The Festival Theatre sits on Edinburgh’s longest continuous theatre site. The 19 Nicolson Street locale has been a theatre site since 1830. It has seen three major remodellings during its rich and varied history, with the current glass-fronted building opening in June 1994. It opens onto a fully restored auditorium, blending a dramatic mix of art nouveau, beaux arts and neo-classicism. ACTIVITIES Advance booking essential via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--edinburgh/free--events/festival-theatre/?lc=1&page=1&q=Festival+theatre Hour-long building tours will highlight the history and heritage of our building and showcase the theatre’s connections with a host of global entertainers. 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30. Intergenerational dance workshops where visitors can learn dances from across the globe – the vibrant Brazilian Samba, the timeless English Waltz through to jumpin’ jive from America and the dance of the Spanish matador, the Paso Doble. 11:30-12:00 and 13:30-14:00. Musical storytelling workshops where participants will engage with storytelling and song in multiple languages. Working together with professional performance artists they will be create original lyrics to a new composition and explore the different styles of staging possible on the largest stage in Scotland. All ages and abilities will be welcome. 12:00-12:30 and 14:00-14:30. Please note only people with tickets to these activities will be allowed into the theatres, so make sure to book your space!
Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Visitor Centre
The Edinburgh Gin distillery & visitor centre is situated beneath the Rutland Hotel. Scottish architect Archibald Elliot designed the building in 1819. It was once the home to Joseph Lister, pioneer of antiseptic surgery and has been a listed building since 1970. It houses two custom made stills, Flora and Caledonia, that distill Edinburgh Gin. It details the history of Edinburgh�s 400 illegal stills in 1977 and the secrets behind the making of Edinburgh Gin. � �http://www.edinburghgindistillery.co.uk �
Built against the stunning backdrop of a sheer quarry rock face amongst the rolling hills of Ratho the Arena opened its doors in December 2003 and was the vision of architect David Taylor who teamed up with Rab Anderson and Duncan McCallum to build the World�s largest indoor climbing arena. The centre includes a huge gym, spa facilities, a very popular softplay area and a number of unique events spaces. www.eica-ratho.com
Located on the north side of the iconic Old College, at the heart of the University, Edinburgh Law School is a world-leading law school rooted in the eclectic, open and interdisciplinary intellectual traditions of Scots law. The School recently underwent a £35million refurbishment to create state-of-the-art facilities whist preserving the historic features of the 18th century building. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS We are a truly international law school with a wealth of global connections. Our students and staff join us from across the globe and our research has reach and impact across the world. As such, these international influences will be embedded in our exhibitions, talks and tours. ACTIVITIES Exhibits, talks and tours of the newly refurbished building will be available. Booking essential via: www.law.ed.ac.uk/about-us
Edinburgh Napier University Merchiston Campus
Built around the historic 16th century birthplace and home of our very own John Napier, Merchiston campus is home to our creative, computing and engineering students, situated in the buzzing neighbourhood of Bruntsfield. This mix of disciplines helps create an inspiring, innovative and collaborative atmosphere and is enhanced by facilities from cutting-edge cyber security labs to TV and film studios. In addition, Merchiston boasts a business incubator, two cafes and a 500- seat computing centre, that is open round-the-clock! �
Edinburgh Napier University Merchiston Campus 2013
The Merchiston Campus is home to Edinburgh Napier's Faculty of Engineering, Computing & Creative Industries as it was to John Napier himself. He was born in 1550 in the Merchiston Tower that still stands in the courtyard. The campus is home to art studios, engineering & design workshops, sound-proofed state-of-the-art music studios, a computer games lab, a news room and film studios and the award winning 500-seat Computing Centre. www.napier.ac.uk
The EPT building was originally constructed as a railway workshop, probably in the late 1800s. The small shop area above would have been the ticket office for Newington station. Although the platform has now been removed the stairs down to it are still there.�
A Georgian building bought by the Society in 1954 for their use over four floors and including a garden. During Doors Open Day, there were sports lectures running through the day along with guided tours. Visitors could learn what equipment to use, weather protection and how to achieve good images.
Located on Union Street, amongst some of Edinburgh�s most beautiful Georgian architecture, Edinburgh Printmakers was originally a washhouse for the local community. All the public washhouses of Edinburgh were closed by 1971 but many of the original features, including the impressive red brick chimney, remain here. A great visit for anyone interested in Edinburgh�s social history and a fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes at Scotland�s busiest print studio. 2018 is the last chance to experience Doors Open Day at Edinburgh Printmakers in Union Street, in Spring 2019 their new fully accessible studio, galleries and cafe will open at Castle Mills in Fountainbridge - the former North British Rubber Company.
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop’s new buildings were opened in 2012, a progression from the railway sheds which a group of artists took over on the site in the late 1980s.The bespoke buildings, designed by Sutherland Hussey Architects, house studios, workshops, artist-in-residence accommodation and presentation spaces which enables artists and members of the public to engage in contemporary art ideas and production. The Hawthornvale cycle path runs next to the building and there’s a café in the centre of the space. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS We have international artists as members, studio holders and artists-in-residence, including partnerships later in 2019 with Ukraine and Japan. ACTIVITIES There will be tours of the building, including the chance to see inside the practical workshops and hear about becoming a member at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm (architect’s tour) and 3pm. There will also be two artworks on show: a suspended sculpture by Lucy Wayman on the adjoining cycle path, and Adam Benmakhlouf has made a sound poem which is presented within the Tower at the edge of our Courtyard. www.edinburghsculpture.org
Edinburgh Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court
Edinburgh Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court is a modern building which opened to the public in September 1994. It is the largest of the Courts within Lothian and Borders and after Glasgow, the second busiest Court in Scotland. It houses 18 courtrooms, a cell area and administrative offices. ACTIVITIES Tours of courts, cell area, GeoAmey vans, speed camera vehicles, exhibitions by Justice focus organisations and mock trials will be run throughout the day. www.scotcourtstribunals.gov.uk
Originally known as Drumsheugh Toll the building was designed by George Washington Browne in 1891 as a studio house for the artist Charles Martin Hardie RSA. The Edinburgh Society of Musicians is an organisation which promotes practical music-making in Edinburgh. It has been in existence since 1887 Its stated objects include �cultivating the art and practice of music in Edinburgh, and promoting social intercourse amongst musicians and those interested in music.� www.edinburghsocietyofmusicians.co.uk�
This Art Deco building was constructed in 1936 from a design by Sir Basil Spence. Located in an idyllic setting beside the Water of Leith, close to the site of Bell�s Mills, the club is used for many racket sports and has the UK�s last doubles court and the original championship court.
Edinburgh Trams is the award winning operator of the city�s tramway with services from every three minutes to 16 locations across Edinburgh. Entering into service in 2014, the depot at Gogarburn is home to Edinburgh�s fleet of 27 trams. For the first time, by ticket only, we�re inviting members of the public to find out more about what happens behind the scenes at our tram depot at Gogarburn. Highlights of the visit will include an insight into our training, a tour of the Operations Control Centre and workshop.
Built to Robert Adam's design in 1796, the interior dates from the remodelling by the fourth Marquess of Bute in 1903, including the Adam-style ceiling in the first floor drawing room. Edinburgh is a World Heritage Site. During Doors Open Day there was an opportunity to investigate our archive of old photographs and maps, and examine historical artefacts in detail to compare different styles of architecture. Children were able to dress up as a resident of the Old Town in 1600 or a Georgian gentleman or lady from the New Town, and make their own mark on our giant World Heritage Site map. Visitors were also able to explore Charlotte Square in the company of our costumed guides, to find out about Robert Adam's finest piece of design and the lifestyles of the original residents in 1800. The upstairs gallery at The National Trust for Scotland at No 28 Charlotte Square holds a splendid collection of furniture from the Regency period, as well as 20th century Scottish paintings and other objects d'art. The Coffee House serves up excellent coffees, home baking Scottish-style and light lunches. http://www.ewht.org.uk
Former North Morningside Church in Neo-Norman by David Robertson, 1879-81. Dramatic intervention by Nicholas Groves-Raines, 1992 and 1999, for conversion to the Eric Liddell Centre. Viewing gallery for the impressive collection of stained glass which includes windows by William Wilson and John Duncan.
The Festival Theatre, situated on the longest running continuous theatre site in Edinburgh, opened in June 1994 boasting, at that time, the largest stage in the UK, a 1,915 seat auditorium, spacious bars and function suites, an iconic glass fa�ade, and state of the art stage equipment and back stage facilities. Visitors walk through the decades as they step through the modern foyer into the 1928 auditorium. The Theatre has a national and international reputation as one of the UK�s premiere presenting venues.
Fettes College, founded in 1870, was built using an endowment left by Sir William Fettes specifically for this purpose. Designed by the architect David Bryce, and completed in 1873 this magnificent building is a cross between a Loire chateau and a Scots Baronial mansion. Of particular note are the Callover Hall, the Library (formerly the Dining Hall), and on the first floor the Chapel and the Old Library. The building forms the centrepiece of an extensive 90-acre campus. http://www.fettes.com
A world-class, three-screen independent cinema based in a former church, built in 1831.
New Nursery School within school grounds with two classrooms, a parents / general purpose room, playground and ancillary accommodation. The classrooms are triangular in plan, echoed in cross section by a monopitch roof, with their long edge designed to form a permeable screen oriented to the south west, creating a close child-scale relationship with the sunny playground outside.
Granton Square, William Burn 1838, has always been open to the sea on the north side whence departed the ferry to Fife from the harbour developed by the Duke of Buccleuch in 19C. The first train ferry service in the world started here in 1849. East breakwater completed 1863.
Fountainbridge Library is an icon of modern Scottish architecture. It was funded by the publisher Thomas Nelson Jr, and designed by the architect John A. W. Grant (1887 – 1959). It also features friezes on its façade by the sculptor Charles d’Orville Pilkington Jackson. Completed in 1940, the building was designed to house a state-of-the-art library and community hall, embodying the concerns of architects, librarians and social policy makers of the period. The building remained open during the blackout and still serves the community today. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Fountainbridge Library is an important example of Scottish Modernism, with links to the international modern movement in sculpture and architecture, particularly relating to Art Deco features. ACTIVITIES Refreshments Guided Tours at 10:30, 12:30 and 2:30 of both the inside and outside of the Library. Advance booking essential via fountainbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or 0131 529 5616
The most imposing work of A Hunter Crawford, 1910-12, with a Renaissance facade and a grand interior.
There have been public buildings on this site for centuries. The present one was inaugurated in 1904 for Midlothian County. Since September 2017, it houses the French Institute and Consulate in Scotland, serving as a centre for cultural exchanges in the very heart of the Old Town and civic centre of Edinburgh.� All are welcome to discover the architecture, our cultural offerings, and some unique treasures such as the 20,000 book library reserve which will be exceptionally shown as part of �behind the scenes� guided tours. Year Of Young People: All young people are welcome to come and get a taste of France and the French language with playful activities organized by the French institute�s language centre and library.
General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland
The Assembly Hall was designed by David Bryce in 1858.� Since 1929 this unique building has been used by the Church of Scotland to host its General Assemblies.� In more recent years the Hall was additionally used by the Scottish Parliament while the new building at Holyrood was completed.� www.churchofscotland.org.uk
The General Register Office for Scotland in New Register House holds all the statutory birth, death and marriage registers for events recorded in Scotland from 1855 as well as old parish registers and open Census records. The records are stored in four galleries within the circular dome area, which is over 27m high.� http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk.
The architect of Heriot’s Hospital was the royal master mason William Wallace. It is an excellent example of Scots Renaissance architecture. Built from stone quarried at Craigleith and Ravelston, lime from Kirkliston and Westhouses, timber from Dalkeith and Norway, the foundation stone of the northwest tower is inscribed 1628. In 1659 the building began to fulfil the purpose of its founder – for the upbringing and education of ‘puire fatherless bairnes, friemenes sones of that Toune of Edinburgh’. Explore the School Hall with its hammerbeam roof, the Chapel, Council Room and Old Refectory hidden within the Quadrangle. The recently completed Heriot’s Centre for Sport & Exercise, by LDN Architects, comes with excellent environmental credentials: the discovery of a 60m deep well led to the investigation of its potential for use as a ground source heat pump to supply the under floor heating. The Centre was a real ship in a bottle conundrum for the architects and builder.
The University now operates four local power stations generating 80% of campus power requirements through low carbon Combined Heat and Power Energy Centres. It has a 1.6MWe generator behind the Old Medical School which heats and cools the George Square buildings right round to the Main Library. www.ed.ac.uk/about/sustainability/home
A category C-Listed late Victorian, red brick, five storey (50,000 square foot) purpose-built whisky warehouse. Abbot’s Choice Scotch Whisky was produced here, and the building retains almost all of its original features. Acquired by Georgian Antiques over 30 years ago. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Abbots Choice Whisky was established in Leith in 1863 and exported its whiskies to European markets and Latin America. This bond building also has original features of signage including ‘Customs and Excise’ to the door. Our antiques range also includes exhibition quality Scottish cabinetmaking and pieces from around the world – including Chinese furniture, Japanese cabinets and European mirrors. ACTIVITIES French polishers and cabinet makers will be in their workshops repairing and polishing antiques. Members of the public will be able to talk to them and observe them at their work. http://www.georgianantiques.net/news/
A hidden gem by James Gillespie Graham, 1835, for St Margaret's Convent of the Ursulines of Jesus, the first religious house in Scotland since the Reformation. The chapel contains delicate details and exquisite furnishings, including the Lady Chapel reredos by George Goldie, 1877. Guided tours on request.
It is not known exactly when the town house was built but by 1820 it was occupied. After being sold for �3000, 16 Coates Crescent was occupied by Girlguiding Scotland (The Girl Guide Association at the time) in 1939. Now an office and retail space, the building boasts beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle over the city�s chimney pots. Many original features remain including a cupola, highly decorative ceilings and cornicing.
Originally the home of a small Scottish religious sect, the A-listed former place of worship is hidden within the residential neighbourhood on Barony Street. The Glasite Meeting House was constructed in 1835, one of the first designs by Alexander Black. David Bryce added a three tiered pulpit in 1873 to the main meeting space. Although there were once a number of Glasite Meeting Houses across Scotland, this is the last one to retain its interior and the building is very evocative, like a faded Victorian photograph. Since 1989 it has been used as offices and a venue for hire.
The Glasshouses @ Royal Edinburgh Hospital (REH), built in the 1950s, were originally used to propagate plants for the hospital gardens. Following renovation, Artlink moved into the Glasshouses in 2011 and, along with the Cyrenians, use the treasured non-clinical space to support patients and the wider hospital community in creative, artistic and horticultural activities. The REH Glasshouses are due to be dismantled in 2019, as part of the re-provisioning of the Hospital.
This Category B-listed Victorian church incorporates the remains of a pre-Reformation chapel and has been used as a cabinetmaking workshop since 1979. During Doors Open Day, visitors could learn about the building and its surrounding graveyard. Makers were on hand to talk about their work and the running of the workshop based on traditional techniques and equipment. The venue has its own tram stop: Gogarburn.
Gogarbank House was built by Cumberland Reid in 1780. In 1818 his nephew, John Reid, succeeded him and built the present additions, including the handsome walled garden which still operates as a working kitchen garden. With its carefully designed box hedges, pathways and flower beds it is a stunning retreat hidden behind its original 15 ft walls.
An opportunity to visit Granton's very own secret garden hidden away on Edinburgh's waterfront. The Walled Garden was once attached to Granton Castle, which was built in the late 15th century, rebuilt in 1544, refurbished in the 17th century, and finally demolished in 1921. The Walled Garden survived and was cultivated across the centuries. Volunteers have been working since May 2017 to transform the overgrown space into a beautiful and publicly accessible area for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
The Lighthouse was originally built circa 1850 as a training centre; however, it has since become a cultural hub in the North of the city. Residents include the Depot recording and rehearsal studios, The Sierra Metro Gallery and Art in Architecture studio and exhibition space.
The research and conservation workshops of the National Museums of Scotland. Tours led by curators include Zoology collections, geology rock cutting and polishing, and storage of industrial machinery, European ceramics, motorcycles, cars and horse-drawn vehicles.
In a street of much charm, built 1819-24, architects Gray, Marshall & Associates now occupy No 23 which has an extra large upper floor, using the space over the pend to the mews behind.
Edinburgh architect Crichton Wood has designed a rear conversion for this 1904 traditional semi-detached villa in Greenbank.
Greenbank Parish Church opened in 1900. The original building is used as a hall, with the present church built alongside in 1927 by architect Lorne Campbell. There are fine stained glass windows� by James Ballantine, Alexander Strachan and William Wilson. New halls were built at the rear in 2001 by Lee Boyd Partnership architects. � www.greenbankchurch.org
Originally Greenbank United Free Church, the building was completed in 1927 by A Lorne Campbell and features beautiful stained glass windows by Alexander Strachan and William Wilson. The interior decoration was devised by Sir William Kininmonth and the church houses a fine organ by Ingram & Co. To mark the Centenary of the founding of Greenbank a new suite of halls designed by Lee Boyd Architects was opened in November 2001. The extension is contemporary and exiting giving a feeling of space and light with the west end being curved and wrapped in cedar.
Grade A listed, Greyfriars Kirk plays an important part in Scottish history. In 1638, the National Covenant was presented and signed in the Kirk. In the mid-19th century the then minister led a movement to change the style of worship by introducing the first post-Reformation stained glass windows and one of the first organs into a Presbyterian church in Scotland. Between 1929 and 1938, the historic church building was extensively restored and the interior dividing wall between the two former separate sanctuaries was removed. The Peter Collins organ was installed in 1990. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS The Kirk is a magnate for international visitors from all over the Globe. We welcome them to this historic building and they are able to walk through 400 years of history with highlights displayed in our exhibitions. The church was founded in 1620 – the year the Pilgrim Fathers ventured to the colonies of the ‘New World’. ACTVITIES Throughout the weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to view our beautiful sanctuary, museum and shop. Activities for children are available, including a dressing up area. greyfriarskirk.com
The Kirk plays an important part in Scottish history. In 1638 the National Covenant was presented and signed in front of the pulpit and in the mid-19th century the first post-Reformation stained glass windows and one of the first organs were introduced into a Presbyterian church in Scotland. Between 1929-38 the historic building was extensively restored and the interior dividing wall between the two former separate sanctuaries was removed. The Peter Collins organ was installed in 1990. www.greyfriarskirk.com
The Grove Community Garden is a mobile community garden which has brought life to 3 separate brownfield sites in Fountainbridge over the last 5 years. We have a mix of personal and communal planting areas, a BBQ and a pizza oven for cooking and socializing. Local youth groups, support groups, office workers, university students and a nursery school all use the garden, grow food on a small scale and enjoy the this productive urban greenspace. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Our plants originate from all over the world and many are labelled with their country of origin. ACTIVITIES Refreshments grovecommunitygarden.wordpress.com
Guinness UDV, formerly United Distillers & Vintners, 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.
Harlaw House was originally built as a waterkeeper’s cottage soon after the reservoir was constructed in 1848. Originally a single-storey building, it had a brief incarnation with an extra floor, before City of Edinburgh Council restored it to its original form. It is now a visitor information centre for the Pentland Hills Regional Park, disseminating information to walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and wanderers! Since the early 2000s it has hosted a wildlife garden, maintained on a regular basis by Friends of the Pentlands. ACTIVITIES We will invite a variety of local community organisations to attend in order to showcase their work in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, including: Harlaw Hydro, Balerno Village Trust, Youth Vision, Friends of the Pentlands, Bonaly Scout Camp, Bobcat Alpacas and Malleny Angling Association.
Harlaw Hydro Power House and Visitor Centre
Harlaw Hydro is generating green electricity from the Water of Leith, utilising the 150 year old dams that used to provide water power to industry in West Edinburgh. The old water bailiff's house is now a Visitor Centre for the Pentland Hills Regional Park where you will also be able to find out about Friends of the Pentlands, Malleny Angling Association and Balerno Village Trust. Access to the power house is down a steep and often muddy path and sturdy footwear is recommended.
Harmeny School is a residential special school, working with children who have complex social, emotional and behavioural needs. Visitors can explore our buildings, grounds and Community Garden and hear about the activities we use to engage our children in education and the world around them. Richard Murphy Architects designed a courtyard development of new classrooms and residential cottages, sympathetic to the original house, which was designed by Robert Rowland Anderson in 1906 and extended by Robert Lorimer in 1907. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS At Harmeny, we are constantly striving to improve and innovate our services and through this have created links to schools in America to learn and share expertise. ACTIVITIES There will be guided tours of the school buildings and grounds, including the community garden, wildlife pond, orchard, mature woodland, adventure playground and skate park. There will also be a short presentation and video on the work of the school and plans for the future. www.harmeny.org.uk/doorsopenday2019
11 South Charlotte Street, built ensuite with No 15 South Charlotte Street, is a significant surviving part of the original fabric of Edinburgh's New Town, one of the most important and best-preserved examples of urban planning in Britain. South Charlotte Street is also important for its contribution to the setting of Charlotte Square.� Built c. 1790, the ground floor apartments of this former classical tenement have been re-appropriated as a design studio for HarrisonStevens Landscape Architects. �
This year the Club celebrates the 125th anniversary of Tynecastle Stadium. Construction of three new stands began in 1994 but of considerable interest is the main stand which was designed by Archibald Leitch and dates bacK to 1914. Tynecastle has been voted as having the best atmosphere in Scotland�s top division in the Premier League Fans� Survey. Visitors experienced the historic tour of the stadium and there were plenty of fun activities for youngsters to enjoy where they could try to beat the goalie, test their shooting power with the Speed Cage, play drums and guitar in the Big Hearts Music Project, try Panna Football and other coaching activities on the community pitch.
Herbarium & Library Building - Royal Botanic Gardens
The terrazzo and glass Herbarium & Library building overlooks the NE corner of the Garden. Opened in 1964 and extended in 2005-6, it houses one of Europe?s largest botanical libraries and a collection of around 3 million preserved plant and fungi specimens, supporting the Garden?s global research, conservation and education programmes.
Heriot-Watt University Museum and Archive is on the ground floor of the University Library, built by Sir Basil Spence, Glover & Ferguson, 1973-76. � Visitors will be able to step back in time to the 1930s to explore our Museum display �The Edinburgh of Muriel Spark�. � YOYP: Our Museum display �The Edinburgh of Muriel Spark� will feature items illustrating student life at the College in the 1930s.� An audio-visual display includes extracts from a film of Heriot-Watt life from the 1930s. � Activities: visual displays, video/audio presentations, catering facilities (see https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/edinburgh/catering.htm) � www.hw.ac.uk/about/news.htm � www.hw.ac.uk/services/heritage-information-governance/museum/visit-the-museum.htm
Surrounded by fabulous walks and concealed by enchanting clusters of trees, Hermitage House, which was built in 1785 by Robert Burn, is a magnificent edifice worth visiting. There is a doocot, walled garden, icehouse and water pump system. This is also an opportunity to peek into the workings of the Natural Heritage office situated here.
Only the outer walls remain of the neo-Georgian Sheriff Court of 1934-37 by the Office of Public Works. The interior was completely remodelled by David le Sueur in 1997 to form high-security courts for the High Court of Justiciary. Wall hanging by Alice Kettle at the top of the brass staircase. Guided tours of building (including cells) during Doors Open Days.
Visitor centre opened in 1999, and designed in close consultation with the users. The pre-patinated roof covers a welcoming timber-panelled space with creche, caf? and counselling rooms. On the south side of Stenhouse Road, 150m east of Stenhouse Drive. No access to Doors Open Day visitors outside stated hours.
Holyrood Abbey Church of Scotland has its roots in two nineteenth-century missions begun in the Canongate area of Edinburgh by the Free Church and the United Presbyterian Church respectively, though they later rejoined the Church of Scotland. The foundation stone of the present building was laid on 30 September 1899, and the church was opened on 22 December 1900. The 2007 refurbishment project under Malcolm Fraser Architects created a breathtaking view of Arthur�s Seat from the new Church Halls. www.holyroodabbey.org
A small, late Gothic style church of 1895 by Hippolyte Blanc, on two levels. Above is the sanctuary with a false hammerbeam roof, entered by a newly created foyer. Below are modernised halls and other facilities. Originally a church, then a community centre, a dance and exercise centre and now again a church ministering to a busy and diverse urban community.� Year Of Young People: The church runs for every age and stage. Sunday creche, Sunday schools and a Teenage Bible class. Baby and toddler groups during the week. Varieties of events held yearly for children and their families.
Historic Scotland's new Education Centre and Park Ranger Station for Holyrood Park, designed by Malcolm Fraser, replaces undistinguished changing rooms and provides much needed space for introducing school parties and other groups to the history and geography of Queen's Park. Displays on the topography, geology and wildlife of Holyrood Park. Parking in Palace carpark.
Home to the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences and the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, the former College Street United Presbyterian Church was built in 1856 in Graeco-Italian style by Patrick Wilson. The finely detailed temple front has conch niches and bracketed balconies. The interior was remodelled in 1996 by Reiach and Hall to form offices and conference facilities. ICMS is one of the UK�s most important resources in the mathematical sciences. By opening their doors ICMS hope to demonstrate their international work and share some insights into the importance of maths through some interesting, fun and challenging puzzles and games. ECCI�s �low carbon hub� brings together businesses, governments, researchers and communities to find solutions to global challenges and take risks on ideas and innovations that will create a low carbon future. Visit the hub to find out more about what ECCI do and how they do it.
Inch House is a traditional early 17th century Scottish tower house, set in a magnificent surrounding park.˜ Although greatly extended in baronial style in the 1890s by the architects MacGibbon & Ross, it maintains much of its original grace and character and many historical features. ˜Since 1968 it has housed the local community centre. www.inchhouse.co.uk
The Inch Nursery is City of Edinburgh Council�s plant nursery and training centre covering a 10 acre site within Inch Park. Opened in 1982, it produces around a million plants each year. These are used for the City�s parks, gardens, planters and floral displays, including the famous Floral Clock in Princes Street Gardens. Visitors will be able to see behind the scenes of Edinburgh�s vibrant green spaces enjoyed by so many residents and visitors to the City. www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20064/parks_and_green_spaces/470/inch_nursery �
A new community based sports hub combining changing accommodation with social and community use. The building is designed to fit into the surrounding landscape and to enhance the natural environment. The building is a result of the efforts of three core clubs, Lismore RFC, Edinburgh South Cricket and Edinburgh South Football. The Clubs have come together and have, with the help of various funders, built what is hoped will be a sustainable business model to run and operate the facilities and from there go into the community to expand delivery of the three sports as well as provide a welcoming base for community use and involvement.
Did you know the Informatics Forum has a garden roof terrace with a wonderful view of the surrounding area, including Arthur?s Seat? Opened in September 2008, the Informatics Forum is a fit for purpose building, providing a Forum for Interaction that fosters synergies among the 500 researchers in Informatics.
The gallery has been created in the building that formerly housed �The Venue�, an infamous nightclub on Calton Road. On the ground floor there is a small gallery and print and publications room. On the upper floor there is a large gallery space. A dramatic new staircase has been introduced between the floors giving a discreet, hidden and beautiful route between the three floors of the building.
There have been public buildings on this site for centuries. The present one was inaugurated in 1904 for Midlothian County. Since September 2017, it houses the Institut fran?ais d?Ecosse and Consulate General of France in Scotland, serving as a centre for cultural exchanges in the very heart of the Old Town and civic centre of Edinburgh. All are welcome to discover the architecture, our cultural offerings, and some unique treasures shown as part of ?behind the scenes? guided tours.
Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) Scotland Museum
This is a modern university building which is part of the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) at Heriot-Watt University. It houses the museum collection of the Scottish Branch of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some 300 items forming the majority of items in the collection are on display in and around the building, including some relating to the Forth Bridges, the Stevenson family, a fine collection of surveying instruments and much more.
International Centre for Mathematical Sciences
The former College Street United Presbyterian Church, built in 1856 in Graeco-Italian style by Patrick Wilson, has a finely detailed temple front with conch niches and bracketed balconies. Remodelled in 1996 by Reiach and Hall to form offices and conference facilities, the ICMS is one of the UK�s most important resources in the mathematical sciences. www.icms.org.uk
Designed by George Mackie Watson and opened in 1903, with Pilkington Jackson carvings and Gordon Webster stained glass windows, the church occupies a splendid location at Goldenacre. 2011 saw a union with neighbouring Inverleith church, with their communion table, war memorial, original font, piano and stained glass windows relocated to form Inverleith St Serf's Church. Since unification, there have been upgrades to the seating, organ and a major hall redevelopment to provide modern and flexible accommodation.
Fine New Town house built in about 1820 and in which James Clerk Maxwell was born in 1831. Now the home of the James Clerk Maxwell Foundation. The house's original colour scheme and appearance have been restored with advice from Historic Environment Scotland. The house contains exhibits, scientific models and pictures illustrating the work of Maxwell, who ranks with Newton and Einstein as the ‘Big Three’ of physics. �
The Japanese House, winner of the 2010 EAA small projects award, combines light, space and a Japanese theme to make an innovative yet restrained home. This environmentally aware house was self built by the architect, orientates towards the sun and is clad in locally sourced Scottish Oak with polished concrete floors.
jmarchitects, formally Percy Johnson Marshall & Partners moved in 2006 from Duddingston House and purchased the 17th century A-listed town house at 64 Queen Street. Built for the 7th Earl of Wemyss it has retained the cast-iron spearhead railings and cast-iron lamp standards enhancing its entrance to the 3-storey, attic and basement building. Early and mid-nineteenth century interior alterations adapted the house for large-scale entertaining. ACTIVITIES Visitors are invited to learn about the history of this old town house and specific architectural elements within it.
Opened in 2009 the John Hope Gateway Building has been designed by Edward Cullinan Architects with sustainability as a guiding principle. Engineered timber is prominent, and is used both structurally and as a decorative feature. The laminated wood spiral staircase is a showcase for timber technology as well as being a beautiful structure. �
Dating back to 1470 and now incorporated into the Scottish Storytelling Centre, John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history. Located in The Netherbow, the house was the home of James Mossman, goldsmith to Mary Queen of Scots, and became known as the final residence of John Knox, the Protestant reformer. 30 tickets will be available per half-hour, with limited tickets available in advance via the website. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS The tour of John Knox House explains the international reach of Knox’s influence and places Scotland in an international context through its association with Mary, Queen of Scots. ACTIVITIES Self-guided tours of the House and surrounding area Children’s activity sheets Refreshments from the cafe www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com
John Sinclair House is home to the archival collections of Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the new lead public body for the historic environment created in October 2015. HES is the guardian of the National Record of the Historic Environment, an extensive collection of information and material documenting Scotland's past.
Named after the eminent chemist Joseph Black (1728-1799), one of the foremost scientists of his day. Classical frontage of 1930s, with a new building added in 1999. No access from West Mains Road, enter by east entrance facing King's Buildings House at the principal basement level. The lifts are located close to this entrance.
Former stable block built in 1881 and now housing the offices of architectural practice Keppie Design, this year celebrating their 150th anniversary. For more information, please contact Abigail Stein on 0141 204 0066 www.keppiedesign.co.uk
Since its establishment in 1920, the King's Buildings campus has experienced vast transformation. Find examples of architectural developments across the site and discover more through our information panels. Additionally, there are a variety of interactive activities and lab tours through which the whole family can explore cutting-edge research across the sciences and perhaps have ice cream made using liquid nitrogen. ˜
Kirkliston Parish Church was built in about 1200 while the Bell Tower is a bird cage belfry with a single bell dated 1687. Many interesting graves including a gravestone with two carved heads both wearing glasses. Stained glass windows and, on one of the window ledges in the main aisle, is a curious model of the church as it was between 1859-1884. Vault of the families of Dundas of Newliston and their successors Dalrymples of Stair and the Hogs.
Lamb�s House was built in 1610 by Andro Lamb, merchant. It was saved from demolition by the 4th Marquis of Bute in 1938-40. His son gave the house to the National Trust for Scotland in 1958. They completed the external restoration and a single storey hall was built by the Edinburgh and Leith Old People�s Welfare Council. Groves-Raines Architects Ltd acquired the building in 2010 and on the site of the hall an extension and Pavilion have been built with a Renaissance garden. www.grovesraines.com
Laudate House, German speaking congregation
Laudate House has accommodated the German speaking congregation in Edinburgh since 1967 when it was built by the architect Reiach & Hall to designs by Alfred Schildt. It is a purpose built community style centre typical of the time with a large stained glass window by George Garson allowing a lot of light into the worship room. The grand piano is used by the congregation for worship and by musicians for rehearsals. The visitor encounters an original 1960s building in the Grange well used by the congregation and other groups including a nursery. www.germanchurch.org.uk/edinburgh.php
The tower house built in the 1590s for Sir Archibald Napier, whose son John is best known for his exploration of logarithms. The house was extended in 1824 by architect William Burn. Opulent Edwardian interiors by William R Reid, who bought the house in 1902. They remain exactly as they were at the death of the last private owner in 1926. Notable collections of Italian furniture, Blue John, Crossley wool mosaics and mezzotints. N.B. stairs to all principal rooms. The castle stands in 30 acres of parkland and formal gardens, which include an Italianate rose garden and the 'Edinburgh Kyoto friendship garden', a new Japanese garden completed in 2002.
The Leith Links allotments will be open for the first time as part of Doors Open Day, in conjunction with the Greener Leith Children’s orchard. Go and see productive plots, join in the BBQ and learn what’s involved in tending the plots.
First planted with the help of hundreds of local children in 2010, the Leith Links Children’s Orchard incorporates 90 apple, pear, plum and cherry trees. It is bounded by a lengthy “berry” hedge made of more edible plants. Many trees are rare or heritage varieties, from Scotland and Wales, and although there are unlikely to be large quantities of fruit from the orchard this year, visitors may get a chance to see and taste some of the fruit. http://www.greenerleith.org.uk
Leith Police Station is the old Leith Town Hall, built 1827-28 by R & R Dickson as the Leith Sheriff Court. From the Queen Charlotte Street entrance, a grand ceremonial stair leads to the magnificent old Council Chamber. Huge panoramic painting of George IV's landing at Leith in 1822 by Alexander Carse.
Built in 1868 as a church for Norwegian seamen visiting Leith and still occasionally used by the Norwegian community in Edinburgh. Leith School of Art was founded in 1988 and the building was adapted and extended in 2000 by Hugh Martin & Partners, Architects. Top-lit spaces give the spaces lots of light for studio use. Exhibition of students' work.
The Leith Theatre complex was a gift to the people following the decision to incorporate the Burgh of Leith into Edinburgh. The building has seen bomb damage and dereliction, but the decades spent shut have also preserved much of the 30s Art Deco original features. It is currently moving into the first phase of essential refurbishments so it can blossom into a unique cultural gem in the heart of Leith. Discover the charm of its faded glamour! GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Leith Theatre has attracted acclaimed bands, performers and directors from across the world. ACTIVITIES Tours, information boards, video presentation, knowledgeable stewards. www.leiththeatretrust.org
Leith Town Hall and Sheriff Court are situated within Leith Police station. Built in 1828 to a design by R. and R. Dicksons, the building contains the Victorian debating chamber, more commonly referred to as the old Leith town hall, unaltered since 1864, and the former Leith Sheriff Court. The Alexander Carse painting ?The landing of King George the IV? is on display within the town hall.
One of 85 police boxes, the Leith Walk Police box was designed by City Architect, Ebenezer Macrae. Originally at the junction of Leith Walk and Albert Street in 1933, it was used by City of Edinburgh Police with the Leith Burgh Force. In 1979, the box was moved by Lothian and Borders Police. Leith walk police box is now a pop up venue used as temporary spaces for different purposes including art, entrepreneurship, charity and campaigning. The outside has been turned into a public art gallery but the inside remains exactly as it was.
Leitheatre is housed in one of the few remaining examples of 19th century mixed use tenement development of housing, industry and railway lines. In turns our premises have been a builder's workshop, a cooperage, a hi-fi centre, and a used car saleroom. The building, on Hib's original ground site, even featured in a 1951 documentary.
The present church, designed by James Gillespie Graham and built in 1815, stands on a prominent site where people have worshipped for over 1,000 years. Recently refurbished, the church has modern hangings as well as many historical features and an ancient kirkyard.
Liberton was built by the Dalmahoy family in the late 15th century and has been hailed as ‘the most perfect and unspoilt tower within the precincts of Edinburgh’. The tower contains many features typical of tower houses, including deep walls, slit windows and a listening hole called a ‘laird’s lug’. Following recent restoration to the roof, the tower has reopened in 2012 as a holiday let with the Vivat Trust. www.vivat-trust.org
Lister Housing Co-operative owns 185 social rented flats in and around Lauriston Place. Most are Category B-listed Georgian tenements.�
Lorn Macneal, Chartered Architects, have been established in the New Town for over 25 years with a varied portfolio of predominantly private client works. They have a great many past and present projects on display in their studio office, as well as demonstrations of computer visualisations and models. www.lornmacneal.co.uk
Built originally for the Industrial Exhibition of 1922, the category 'B' listed building was purchased to become the home of Edinburgh Corporation Transport?s bus fleet in 1926 then housing 108 vehicles including buses, char-a-bancs and city cars. The garage was extended in 1933 and again in 1963. By the mid 1960?s with garage was home to 242 buses and the company also had satellite garages at Longstone, Portobello, Tollcross and Leith. Of particular interest is the building?s roof dome and bus wash. Today the building is the Head Office of the Lothian Group, housing over 250 buses and 900 staff.
Lyon & Turnbull is a privately owned international auction house based in Edinburgh. Founded in 1826, it is Scotland�s oldest and largest fine art auctioneers. The company�s Edinburgh HQ is based in a neoclassical building designed by Archibald Elliott and built in 1821. The building was originally Broughton Place Church and some of the original features remain.
A hidden gem in the Old Town. Built in 1541 as the last Roman Catholic chapel built in Edinburgh before the Reformation it contains the only pre reformation stained glass in Scotland still in its original location. The chapel may have hosted the first General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1560. It also features a remarkable 17th century interior including inscribed wooden panels and a mortuary table associated with the Covenanters. It was the meeting place for the charitable activities of the Hammermen and Incorporate Trades for several centuries.
In a former stable block on the edge of the hospital site, Maggie's Centre, designed by Richard Murphy Architects, is an innovative refurbished building where people affected by cancer can drop in for information and support. Extension, also by Richard Murphy, opened 2001. There are informal talks throughout the day about this and other Maggie's Centres. They are named in honour of Maggie Keswick Jencks, who came up with the idea for friendly and imaginatively designed day-care centres during her own illness. http://www.maggiescentres.org
The Mansfield Traquair Centre is a former Catholic Apostolic Church. The building features an outstanding mural scheme painted by Phoebe Anna Traquair in the 1980s. The renovated building, designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, now houses the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). Come and visit Edinburgh's Sistine Chapel and see the beautiful mural scheme by celebrated arts and crafts artist Phoebe Anna Traquair. Painted between 1893 and 1901, and the largest of her mural schemes, every surface is covered with images of all kinds: humans, angels, animals, birds and above all, patterns. Year Of Young People: The building is now the headquarters of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.? The restoration of the mural scheme was used as a training programme for young mural conservators, with Erasmus funded scholarships bringing young people from across Europe to study and work in the building during its restoration. www.mansfieldtraquair.org.uk
The recently upgraded Marchbank Water Treatment Works takes water from Megget Reservoir 28 miles away and makes it safe for use in homes and industry in West Edinburgh and West Lothian. The processes of ozonisation for colour removal, rapid gravity filtration, chlorine disinfection and pH correction will be explained by Scottish Water technical staff.