Restoring the Historic Roof Glazing at Stirling Railway Station

Stirling Railway Station is an important part of Scotland’s railway heritage. As a Category A listed building, maintaining its traditional appearance was a key consideration when the station’s ageing Georgian wired roof glazing needed replacing.

Macleod Roofing was responsible for installing new polycarbonate glazing panels as part of a major roof refurbishment, preserving the appearance of the original glass while introducing a stronger, lighter and more durable alternative.

The nine-month project involved both day and night shifts, with the station remaining fully operational throughout.

Preserving the Character of a Historic Railway Station

The original Georgian wired glazing was an important feature of Stirling Railway Station’s roof and platform canopies.

However, the ageing glass required replacement, presenting a challenge: how could the roof be modernised without altering the character of this historic building?

As a Category A listed station, the refurbishment had to respect the original architecture, including the appearance and proportions of the existing glazing system.

The replacement materials needed to closely resemble the Georgian wired glass while providing the strength and durability required for a busy railway environment.

A Bespoke Glazing Solution for a Listed Building

The project used Twinfix’s Multi-Link-Panel NF system, incorporating 6mm Georgian wired-effect polycarbonate.

Designed to replicate traditional wired glass, the new panels provided a close visual match to the original glazing while offering the benefits of modern polycarbonate.

One of the key heritage requirements was maintaining the appearance of the station’s original 50mm-wide glazing bars.

Twinfix developed a bespoke 50mm glazing bar specifically for the project, using 3D modelling and printing to test the design before manufacture.

This allowed the replacement glazing to retain the proportions of the original roof, helping to preserve the station’s historic character.

The finished system combined traditional appearance with modern performance, providing a lightweight and highly impact-resistant alternative to Georgian wired glass.

Nine Months of Roofing Work at a Live Railway Station

A major challenge for Macleod Roofing was completing the glazing installation while Stirling Railway Station continued to operate.

The project lasted nine months, with day and night shifts running throughout to accommodate the demands of working in a busy railway environment.

With trains and passengers continuing to use the station, the team had to work around restricted access periods and carefully coordinated working arrangements.

The modular design of the Twinfix glazing system helped support an efficient installation process, with panels designed to interlock with adjacent units.\

This was particularly valuable when working within limited access windows.

Keeping the station operational throughout the project required careful planning and coordination, allowing the roof refurbishment to progress alongside everyday railway activity.

Improving Roof Safety and Maintenance

Alongside preserving the station’s appearance, the refurbishment provided an opportunity to improve the safety and long-term performance of its roof glazing.

Traditional Georgian wired glass can be vulnerable to cracking and breakages, creating challenges for maintenance teams.

The replacement polycarbonate panels are significantly lighter and more impact-resistant, providing a robust alternative to the original glass.

The new glazing system also incorporated 174 integrated roof access hatches, allowing maintenance teams to access gutters and carry out essential work without needing to move across the glazed roof.

These features were designed to make future maintenance safer and more practical while maintaining the roof’s traditional appearance.

The Result: Modern Performance, Traditional Appearance

The completed refurbishment has helped preserve the character of Stirling Railway Station while introducing a modern glazing system designed for long-term durability.

Approximately 2,440 square metres of roof glazing were replaced as part of the wider project, with new Georgian wired-effect polycarbonate panels closely replicating the original glass.

The result is a roof that retains the architectural appearance of the historic station while benefiting from lighter, stronger and more practical materials.

For Macleod Roofing, the project demonstrates the team’s ability to deliver specialist roofing and glazing installations in demanding environments.

Completing the work across nine months of day and night shifts, while the station remained operational, highlights the practical experience required to carry out large-scale roofing projects within Scotland’s railway network.