Two of the country’s most iconic Victorian baths clubs have been awarded A-listed status by Historic Scotland.

Glasgow’s Arlington Baths Club in Arlington Street, near Charing Cross which was founded in 1870 and The Western Baths Club in Cranworth Street, Hillhead which dates from 1876 are treasured examples of the city’s Victorian heritage.

The major announcement follows an assessment by Historic Scotland and upgrades both from their existing B-listed status making them “buildings of national or international significance”.

Both said the decision by Historic Scotland was a “ringing endorsement” of their attempts to preserve the irreplaceable heritage of the clubs.

Around eight per cent of buildings of merit in Scotland enjoy this A listing while around 50% are category B-listed. A further 42% are C-listed.

The Arlington Baths Club was designated B listed in May 1986.

Andrew McGilp, general manager of The Arlington Baths Club, said: “We are thrilled at being awarded A-listed status by Historic Scotland. The Arlington Baths Club is an iconic building which is a vital part of the community and which is much-loved by its members.

“The club, along with PagePark architects, has recently begun a major assessment of our magnificent buildings to establish how best they can be further restored and to focus our efforts to raise funds to ensure that improvements are in keeping with their original Victorian grandeur.”

Gordon McDougall, chairman of the Arlington Baths Club, said: “Those of us who are involved with the Arlington now and in the past have always seen our role as custodians of something very special which has an important place in Glasgow’s wonderful heritage.

“The Victorians built things to last with admirable attention to quality and detail and that is why we will be launching a major fundraising campaign to ensure that the Club is fit for the 21st Century.”

The Arlington Baths Club was originally designed by John Burnett and opened the year after it was founded in August 1 1871. It is the oldest members-owned and run baths club in the world.

It was the first of the Victorian swimming clubs in Glasgow and like The Western Baths Club features trapeze rings above the swimming pool. The building was refurbished in 2000 thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Fund.

Elizabeth McCrone, Historic Scotland’s head of listing and designed landscapes, said: “In changing their category of listing from B to A we are recognising their significance as buildings of national importance and they tell us much about the development of private swimming baths during this period.”

People who read this story also read

• Foodbank which ran out of supplies reopens to needy customers
• Man due in court in connection with ‘racial abuse’ on Glasgow bus
• Ferry out of action days after returning to service following refit
• David Cameron would support an independent Scotland’s EU membership
• Trams take to Edinburgh’s streets for first time during daylight