SEC Armadillo


(The Clyde Auditorium)

The Armadillo, Glasgow
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

The Armadillo, Glasgow

Built by Sir Norman Foster and completed in 2000, the SEC Armadillo (Clyde Auditorium) is now one of the principal concert venues in the country. The £30m building dominates the north bank of the River Clyde a half-mile (1 km) west of the Kingston Bridge and 1½ miles (2.5 km) west of Glasgow city centre. Representing an extension to the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre complex, majority owned by Glasgow City Council, it occupies part of the old Queen's Dock (built 1872-80 and filled-in 1975). The 2000-seat auditorium has gained the nickname of The Armadillo due to its resemblance to the animal of the same name. In 2017, this name was formally adopted. Its silver metallic finish complements the Glasgow Science Centre located on the south bank of the river. The Finnieston Crane lies directly to the east.

It was here, in 2009, that Susan Boyle (b.1961) took part in the Britain's Got Talent television show, surprising the audience, judges and launching her professional career.


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