16. Caird Hall
Where: Dundee
Opened: 1923
Seats: 2,300
Fronted by ten fine Doric columns, Dundee’s Caird
Hall is an impressive sight as one heads towards it across City Square. Its presence owes much to the jute trade, as this was how businessman Sir James Caird became wealthy enough in the late 19th century to fund projects that included Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition on the Endurance and, in 1914, providing his home city with a new concert venue, designed by architect James Thomson, and council buildings. Sadly for Caird, he never saw the completion of the building that would bear his name – the First World War halted construction and he had died long before the doors opened in 1923.
Many great stars from across the music spectrum – from Dame Nellie Melba to Elton John and Led Zeppelin – have appeared at Caird Hall over the decades, and it still hosts concerts by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra today. Pride of place is arguably given, however, to its organ, the first ever such instrument built specifically for a concert hall by the notable Harrison & Harrison firm. Refurbished in 1992, its armoury of 50 stops can be appreciated in regular recitals throughout the year.