Rare reception at Charles Rennie Mackintosh mansion

Special reception at Windyhill in Kilmacolm.  Provost Drew McKenzie among guests at the event in the Charles Rennie McIntosh mansion <i>(Image: Duncan Bryceland)</i>
Special reception at Windyhill in Kilmacolm. Provost Drew McKenzie among guests at the event in the Charles Rennie McIntosh mansion (Image: Duncan Bryceland)
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The owner of a Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed house in Kilmacolm opened its doors for a rare one-off reception celebrating heritage and culture.

Businessman David Cairns, who restored Windyhill to its former glory, hosted an event as part of 'Glasgow Cathedral Festival 2026: Rooted in Discovery'.

Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie was among the many invited VIP guests on the day, who were able to get a glimpse inside one of the most significant buildings by the famous Scottish architect and designer.

He was joined by leading figures in the world of art and design, including guest speaker architect Professor Gordon Gibb, a former Glasgow School of Art lecturer, who talked about the need to rebuild the city building lost by two fires.

Special reception at Windyhill in Kilmacolm. (Image: Duncan Bryceland)

The event offered guests a rare tour of the stunning Windyhill mansion and an opportunity to reflect on the vital role culture plays in society, as well as the enduring influence that our built environment has in shaping both people and place.

Provost McKenzie, who was joined by Glasgow's Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren on the day, said: "It was a wonderful opportunity for people to come to Kilmacolm and showcase Windyhill.

"There were some very interesting speakers on the day. I am very good friends with the owner David Cairns and it was an honour to be part of it. It is an incredible place."

Special reception at Windyhill in Kilmacolm.Special reception at Windyhill in Kilmacolm. Provost Drew McKenzie among guests at the event in the Charles Rennie McIntosh mansion (Image: Duncan Bryceland)

Special reception at Windyhill in Kilmacolm.Guest speaker Professor Gordon Gibb at Windyhill in Kilmacolm. (Image: Duncan Bryceland)

Special reception at Windyhill in Kilmacolm. (Image: Duncan Bryceland)

Special reception at Windyhill in Kilmacolm. (Image: Duncan Bryceland)

Special reception at Windyhill in Kilmacolm. (Image: Duncan Bryceland)

David, who is also a trustee of the Willow Tearooms in Glasgow, is the fifth owner of Windyhill and he has refurbished it over the last 20 years.

The mansion was built in 1900 for Mackintosh's friend William Davidson and it is hailed as one of the finest examples of his work.

David said: "It was wonderful to have everyone here for the reception for Glasgow Cathedral and to hear from some of our speakers. It was very well received."

Some of the other guests also included the film maker Murray Grigor, a friend and contemporary of George Wyllie, who is a trustee of The Wyllieum in Greenock.

Andrew Forbes, Glasgow Cathedral Director of Music, hailed Windyhill as an ideal location to celebrate the festival, which ran from September 17-20 and featured a special 10th anniversary programme celebrating a decade of music, art and ideas.

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