Scottish Legal Life Building

Category: Historic Building/Architectural Interest

81-107 Bothwell Street.

This building is a good example of Art Deco styling and architecture. It was completed in 1931 and was designed by Edward Grigg Wylie (1885-1954). On the facade of the building you can see some beautiful details which were designed to encourage customers that this insurance company was trustworthy, dedicated and careful with money. These bas-relief carved panels by Archibald Dawson represent allegorical figures of Prudence and Courage, suggesting to the public that their money would be in safe hands.
Take a look at the massive crest - it is a heraldic Coat-Of-Arms. Companies like Scottish Legal use a crest like this to suggest they have a long and distinguished history. This crest is carved and gilded in great detail. It demonstrates the importance of a good pedigree to a financial firm. The crest depicts powerful lions and unicorns "rampant".