Description

J R McKay, 1946 (built to a 1939 design by Dick Peddie, Todd and Jamieson). 2-storey, 7-bay (arranged 2-3-2), symmetrical U-plan classical bank building with later single storey flat roofed addition to rear. Advanced piended central section with stone pilasters and inset slender granite Corinthian columns framing centre 3 bays; carved stone shaped pedimented crest to entrance; prominent smooth ashlar rusticated quoins; tall quadripartite windows to ground outer bays; architraved openings to first floor with projecting stone cills. Smooth sandstone ashlar with diagonally droved margins; render with smooth surrounds to rear. Black marble base course rising to form plinth at central bays and recessed to vertically aligned glazing in outer bays; wide band course and string course at first floor, projecting moulded eaves course. Architraved windows with projecting stone cills.

Large multi-pane hardwood casements flanking entrance; fixed plate glazing to outer bays; 12-pane timber sash and case to upper floors and rear; security bars to lower rear windows; out of character 20th century aluminium glazed door. Slated and lead piended platform roof; moulded lead wallhead; small rendered end stacks to rear outer bays. Metal escape stair to rear. Cast-iron rainwater goods.

INTERIOR: 20th century alterations to form modern commercial bank interior, upper floors not seen.

Statement of Interest

The Royal Bank of Scotland building is a fine example of an inter-war civic burgh bank building with a prominent street façade and fine classical detailing. The bank's imposing facade is the largest building on the street, sitting at a commanding central corner site overlooking the communal Bank Street gardens. It was originally built as the National Bank of Scotland to replace National Bank Building on the same site that opened in 1825, and is still in use as a bank today. Bank Street was formerly known as Scott's Place but renamed by association with the bank.

The building was designed by Dick Peddie, Todd and Jamieson shortly before the Second World War broke out, construction did not therefore begin until 1946 by which time J R McKay was in charge of the project. Dick Peddie, Todd and Jamieson was a prominent Scottish practice known nationally for producing high quality banks and business premises, many of which are listed. Construction may have been carried out in phases; a photograph in 1955 shows the completed bank with a flat roof but the current roof structure was in evidence by c.1960.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17834215

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

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  Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
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  Hampshire: Winchester and the North (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Essex: Buildings of England Series (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  [(Cumberland and Westmorland)] [By (author) Nikolaus Pevsner] published on (January, 1967)
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  Somerset: North and Bristol: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)