Central Station ceiling's 48,000 panes of glass get set for a spring clean
Glasgow's Central Station has one of the largest glass roofs in the world and now the glazing is about to have a £200,000 summer clean.
With 48,000 panes of glass to get shining, it is going to take about 20 weeks to complete.
Beginning next week, the project will be carried out by Glasgow-based company, SCS Group, which will provide 10 workers to scale the roof using walkways.
They will clean the entire outside of the roof, the panes above the station concourse and platforms, as well as the cathedral- like side windows, which are part of what is known as the Hielan'man's Umbrella above Argyle Street.
All the dirt and waste that has built up over the years, helped in part by the station's resident pigeons, will be scrubbed away to ensure it is sparkling clean in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Network Rail, the station's owner, says the works will not disrupt the operation of the station or train services.
David Simpson, the company's route managing director for Scotland, said: "Maintaining such a historic and imposing structure is of vital importance.
"This project will ensure the roof not only looks its best for the people who use Central every day, but also for those who will be visiting the city for the Commonwealth Games next year."
As Glasgow's main rail hub, Central Station is the busiest in Scotland, as well as the busiest in Britain outside London... (
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