including the Earl of Home, Sir John Stirling Maxwell of Pollok, and Sir Robert Lorimer, with architectural plans and specifications by Messrs Buchan & Partners and engineering by Sir William Arrol & Co., utilizing hydro-electric plant from the English Electric Co. Later alterations have also occurred.

The building is an L-plan structure, comprising a power station and transformer rooms, finished with painted render. Its north (entrance) elevation features a recessed bay on the east side and a lower three-bay section to the west. Pilasters and raised band courses are visible at ground floor level, originally surrounding vehicular doors which were infilled in 2009. A banded eaves course is present, with a deep blocking course above. Later pedestrian doors have been introduced at ground floor level, and the upper floors are regularly fenestrated.

The east (rear) elevation consists of nine bays, with a three-bay block to the south and a slightly projecting single bay to the north, featuring a single rectangular window at first floor level. A continuous arcade of large round-headed windows runs along the principal floor, with pilasters in between; rectangular windows are found in the terminal bays to the north. A corniced eaves course supports small rectangular multi-pane windows within raised surrounds in the attic. A large vehicular door, now fitted with a boarded timber two-leaf door, is centrally located on the ground floor.

The south elevation is roughly two bays wide, with an advanced, pitched-roof former caretaker's flat at ground floor level, featuring recessed blind windows to the power station. The west (river) elevation is similar to the east, with an advanced lower block to the far left, returning in two bays. A deep base course features rectangular windows, which have been infilled since 2009. A central section of the power station is supported on large concrete piers, spanning the tailrace.

Glazing with small panes is found in the turbine room and switch house block, while non-traditional aluminium windows are present in the attendant's house and offices. Reinforced concrete roofs cover the turbine room and switch house, while the house has a grey slate roof.

Internally, original early 20th-century features remain, including terracotta floor tiles and 1920s shell light shades over some dials. An original bank of switch gear has been preserved in situ on a balcony. Original transformer rooms are located to the north, containing some equipment.

The surge tank and pipes comprise a circular, white-rendered concrete surge tank positioned above Bonnington Pavilion, connected by two tall concrete surge shafts situated slightly downhill. Two riveted, green steel pipes link the tank to the power station.