Ashworth Laboratories, Natural History Museum (Aubrey Manning Gallery)
Designed by John F Matthew in 1927, housing a large lecture theatre and laboratories as well as a suite of rooms designed to house the collection and its curator. The large laboratory windows span from ceiling to bench level and face N and NE to gain an even light ideal for microscopy and other work. A decorative front entrance and a series of oval plaques in high relief, sculpted by Phyllis Bone, depict animals from each of the principal zoogeographical regions.
The Assembly Rooms officially opened in January 1787 and ever since, the building has been at the heart of special occasions and celebrations in the capital, hosting royalty, celebrities and nobility. The venue has continued to evolve with the times, with major extensions and renovations, all the while maintaining its impressive Georgian grandeur and first-class hospitality. We have a fantastic history here at the Assembly Rooms, not only as a significant building of social use, but as part of the historic Edinburgh New town’s heritage. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS These ideas, although over 230 years old are still continued today, not only on a local level but global as well. The venue regularly hosts international conferences, dinner and events and sits as one of the founding venues for the fringe and international festival which continues to welcome thousands of international and local visitors into our grandeur each year. ACTIVITIES Guided tours of the venue at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm with our guides. Alternatively, feel free to wander and explore the venue on your own. www.assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk
The Assembly Roxy is a year round venue for theatre shows, events and functions. Run by Assembly Theatre Limited, the building houses three popular Edinburgh Festival Fringe spaces during August. A former Church known as the Holy Trinity Church and latterly Lady Glenorchy�s Parish Church in 1862, the building retains a number of original and beautiful features. www.assemblyfestival.com
The Astley Ainslie is a rehabilitation hospital in the south of Edinburgh and the much-loved site comprises beautiful landscaped parkland. Established in 1921 thanks to a bequest from David Ainslie in memory of his nephew John Astley Ainslie. Canaan Park was the first building to be adapted for patient use, welcoming patients in 1923. The hospital became part of the National Health Service in 1948 and is scheduled to close in the next five years. ACTIVITIES SAT 28 SEPTEMBER: The Travelling Darkroom with Photographer Natalie Feather in the Old School building 12:00 - 16:00 – Make your own black & white photographs choosing from a wide selection of negatives which have been taken from around the Astley Ainslie grounds and inside the buildings. Walking Tours - Learn about the rich history of the site and the role of Astley Ainslie in the move from passive convalescence of patients to active rehabilitation and the introduction of Occupational Therapy. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 12.30 & 14.30. Walks take an hour approximately. Guided Tours of the AAH Occupational Therapy Buildings : This 30-minute guided tour will be led by NHS Occupational Therapy staff. You will learn about the Astley Ainsley’s pivotal role in establishing Occupational therapy’s important place in health and social care in Scotland. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet at the AAH Occupational Therapy buildings. 13:00, 14:14 & 15:30. SUN 29 SEPTEMBER: Cyanotype Photography in the Walled Garden with Photographer Natalie Feather. Make your own blue photograph using the power of sunlight to create an outline image of a flower. Walking Tours, led by Dr Sara Stevenson, cultural historian and Dr Michelle Hipwell, health psychologist. Be prepared to be taken on a journey of the past, present and possible future of the site, combining story-telling and experiential explorations of the green spaces and landmarks. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet at the AAH Cafe, near Canaan Lane entrance. 12.30 & 14.30. Walks take an hour approximately. SAT 28 and SUN 29 SEPTEMBER Capturing the Astley Ainslie Exhibition in the Old School building. This exhibition will showcase photographs of the interior and exterior of the historic hospital buildings as well as the beautiful landscaped grounds of the hospital, as part of a 5-month project led by Photographer Natalie Feather from May – Sep 2019.
The recently refurbished and renamed Astoria Centre houses the last Ingram Cinema Organ in the world. A rare opportunity to see and hear the fully restored Ingram 2/4 organ which originated from The Astoria Cinema in Corstorphine, demolished in the 1970s.
Augustine is a diverse, progressive Christian congregation of the United Reformed Church, with a rich history of global connections. Our four-storey building rises up from the Cowgate towards an elaborate tower that earned the church the nickname of “the bridecake” when it was opened in 1861. Our permanent exhibition shares a story that began in one of the city’s most deprived areas and reflects our roots in the ‘Radical’ Scottish Reformation. Stained glass by Robert Burns (1869–1941) also featured. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Augustine is collaborating with its tenant organisations Christian Aid and Jubilee Scotland to share examples of partnership and justice activism worldwide, from the church’s foundation to the present day. ACTIVITIES Refreshments, guided tours, displays http://www.augustine.org.uk
Designed in 1883 by the architect AG Sydney Mitchell for John Ritchie Findlay, the editor of The Scotsman newspaper. The interior is richly decorated in a Franco-Italian style and was sensitively refurbished and modernised in 2011 by the B+B Collection. It is category A listed and features a spectacular galleried Library and views over the Dean Village. www.bb-edinburgh.com�
Balerno Parish Church & St Joseph's Centre
Completed in July 1884 and built of free stone in early English style by architect Mr James Fairley of Edinburgh. The church has a hammerbeam roof and in the south gable there is a stained glass window which was gifted by a Mrs Braidwood in memory of her husband who was very interested in the building. There is recent stained glass work by local artist Liz Cull. Works by Tod & Taylor Architects on St Joseph�s Centre were completed in March 2012. These developments have allowed the Church to produce facilities in the heart of Balerno which are adaptable, comfortable and attractive, to meet the needs of the wider community.
Roman Baroque head office, substantially by David Bryce from 1863, replacing sedate Adam-style villa of 1801 by Robert Reid and Richard Crichton. Magnificent views from the banking hall and upper floors to the New Town and Fife. Small Museum tells the Bank?s story from the 17C to the present day, including exhibits of old Scottish banknotes, forgeries, Scottish coins and a 17C bullion chest.
Barclay Church was built in 1862-64 to the powerful Victorian Gothic design of Frederick Thomas Pilkington following an architectural competition. Heavily influenced by John Ruskin, Pilkington mixed northern medieval elements with those from Gothic architecture in France and Italy. By skilful design, he used the tight irregular sloping site to full advantage. Externally, the 76m high steeple dominates the view from Tollcross, acting as a focus for several converging streets, and is prominent in the city�s whole southwest skyline. Indeed, the only steeple in Edinburgh that is higher is that of St Mary�s Cathedral. The exterior of the church is characterised by its multitude of gables, door openings, arches, stair-towers and window tracery, all surmounted by a highly complex roof. Internally, the vast Church Sanctuary is broadly heartshaped with an elaborate timber roof structure supported by four massive pillars. The seating is arranged in arcs at ground level and in two tiers of galleries, focused on the pulpit. The church is much admired for its wealth of decorative features, particularly the barley-sugar wood carvings to the gallery fronts, the bow-fronted marble pulpit, the stenciled decoration on the roof and the lacy gothic organ case.
During WWII, Barnton Quarry was the home of the RAF sector operations centre for the Turnhouse Sector of 13 Group, RAF Fighter Command. From this building, Radar returns from German aircraft were triangulated and RAF fighter attacks were coordinated. After WWII, the site was developed into a Cold War Radar centre with the addition of a large underground bunker. The site is currently under restoration, but the RAF operations room of the surface WWII SOC will be open to the public. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Global Connections, albeit negative ones, are the entire reason for this facility. Initially set up due to the fear of Nazi bombing during the Second World War, the facility was greatly extended and repurposed in the early 1950’s to counter the emerging Cold War threat. ACTIVITIES Information boards, numerous photographs, slideshows and the restoration group volunteers will share the history of the site. Due to the active restoration public access is limited to the Ops Well but you will be able to see into the variety of rooms off this area, giving a sense of how extensive this building, and indeed the project as a whole, is. Booking essential via bq_dod.eventbrite.co.uk
Built by Dr John George Bartholomew as the Edinburgh Geographical Institute (H Ramsay Taylor) in 1911 but incorporating the Palladian portico (1824) from Falcon Hall in Morningside which had been the former Bartholomew family residence. Converted into a townhouse and 4 flats in 1997 by the Burrell Company.
This A listed building was built in 1791 for General Sir Ralph Abercromby. It housed Tods Murray solicitors for nearly 150 years and is now occupied by Basil Paterson College, who are now in their 83rd year. The building retains many original features, including military motifs and panelled WC with thunderbox.
At the Bayes Centre, world-leading data science and artificial intelligence teams are shaping a better future for everyone. Working with partners, we are a proving ground for data-driven innovation to solve real-world problems through scientific enquiry, inspiring design and industrial collaboration. The ?45 million building, located at the heart of the University?s Central campus, was officially opened in October 2018. The Centre?s impressive space is open in design, providing interactive places for occupants to foster relationships.
Bellfield (Old Portobello Parish Church)
After the first successful urban community right to buy campaign, Action Porty reopened the former Portobello Old Parish Church in June 2018 as Bellfield, a new community hub for Portobello just steps from the sea. Constructed in 1809 to designs by William Sibbald, the former church has been a special site of community activity for over two centuries, as a place to celebrate and mourn, and to meet, dance and play. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS As a former church, Bellfield has gravestones tied to the Scottish diaspora and memorials dedicated to local residents who fought and fell in wars abroad. ACTIVITIES At 15:00 there will be a talk on the community right to buy process and how Bellfield has developed over two years of community ownership. At 16:00 a heritage walk led by Portobello Heritage Trust will depart from Bellfield. We will also be hosting a café by donation and information tables for the various classes, workshops and activities offered at Bellfield. https://www.bellfield.scot/
Being part of Edinburgh�s first city wall, the history of 17 & 18 Victoria Terrace is one of almost 600 years of adaptation and re-use; sustainability at its very best.� In the past the building served as a leather works (1786), Institute for the Relief of Incurables (1866), sweetie factory (1905), bomb shelter (WW2), Etching factory until offices (present day). Year Of Young People:�A shared Doors Open Day between Ben Tindall Architects and the Edinburgh Steiner School to encourage young people into architecture.
Built in 1904, this category B listed church was designed by P McGregor Chalmers whose links with Iona Abbey are reflected in the nave with clerestory, apses and the curved arches of Romanesque Architecture. Of interest are the stone font and biblical texts carved into the walls. Extended in 1935 by J. Jeffrey Waddell the church and halls are the centre of activity for Blackhall. The organ built by David Hamilton for Old Greyfriars was extensively rebuilt by Sandy Edmonstone. www.blackhallstcolumba.org.uk�
Bonhams is the only international auctioneer with a saleroom in Scotland. Located in the heart of Edinburgh?s Neo-Classical New Town, 22 Queen Street was originally a Georgian townhouse before serving as a meeting space after a large Victorian extension for the Church of Scotland. The building offers a beautiful backdrop for the fine and decorative art auctions throughout the year.
Although the school has been in existence since 1904, the building on Viewforth opened in 1913 to replace the first, smaller Boroughmuir on Bruntsfield Links. It is an inspiring grand building which was seen as cutting edge design internationally when it opened. This building is to be closed in 2016 when Boroughmuir will relocate to a new school at Fountainbridge. Boroughmuir was the Sunday Times Scottish State School of the Year 2012. www.boroughmuir.edin.sch.uk
The Botanic Cottage is a unique building providing an important insight into Edinburgh's botanical, social and built heritage. Designed by John Adam and James Craig, the cottage was built in 1765 to serve as the gateway to the botanic garden site on Leith Walk. It served as the gardener?s home, teaching base and working lab for Professor John Hope, Regius Keeper, King's Botanist for Scotland and Professor of Botany. In 2008, the Cottage was saved from demolition.
Breakfast Mission (Richard Murphy Architects)
Richard Murphy Architects purchased the majority of the 'Edinburgh Free Sabbath Breakfast Mission' in 2000 and converted the premises into workspace area for themselves and others. A mezzanine floor was inserted into the original mission hall and a new staircase links all levels including the basement garage and stores. Richard Murphy Architects occupy the mission hall and let the middle floor to like-minded disciplines. http://www.richardmurphyarchitects.com
A late eighteenth century farmhouse on the Craigmillar Castle estate that has been restored for the benefit of the local community after being left derelict for 17 years. It hosts a community café, training kitchen, an exhibition space/room, kitchen garden, 4 workshops used for bike, outdoors, arts and crafts and woodwork. It has an Eco-bothy being built in what used to be the old piggery and the site keeps evolving depending on what the community indicates it needs. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Bridgend Farmhouse hosts a monthly international community meal and will be displaying things in relation to its international activities and the work it does in the local and global community. https://www.bridgendfarmhouse.org.uk/
Buccleuch & Greyfriars Free Church of Scotland
These two churches frame the historic space known locally as �The Causey�. Buccleuch and Greyfriars, C listed and dating from 1856, dominates the area with its towering steeple. By J, WH & JM Hay, who also built Augustines on George IV Bridge. Chapel of Ease (Graveyard): B-listed and built in 1755-6 as an overflow for St Cuthbert�s, Lothian Road. Its tranquil secret graveyard houses several significant graves plus the unmarked grave of Deacon Brodie. www.thecausey.org www.buccleuchfreechurch.co.uk
Bun-Sgoil Taobh Na Pirce (Gaelic Primary School)
Designed by James Simpson in 1875 with additions signed and dated George Craig in 1907, this large 2-storey T-plan school with gothic details was formerly Bonnington Primary School, which opened in 1877. It is currently serving as Edinburgh's Gaelic primary school and delivers Gaelic medium education to children aged 3-12, from the local Leith area, the wider city and the Lothians.
This prominent monument on the slopes of Calton Hill commemorates poet Robert Burns. Monuments in this style were built in ancient Athens to celebrate the poetic arts, and was designed by Thomas Hamilton to house a statue of the bard by sculptor John Flaxman. Burns? poetry and song will be performed by members and friends of Edinburgh and District Burns Clubs. The Burns Poetry garden around the monument contains flowers mentioned in his poetry.
Opened in 1869, this is a remarkable survival of a small Victorian brewery, still retaining much of its original equipment, including the only direct-fired open coppers still operating in Britain. New visitors centre and cellars provided after a fire in June 1994 which, fortunately, did not affect the brewhouse or fermentation.
CANCELLED Royal Bank of Scotland Headquarters (Gogarburn)
Edinburgh Doors Open Day were very pleased to have had the RBS Gogarburn Campus on the programme for the first time this year, however acting on the advice of the authorities, RBS has had to withdraw due to security risks. Whilst it is unfortunate that this local community event has been disrupted, clearly the first priority for RBS has to be the safety of employees and members of the public. The 77 other great properties in the scheme will be open as advertised, full details available at www.cockburnassociation.org.uk/doorsopenday
Canongate Kirk, The Kirk of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, was founded in 1688.� The architecturally unique design is by James Smith, with aisles and a cruciform plan.� The finely built ashlar fa�ade is in a Dutch architectural style and the luminous, columned baroque interior was wonderfully restored by Stewart Tod & Partners in 1947.� Various notable memorials in the kirkyard include the graves of Adam Smith and Robert Fergusson. Year Of Young People: Tours of the kirk and kirkyard focused on young people and those who have affected their lives.� Display in the kirk foyer about the kirk�s involvement with young people and a quiz for children.
Canongate Kirk, The Kirk of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, was founded in 1688. The architecturally unique design is by James Smith, with aisles and a cruciform plan. The finely built ashlar fa?ade is in a Dutch architectural style and the luminous, columned baroque interior was wonderfully restored by Stewart Tod & Partners in 1947. Various notable memorials in the kirkyard include the graves of Adam Smith and Robert Fergusson.
The graveyard of the Royal Kirk was established in 1687 and provides glorious views of Calton Hill. Famous people buried here include the economist Adam Smith, the poet Robert Ferguson and Robert Hurd, a 20th century pioneer of conservation architecture who did much work in the Canongate. There are around 352 headstones, monuments, tombs and other structures.
Fine late 17C house attributed to Sir William Bruce for Viscount Tarbat, Justice General in 1681, Lord Register, and later Secretary of State for Scotland in 1702. Incorporates East Granton Tower built around 1580 in the Barony of Royston.
Edinburgh Printmakers transformed the former North British Rubber Company HQ into a vibrant new creative hub, Castle Mills. Placing art and creativity at the heart of Edinburgh?s Fountainbridge area, this much-loved post-industrial building is once again serving the community who saved it from demolition. This ?11m project has created an international centre for printmaking and creative industries. Housing a year-round programme of exhibitions, events and learning to nurture talent and enrich lives, Castle Mills inspires people to connect with creativity. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS The internationally-inspired exhibition Deer Dancer by Hanna Tulikki explores representations of deer in traditional dance around the world, and will be open to visitors. ACTIVITIES Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to view our two exhibition galleries, take a peek into our Creative Industries Studios, home to creatives of all sorts, and enjoy special offers in the gallery shop. Guided tours will be provided at 11.00 and 15.00 on Saturday and Sunday. Booking essential via the Edinburgh Printmakers website. www.edinburghprintmakers.co.uk/ exhibition/Doors-Open-Day-2019
Crichton Wood, architect, ran workshops on Doors Open Day for children & adults to design and make modern Scottish Castles.
Constructed in just a few weeks in 1922 as Edinburgh�s Industrial Exhibition Hall, the building played host to many large national shows in the 1920s, including the Scottish Motor Show and Edinburgh�s Christmas Fun Fair. The building became a bus garage in 1926 and was extended in 1933 and 1963 to accommodate the ever expanding fleet of buses. www.lothianbuses.com
The elegant red sandstone building was designed by the City Architect and completed in 1901 for the oldest municipal Fire Brigade in the UK. Photographs and exhibits from the middle ages onwards. A popular venue for both adults and children.
Central Library is a beautiful Victorian building, designed by the 19th century Scottish architect, George Washington Browne, in French Renaissance style. Funded by Andrew Carnegie and opened in 1890 it was built on the site of the mansion of Sir Thomas Hope, King�s Advocate to Charles I, and incorporates features from the 17th century building. www.edinburgh.gov.uk/libraries
The University of Edinburgh’s main gym facilities and the indoor sport centre are based at the Pleasance, an interesting complex of buildings which form an important part of Edinburgh’s brewing history dating back to the 18th century. The brewery building at no. 46 has retained many of its original openings including vaulted areas in the basement and is an important remnant of the industrial past of the area. In 1938, the West and South blocks of the brewery were converted into a gymnasium for the University of Edinburgh Centre Dept of Physical Education. The Pleasance Sports Complex is now regarded as one of the busiest and most impressive sport and exercise providers in the country, and regularly attracts plaudits for the scope and quality of its facilities, services and programmes.
The Thistle Foundation is a Scottish charity that supports people living with long-term health conditions. In 2016 the Thistle Foundation opened a purpose-built Centre of Wellbeing in the heart of Craigmillar. 18,000 people have visited the Centre for support in its first year alone. Like the anniversary of the New Town, our Doors Open Day will be a celebratory event - one that both looks back on the achievements of the last year and looks towards the Centre's role in the future.
Chalmers Church, opened in 1839, was the first ecclesiastical building opened in Morningside. Decommissioned by the Church of Scotland in 1990 it was purchased by Napier University and used as a performing arts centre. It is now owned by a thriving independent church, sharing the facilities with Napier University. The building provides a space for meetings, concerts, plays and a youth club, as well as Sunday services, and has excellent stained glass windows, several by James Ballantine and Son. ACTIVITIES Refreshments Children’s activities
The Chapel of St Albert the Great is part of St Albert?s Catholic Chaplaincy which exists to serve the spiritual needs of staff and students at Edinburgh?s Universities. The Chapel was designed by Stuart Allan of Simpson and Brown and opened in 2012. It received many architectural rewards and, as well as serving the spiritual needs of hundreds of people each week, it is visited daily by people from all over the world, who have heard or read about it. Access via the lane between George Square and Middle Meadow Walk
Founded in 1677, Lodge Canongate Kilwinning meets in the historic Chapel of St John, the oldest purpose-built Masonic meeting room in the world today dating from 1735. Throughout its long history, the Lodge has drawn members from all ages and walks of life, all of whom would agree that it is impossible not to be moved by the atmosphere that exists in the Chapel of St John. The spirit of many famous members pervades the place, including James Boswell, Rudyard Kipling and Robert Burns. ACTIVITIES The Chapel features an Organ by John Snetzler (1710-1785). It is still in regular use and is hand pumped. It will be played during the course of the afternoon. Refreshments available. http://www.lck2.co.uk/
Free St George?s Church, designed by David Bryce, was built on the corner of Shandwick Place and Stafford Street in 1869. A 56m campanile, designed by Rowand Anderson, based on St Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, was added in 1881. This is the building that the 700 strong congregation of Charlotte Chapel have refurbished and are currently using for Sunday services and midweek activities.
Christ Church (Scottish Episcopal Church) circa 1876, was one of the churches built to service the growing population of South Edinburgh in the 19th century. It is French Gothic, the apse with its gables and flying buttresses face onto the road while the main entrance is beneath the tower. There are original murals in the chancel and nave roof. There is also extensive stained glass by Ballentine and the east window is by A E Borthwick.��
The stupendous tomb of William Henry Miller of Craigentinny, designed 1848-56 by David Rhind, is an extraordinary sight amongst the prim 1930s bungalows of Craigentinny. Known as the Craigentinny Marbles, relief panels by Alfred Gatley depict "The Overthrow of Pharaoh in the Red Sea" and "The Song of Moses and Miriam".
Owned and managed by the City of Edinburgh Council the Church Hill Theatre, once a church, is one of Scotland's leading non-professional theatres playing host to local amateur dramatic and dance groups.
Church of Scotland's General Assembly Hall
The Assembly Hall was designed by David Bryce and built in 1858-9. The United Free Church of Scotland united in 1929 and the Hall has been the site of the Kirk's General Assembly since then. Overlooking the Moderator's chair, the centre of the south gallery was adapted as the Throne Gallery for the Lord High Commissioner. The Scottish Parliament met in the Hall while its Holyrood building was being constructed. �
The Sacred Heart Church is a Roman Catholic Church that is served by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The architect of the Church was the Jesuit priest Fr. Richard Vaughn SJ and the Church was founded in 1859. Over the years, the church has been restored and renovated on numerous occasions. In 1907, the organ was installed and was modified in 1963 and 1974. From 1963 to 1990 alterations were made to make the church more compatible with the requirements of the post-Vatican II era. The Church is a category A listed building and is neoclassical in design. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Located within the Church is a first-class relic of St Oscar Romero. Oscar Romero was an El Salvadoran Bishop who was marytred whilst saying Mass on the 24th March 1980. He was killed for standing up for oppressed people in his native country.
This original mews workshop has been converted by WT Architecture into a small and intricate maisonette by connecting it to the previously inaccessible vault beneath. Sections of glass floor and walls and deep cuts into the vaults let light in to subterranean rooms. Changes in level separate otherwise open-plan living and kitchen spaces at street level. The conversion has been awarded Saltire and Edinburgh Architectural Association Awards and the Architectural Excellence Award at the Scottish Home Awards. www.wtarchitecture.com
The main part of the building known today as the City Chambers was built in 1753 by John Adam and was called The Royal Exchange. In 1811 it was taken over by the Council as they had outgrown their previous accommodation at the Tolbooth. From 1811-1903 the Council met in what today is known as The Diamond Jubilee Room. In 1904 the building was extended� to form larger accommodation for the Council which included the� Council Chamber, European Room and Members Lounge. www.edinburgh.gov.uk
The only category A-listed Methodist church in Scotland, this 1816 building and its adjacent halls have recently been refurbished and transformed under the direction of architects Page\Park. Beautiful light-filled sanctuary, ingeniously adapted gallery providing exhibition space, a range of meeting rooms and a bright caf� with conservatory area leading to hidden gardens. One of Edinburgh�s best-kept secrets. www.edinburghmethodist.com
Next to John Knox House is Moubray House. Although the frontage dates from c. 1630, the house was originally built around 1477, by Robert Moubray. ˜Andrew Moubray built a new house at the rear in 1529. It was restored by the Cockburn Society in 1910. Here Daniel Defoe edited the Edinburgh Courant (1710) and the shop was the premises of publisher Archibald Constable (1774-1827). Outside on the street is one of the wells which used to provide the water supply to the Old Town. ˜The office of the Cockburn Association is located in the old cellars of Moubray House and accessed from the garden at the back of the building. Limited wheelchair access to the garden only, down a steep close. ˜Come and find out about the Cockburn Association's work for the past 142 years in the conservation and enhancement of Edinburgh?s landscape and historic and architectural heritage.
Architects Page & Park have fitted a large modern building, providing a range of flexible spaces, into the burial ground of Sidney Mitchell's 1907-08 St Cuthbert's Church. A simple steel frame, natural stone ground floor walls, timber and glass panelling to the upper storey and a monopitch roof all contribute to the impression that the building is floating above the trees.
Collective, City Observatory, Calton Hill
The iconic City Observatory on Calton Hill, designed by William Playfair in 1818, was restored and re-opened in 2018 as part of Collective, a new centre for contemporary art. Calton Hill was the birthplace of astronomy and time-keeping in Edinburgh and the City Observatory houses two telescopes, a Fraunhofer-Repsold transit telescope (1831) and, upstairs in the McEwan Dome, a 6 inch astronomical observatory refracting telescope, made by T Cooke, York, in 1896 and not ordinarily open to the public. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Celestial observations made at the City Observatory were used to track accurate time. By providing a timekeeping service which eventually led to the One O Clock time-ball on the nearby Nelson Monument, the Observatory directly contributed to the global expansion of trade and empire through Scotland’s maritime fleet. By setting their ship’s chronometers accurately, sailors were for the first time able to accurately plot their position at sea. ACTIVITIES Tours of the City Observatory, including the Cooke telescope in the McEwan Dome upstairs, which is normally closed to the public. 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. Tours will last around 30 minutes and there is no need to book - just drop in.
The Hall was opened in 1843 as the meeting place of the Liberton and Newington Free Church of Scotland. Built to the design of Free Church architect David Cousin, it was enlarged with Galleries and schoolrooms soon after. This year is the 25th anniversary of its acquisition by Edinburgh City Fellowship in 1985, when it was reworked into a multi purpose auditorium and a contemporary place for worship.
The church was constituted in 1929 by members of local congregations of the United Free Church who did not wish to re-join the Church of Scotland. The building was opened on the 6th June 1930. It was the first United Free Church (Continuing) building to be completed and is architecturally representative of its time. A rebuilt chancel and memorial window were dedicated October, 1954. The Hall opened January, 1965.
Well-preserved 16th century beehive-type doo'cot, now in the care of Historic Scotland. Still has the potence (French for gallows) for gaining access to the 1,060 nesting boxes on 28 tiers to collect squabs (baby pigeons), an important source of meat in olden times.
This Tower on the summit of Corstorphine Hill was built as a viewpoint and as a memorial to Sir Walter Scott in 1871, 100 years after Scott's death. It is built of local stone and is ascended by an internal staircase to the viewing platform. From above the surrounding trees there are magnificent views of the City, the Pentland Hills, the Ochills, the Fife Coast and the Firth of Forth. It is opened by volunteers from The Friends of Corstorphine Hill. The access is via a gated driveway with a signpost at the top of the hill which is Clermiston Road.
This Tower on the summit of Corstorphine Hill was built as a viewpoint and as a memorial to Sir Walter Scott in 1871, 100 years after Scott's death. It is built of local stone and is ascended by an internal staircase to the viewing platform. From above the surrounding trees there are magnificent views of the City, the Pentland Hills, the Ochills, the Fife Coast and the Firth of Forth. It is opened by volunteers from The Friends of Corstorphine Hill. The access is via a gated driveway with a signpost at the top of the hill which is Clermiston Road. For further information please see our website below: www.corstorphinehill.org.uk
This Medieval Church opened in the 15th Century, originally as a Collegiate Church. After the Reformation, the College was dissolved and the Church was used for Parish worship. From 1650 to 1651 the Church building was occupied by Cromwell's troops and it is thought that the defacement of effigies and memorials took place during this period. To this day the Old Parish is a focal point of the Village and a hive of activities all year.
The Cottage is nestled in the heart of West Princes Street Gardens, below the floral clock. This Category C-listed cottage was designed by Architect Robert Morham in 1886. Originally the Head Gardener’s house, the Cottage has now been restored into a distinctive Victorian cottage, complete with a spectacular dining room. The Cottage operates as the campaign base for The Quaich Project, a partnership between the Ross Development Trust and the City of Edinburgh Council. ACTIVITIES Behind the scenes tour of one of Edinburgh’s most-well recognised houses to learn more about the Cottage and the Ross Fountain and the Quaich Project’s plans to reimagine West Princes Street Gardens as a space for all in the heart of Edinburgh. Advance booking essential via www.thequaichproject.org/whats-on Taster sessions from community groups running in the gardens, including Tai Chi, outdoor play and nature-based crafts. Refreshments available at the Fountain Café. Advance booking essential via https://www.thequaichproject.org/whats-on
The Cowgate Under 5s Centre is a wonderful teaching facility in the centre of Edinburgh. Designed by Allan Murray Architects, the building won Best Public Project at the 2003 Scottish Design Awards and was a finalist in the Prime Minister?s Award for Better Public Buildings 2003. The design evolved in discussion between architects and practitioners. The curved rear wall incorporates angular roof lights which relate to the Royal Mile closes while the playrooms open on to a sheltered play area. A welcoming place to explore. Displays of childrens' work.
Craiglockhart Parish Church was designed by Edinburgh architects Hay & Henderson. It was built in red sandstone, quarried at Locharbriggs, in the style of fifteenth century Gothic with Scottish characteristics. Grade B listed, the church features in a number of publications on red sandstone buildings in Edinburgh.
The station was opened on Doors Open Day to provide a fun look behind the scenes including the custody suite and a chance to enjoy displays by some of the specialist services (horses, dogs, traffic etc.) as well as displays from other emergency services, partner agencies and organisations who all assist in making the area a safer place to live & work.
This Sanctuary was designed in the 1960s by Sir William Kininmonth. Influenced by Le Corbusiers Chapel at Ronchamp, the Sanctuary has an illusion of floating above ground with its the striking square plan and plain white windowless exterior. The interior generates a sense of drama, interpreting the 'Covenanting Conventicle Church' by its hollowed-out form and surrounding sweeping terraces of seating. The innovative inverted clerestory perimeter allows the ceiling to float and filter in daylight into the balanced square worship plan, ultimately creating a peaceful atmosphere.
New church hall by Smith Scott Mullan Architects. Large airy spaces, interesting use of copper and traditional materials in a modern style, with unusual apertures and shafts of light illuminating throughout.
Cramond Kirk is a church situated in the area of Cramond in the north west of Edinburgh, Scotland. Built on the site of an old Roman fort, parts of the Cramond Kirk building date back to the fourteenth century and the church tower is considered to be the oldest part.
Originally very much part of the Medieval street plan of the West Bow, the house burnt down in the early 18th century and was replaced with an interesting Dutch gabled building with its own internal timber stairs. The house retains its internal panelling on all floors. Built around 1705 by Thomas Crockett of Johnstounburn. Before the 1827 Improvement Act, West Bow was a steep Z-shaped street which climbed from the Grassmarket to Upper Bow at the foot of Castlehill. Most of the old buildings in West Bow were swept away to make room for the northern side of Victoria Street, built to link the Grassmarket with the new George IV Bridge. Before their demolition, Thomas Hamilton, the architect for the scheme, made careful elevational drawings of the buildings showing that the first five houses at the lower end of the street on the west remain. �
17C corner-turreted L-plan house with an interesting decorated ceiling of probably 1640s. Until recently divided into 2 flats for Palace gardening staff, but now restored by Historic Scotland as their regional office.
The north side of Charlotte Square was built to Robert Adam's 1791 design, making the square one of the finest in Europe. Designed to look like a single palace, the north side is in fact several individual town houses, each separately built and with a different internal layout. No 10 is now the offices of the Crown Estate. The entrance foyer is a faithful recreation of c1860 decor.
The site of Currie Kirk has been a place of Christian worship for over a thousand years.� The first recorded church was in 1200.� Currie was known as Kildeleith at this time.� A new church was built in c1300 and extended in c1600.�� The present church was erected in 1785 with additions made in 1968.� It houses a Knights Templar gravestone, war memorials, Calvary crosses and many other interesting items.� It lies in a beautiful setting and has an interesting graveyard. www.curriekirk.org
Custom House Leith is the oldest custom house in Scotland. An A-listed Georgian Building designed by Robert Reid in a neo-classical style constructed between 1810-12 with alterations by William Burns in 1825. Custom House is managed by the charity Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, a charity devoted to saving historic buildings at risk and breathing new life into them for the benefit of future generations. https://www.facebook.com/events/2082871791809094/
A Category A-listed Romanesque 12th century church at the heart of Dalmeny village. It is one of the best preserved Norman parish churches in Scotland. The main entrance to the church is on the south elevation, where its bestiary carvings and Romanesque columns are of particular architectural merit and are widely documented. The churchyard is also listed and contains a variety of graves and monuments with the earliest dating from 1678.
Dance Base offers a beautiful and inspiring setting for dance. Designed by Malcolm Fraser Architects, 2001, the centre makes use of the different levels offered by the site. Roof lights and glass floors flood the building with natural light. With four dance studios, Dance Base offers a year-round programme of residences, classes and performances for dancers of all levels.
A Georgian town house in the New Town and home to the Danish Cultural Institute since 1957 it is a category A listed building designed by James Gillespie Graham in 1822. The building was completed in 1830-31 is located in what was originally the Moray Estate, designed for the 10th Earl of Moray (1771-1848). He inherited the 13 acre site from his father, after it was acquired from the Heriot Trust in 1782, and decided to feu the property for development in 1822. The complicated plan with the crescent, oval and polygon of Randolph Crescent, Ainslie Place and Moray Place respectively, conjoins the New Town with the Second New Town.� www.dancult.co.uk
The most fashionable of Edinburgh�s mid-19th century garden cemeteries, chosen by many of Edinburgh�s historical figures � including Lord Cockburn � for their final resting-place.
The Dean Gardens is the largest of the four 'pleasure grounds' to border the Water of Leith. They are the second-biggest private amenity gardens in Edinburgh encompassing over seven acres, featuring a series of planted slopes and level lawn areas with many delightful viewpoints over the Dean Valley. The lay-out of pathways, lawns and the wooden pavilion are virtually unchanged from the original Victorian era plans but the tennis court has been replaced with a well-equipped children's play-area.
Diageo, formerly Guinness UDV, moved to their new office building in 2000. the building was designed by Allan Murray with the internal fit-out by BDG McColl to create a building which combines office space, meeting suite, and a spectacular lounge area. Scotch whisky tasting!
Schop Institute is run by architects from Oliver Chapman Architects and offers a programme of events to encourage participation in design, architecture and cities. As part of Doors Open Days, visitors were invited to step into Schop Institute and take part in an experiment to map Edinburgh's �hidden treasures�. Visitors made a mark of a place or building that they considered to be one of Edinburgh�s old town hidden treasures on a large scale map of Edinburgh.�A QR code web link was then printed�on to a label which�was displayed on the map�at the chosen place. An ephemeral overlay of multiple personal stories applied to Edinburgh�s silent buildings emerged.
Dolphin House is a listed building in Hunter Square, Edinburgh. It was designed and built in 1788-1790 by John Baxter Junior as the Merchant Company Hall. It has previously been used, among other things, as a bank and a bed shop and had fallen into serious disrepair until it was redeveloped in 1994 by the EDI Group. The Architects for the refurbishment were Gray Marshall and the building now houses EDI's head office. The first floor is double height with a beautiful carved wooden fireplace. In addition to the building itself a number of models of other EDI schemes will be on display on the second floor which was recently remodelled by Lee Boyd. http://www.edigroupscotland.co.uk
Dovecot Studios is a world-renowned tapestry studio and leading centre for contemporary art, craft and design. Located in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town, Dovecot Studios occupies a former Victorian Bath House, the Infirmary Street Baths, which were the first public baths in Edinburgh. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS As a leading international tapestry studio, Dovecot prides itself on working with artists from around the globe. We have created many tapestries and rugs with international artists, and our work is held in many international collections.
Built c. 1587, The Dower House sits in the corner of St Margaret?s Park. It is thought to have been built with stones from Corstorphine Castle. The building?s alternative name, Gibsone?s Lodge, comes from the Gibsone of Pentland family who lived there in the 18th century. The building has characteristic Scottish crow-stepped gables and scrolled skew puts. The exterior is harled and lime washed and shows signs of alteration over the years with both gable ends probably having been built at different times. There is a small but well stocked museum, archive room and coffee shop.
A unique chance to take a look behind the gates of this private garden. Covering nearly three acres, the garden has a wide variety of trees and shrubs in the borders and in the central grassed area.
The Drumsheugh Baths Club was designed by Sir John James Burnett (1857-1938) on the steeply sloping north side of Belford Road. The Baths opened in 1882, articulated in the Moorish style, with a deeply shadowed entrance under a low-pitch stone bracketed roof, a popular style for baths at that time.
Drylaw Police Station is a modern 2 storey building housing a chief inspector, an inspector, 6 sergeants and approximately 80 constables responsible for policing the Forth and Inverleith areas.
1970s car show room, now the Department of Trade and Industry's National Repository for more than 300km of rock core taken from wells drilled in UK waters. For Doors Open Day, examples from UK oil and gas fields were displayed together with videos and posters of geological interest. Geologists from the British Geological Survey provided tours.
Duddingston Village Community Land comprises an old, walled kitchen garden and tennis court, cow byre and paddock. Adjacent is The Field, an environmental project of planted woodland & herb-rich meadow, also containing a Scottish apple orchard and paths and benches for visitors to admire the lochside setting of the Village from the hill. The Community Land & Field, though separate projects, reinstate a connection between Duddingston Village and Arthur's Seat. � �
Superb classical villa of 1763 by Sir William Chambers for the bachelor 8th Earl of Abercorn. Two storeys in pale stone, with a quartet of Corinthian columns forming a pedimented portico. Superb sculpted plasterwork and magnificent fireplaces. Now the offices of PJMP Architects. Exhibition of work.
This 12th century church is located in Duddingston Village. Built c1124 on land granted to Kelso Abbey by King David I, it originally consisted of a chancel and nave. The original entrance includes a particularly fine example of Scoto-Norman stone carving. The Prestonfield Aisle was added 1631 and includes burial vaults. In 1968 the interior was reordered to reflect the Post-Reformation layout. The entrance to the mainly Georgian kirkyard is notable for its gatehouse, built as a lookout point to deter bodysnatchers.
Palladian villa built in 1771 by William Chambers as a private mansion for Sir Laurence Dundas. Headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland since 1825. Magnificent sculpted plasterwork. The spectacular domed telling room, John Dick Peddie, 1857, is behind the original house.
The site of R&R Clark printworks, redeveloped in 1979 and refurbished by Standard Life in 2002. BDG McColl created a practical and modern working environment incorporating the facade of the old printworks. Inside the four-storey atrium provides restaurant and meeting space as well as natural light. Lightweight bridges and glass lifts provide access to all levels of the atrium while steel trees allow the space to remain open and free from structural elements. http://www.standardlife.com
Edwardian Baroque C Listed Building (George Beattie & Son 1888) with Masonic Temple on first floor and hall on second floor. Originally the meeting place of two embryonic church congregations (South Morningside Free Church then Episcopalians), it later served the need of many Morningside organisations.� The last of these was The Morningside Unionist Club until 1926, when the halls were purchased by Lodge Dunedin. Currently four Masonic Lodges meet here, and The Morningside School of Dance uses the building on Wednesdays and Saturdays. �
Simpson & Brown Architects have designed an innovative, low energy house in Currie that is superinsulated, air-tight and incorporates a mix of renewables. It is compact to minimise heat loss. A heat recovery system circulates heat generated by the occupants' cooking, showering ect. Lifetime standards were adopted to allow for future adaptation with regard to accessibility. www.greenhomesnetwork.org.uk�
Edgar Hall was presented to North Morningside Church by the sister of Robert Edgar. He was elder of the church for 28 years. It is attached to Stenhouse St Andrews Parish Church and is now used by the charity Drake Music Scotland. Music equipment was available on the day for both adults and children to try out. http://www.drakemusicscotland.co.uk/
44 Albany Street is a category 'A' Listed Georgian Townhouse from the early 1800s probably by William Sibbald. Albany Street was not part of the Reid and Sibbald first extension of the New Town but was incorporated into it. It was the home of the Milne family and visited by Robert Louis Stevenson. The building is home to the Edinburgh Baha’i Community, and has been refurbished to bring out the original features.
Edinburgh Central Mosque and Islamic Centre is the largest mosque in Edinburgh, located in the middle of the capital city and officially opened in 1998. It remains one of the few purpose-built mosques in Scotland, featuring a unique mixture of Islamic and Scottish architecture.
Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI)
Edinburgh's Old High School has been transformed into an award winning, energy efficient hub to foster innovation, joint working and bold forward thinking in the move to a low carbon future. The 19 month, �10.5m refurbishment of this unique 18th century building involved a combination of new technologies, innovative methods, common sense, and attention to detail to create a building that celebrates its heritage and is an exemplar of social, economic and environmental sustainability. It is noted to be UK�s most sustainable historic building at the time of construction. �
Established in 1822, Edinburgh Chess Club is the oldest chess club in the UK. In the first hundred years of the club’s existence it had many homes around the city, notably on Princes Street, George Street and Queen Street. However, in the years leading to the centenary a permanent venue was sought. Thanks to legacy and donations left to the club, the current building on Alva Street was purchased in 1922. Chess is officially a sport, recognised as such by the International Olympic Committee. Visitors to the club will be given the chance to join in a few friendly games of chess.
The A-listed Beaux-Arts style Main Building designed by John More, Dick Peddie and George Washington Brown was built in 1907-09 to house the College, providing north-facing studios, a lecture hall and the impressive Sculpture Court. www.ed.ac.uk/eca/doorsopenday
Edinburgh Cyrenians FareShare Programme is a social enterprise with a mission to bring good food and healthy lifestyles to people who are experiencing disadvantage, isolation, poverty and homelessness. They prevent landfill and environmental damage by collecting around 9 tonnes of surplus foods from supermarkets, regional distribution centres, packers, growers and other retailers each week. Redistribution of this food contributes towards 15,000 meals per week to support over 40 projects for homeless and disadvantaged people in Edinburgh and the Lothians. www.cyrenians.org.uk
The Lauriston Building, 1981 by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall was first phase of the intended redevelopment of the Royal Infirmary. In 1997 the Dental Hospital moved here from Chambers Street. Redevelopment by Lewis & Hickey DJP includes specially commissioned works of art: fibre optic constellations in the ceiling above each dental chair; a camera obscura in the patient waiting room; other pieces on walls, floor coverings and light boxes.