THIS fine building in Glasgow city centre was once home to unfortunate people who needed lots of help.

It was the Night Asylum For The Houseless, pictured here in 1939. It had been set up after a severe winter in 1837-1838 raised widespread public concern. 
The Night Asylum opened in May 1838, in a former granary in St Enoch’s Wynd, near Argyle Street. It housed about 100 people.

Due to the high demand, a new asylum was opened in North Frederick Street in 1847.
But in May 1939 that building was sold to Glasgow Corporation for £11,000

All the surrounding property in the area was already owned by the Corporation and the aim was to use it to extend trade school facilities.

Those who were using the asylum at that time were able to stay at the facility for a few more months and after that some were sent to Barnhill, while others went to hostels and homes. In total, the asylum had looked after more than 4.4 million since its foundation in 1838.

Glasgow Times:

The chill winds and snow made it a struggle for these people making their way through George Square as Scotland was hit by blizzard conditions, with some of Glasgow’s outlying areas under six inches of snow