IT is regarded as an architectural treasure despite decades of dilapidation and years behind advertising hoardings.

© Scottish Construction News

But this weekend experts showcased 25 visions of what could be for the “forgotten” Egyptian Halls, by prolific Scots architect Alexander Greek Thomson.

While more than 100 of his works once stood within Scotland’s biggest city, one-third have since been razed.

And the organisation behind the move say losing this troubled building to decay would be as devastating to Scotland’s architectural landscape as last year’s Glasgow School of Art fire.

The world-renowned “Mack” building, by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, was destroyed by the blaze, which happened as restorations ordered after a 2014 fire neared completion. Situated in the same city, the 1870s-built Egyptian Halls are regarded as Thomson’s finest achievement and were widely celebrated at the time of construction, even inspiring copycat designs in the US.

Its brightly coloured interior played host to a bazaar where imported goods from around the world were offered to Scottish shoppers and where musical performances and exhibitions were held.

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