Dungavel H M Prison

Dungavel H M Prison was built in the years around 1900 to 1912 by the estate architect John B Crombe, constructed in three distinct phases. The initial element, a two-story and attic block with three gables, was completed by 1904 and now sits at the center of the building. Subsequent extensions added to the south included two and three-story sections, incorporating a lower, conical-roofed engaged element by 1911. The complex was finished with a three-story and attic square tower to the north, a two-story wing beyond a two-story porch fronting the original block, and a chapel to the rear of the southern extension. The building is largely harled with sandstone dressings, a base course, and a slate roof. All windows have been recently replaced with double glazing in timber frames.

The front elevation displays a complex arrangement of features. Beginning at a left-corner two-story bay, the facade features a solid parapet with a moulded cope. A three-story tower stands to the right, incorporating a canted bay at ground level and tripartite windows above. Corbelled bartizans appear at the corners; a one-story element is on the left, while a two-story element is on the right (previously featuring a pepperpot roof which has since been removed). A crenellated parapet sits atop a corbelled course. To the right of the tower, a 1900-1904 range has lost its original gables. A two-story porch is located to the left of the center, featuring a round arched doorway with a Gibbs surround, a round-headed window above, and a balustraded parapet. A 1900-1911 range extends further to the right, exhibiting a stair bay on the left with bipartites at the first and second floors within an arched surround, and a smaller bipartite at ground level, all capped with a balustraded parapet. Attached to this is a three-story and attic engaged tower with a conical roof and a weathervane bearing a ducal coronet. To the right, the wing steps down to a two-story angle bay. The side and rear elevations are described as “complex and undistinguished”, with the exception of the chapel. The chapel is a low single-story structure with two-light lancet windows illuminating a duke's dais at the rear. Further windows include three pairs of bipartites, a gabled bellcote with a cross finial, a tiny buttressed chancel with a three-tier light window in the gable, and a gabled vestry to the left of the chancel. All chapel windows have a geometric leaded pattern.

Internal features are significantly altered, but some original cornices remain, especially in the south wing, which is believed to have served as ducal private apartments. This wing contains an elaborate fire staircase. The service wing to the north has three glazed roofs; two are steel-framed, and one uses timber framing, the latter exhibiting uncommon trusses.

The chapel interior is separated from the main body of the chapel by a panelled timber screen. A pine pulpit is decorated with a ducal armorial panel. A Gothic organ case occupies the chancel, which is finished with a raised diaper marble floor. The wagon roof exposes the timber structure, with main couples supported on corbels carved with words relating to faith.

A terrace extends along the west front of the building, featuring a balustrade along its entire length.

The building was originally constructed as Dungavel Lodge for the Duke of Hamilton. It was later used as a base by the Marquis of Clydesdale for flying during the inter-war years and gained notoriety as the intended destination of Rudolph Hess’s 1941 flight. During the Second World War, Dungavel served as a hospital, later a National Coal Board Training Centre, and since 1982, it has functioned as a prison.