Boxing Clever

06 April 2019

Is there anything more iconic than a red phone box? Since the first red telephone box, the cast iron K2, was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott back in 1924, they have become ingrained in the British (and Perthshire) landscape and psyche. 

However, as the popularity of mobile phones increased the future of this far-reaching and memorable design seemed uncertain.  To help preserve this important part of our history, around 2000 red telephone boxes have been declared listed buildings and are now guaranteed to remain in place.

Many of these phoneboxes are more than just meer monuments to design, as since the launch of the adopt a kiosk scheme in 2008, they have been re-purposed in increasingly creative ways. 

20 years ago you might have used one to phone your girlfriend away from the prying ears of your family but nowadays they serve as everything from lending libraries and difibraltors to salad bars and art galleries.  You can even find the odd one, like the one in Rhynd, that can still be used to make calls.  Made from concrete rather than the usual cast iron and uniquely painted white and red, it is the oldest working phone box in Scotland.  Check out these phonetastic pics from the amazing Pictures of Perth and Beyond Facebook group!

Gallery Photographers

We'd like to thank all the members of Pictures of Perth and Beyond who were kind enough to contribute their amazing photo's to this gallery.  Thank you: Ian Sinclair, Marysia Macfarlane, Wee Les Smeldy, Rhoda Whamond, Phil Hannah, Nicola MacCallum, Rab Dobbie and Tom Ryan.