'The Forts' is an historic site of gun and searchlight emplacements constructed as part of a defensive network for the Forth during WW1. Acquired by its present owner in 1986, the site has been extensively excavated� including the military installations and associated facilities and marker stones, the defensive perimeter fence and gates have been conserved or restored. �
Fire Service Headquarters was opened on the 7th June 1900, serving as an operational station until 1986. It continues today as an administrative centre and home to the 'Museum of Fire'. The museum holds James Braidwood's High Street appliance and the last remaining 'Halley' fire appliance in the world, which served in Leith.
The Edinburgh Trades Fund (Trades Maiden Hospital)
The Edinburgh Trades fund houses a collection of artefacts pertaining to the ancient Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh. These were the artisan classes involved in the governance of the city and its development over the centuries. This was initially centred within the Old Town but then they were hugely influential in the development of the Edinburgh New Town.
Dower House dates to 1587. It was in the ownership of James Ingles. J P Wood in his Draft History of Corstorphine Parish (written 1792) mentions the stones being removed from the old castle site to build Mr Michelson's house that was the residence of the Lord Forrester, the residence later known as the Dower House. It eventually fell into disrepair and was derelict until The Corstophine Trust began regenerating it in 1991. � www.corstorphinetrust.co.uk
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Celebrating its 50th year, this year. Built to a simple but elegant style to meet the requirements of worship and a variety of social activities for all age groups. With great emphasis on family participation the building includes a chapel, multi-purpose hall with a stage, a Family History Centre and various multi-purpose rooms. A building of simple, quiet elegance meeting the many needs for which the building was designed. �
The Caves & the Rowantree & the Upper Vaults
The Caves offers an exciting opportunity to see these vast underground caverns. Rediscovered and excavated in the mid 90�s, the rooms form a series of arches underneath the buildings on South Bridge and make for a unique venue steeped in history and atmosphere. The building is owned by an ex international rugby player!
The gardens comprise the steep wooded east bank of the Water of Leith roughly between Stockbridge and the Dean Bridge. It is part of the 'Pleasure Grounds' laid out by Lord Moray in the early 19th century and is currently and jointly owned by the owned of the houses in the Moray Feu.
In September 2010 Sutherland Hussey Architects were approached by Edinburgh Council with an invitation to design a small meeting hut for a new allotment site in Stockbridge on the edge of a desinated World Heritage Site. Opened in 2013 the hut, a wedge-shaped, single volume timber building, now serves as a meeting place for plot holders and outside groups run by India Place Allotment Association. It also serves to promote organic growing and a sustainable lifestyle within the wider community through events and open days. www.indiaplaceallotments.org.uk
Teviot Row House is one of several buildings managed by Edinburgh University Students? Association. It opened in 1889 ? making it the world?s oldest purpose-built Student Union building ? and was designed by Sydney Mitchell and Wilson in a 16th century Scots architectural style with late Gothic features. It has a variety of catering and bar areas, a debating chamber, a dining room, and many other meeting rooms; a number of which will be open to visitors.
Large administration offices for Standard Life Co, designed by Michael Laird & Partners. Opened in 1991, it incorporates the facade of Tanfield Hall, site of the first Free Church assembly in 1843. The foyer and hall, with its stupendous Holywood-style staircase, will be open. Outside Gerald Laing's Axis Mundi represents the apotheosis of the five wise virgins, finding an obelisk pointing the way to heaven.
Talk - Secret Edinburgh - an Unusual Quiz
Hannah Robinson shares her unusual Edinburgh secrets at Liberton Tower. Tour, quiz, drinks and book signing - 'Secret Edinburgh an unusual guide' �
Talk - Putting heritage at the heart of a vision for Edinburgh
Chair of the Cockburn Association, Cliff Hague Talk:�how can we ensure that heritage is at the heart of a vision for Edinburgh.
Dr John W Arthur James Clerk Maxwell, the worlds greatest physicist of 19th Century, was born in 1831 at 14 India Street. The talk will explain why he should be be remembered, not least every time we reach for our mobile phone. It will cover his family's connection with not only this New Town house, but at least a dozen more not a 'stone's throw' distant... �
Talk - MESH - Mapping Edinburgh's Social History
Richard Rodger, Professor of Economic and Social History The Edinburgh Atlas (E-ATLAS) will provide a new digital atlas of Edinburgh structured around six temporal periods: the early city; medieval city c.1300-1550; the early modern city 1550-1680; Enlightenment Edinburgh, 1680-1820; the 'modern' city, c.1820-1914; the capital city, 1914-2000. The project will be structured around the theme of the city's spatial evolution, and guided by cartographic principles - administrative areas, urban plans, plots and jurisdictions.? The initiative will result in both a published hard copy Edinburgh Atlas, updateable on demand, and an electronic version (the e-atlas). Professor Rodger believes they will provide a ground-breaking new form of urban atlas, a spatial frame in which scholars, local history groups and the general public may supplement existing work and provide their own mapped data to interrogate city form over time. ?The changing nature and structure of the city will form the basis of interpretive essays organised around key themes, such as The Dynamics of Negotiated Spaces. The work is being funded by a �633,000 grant from the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and supported by project partners: Edinburgh City Council, Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, National Library of Scotland (Map Library), Royal Commission on Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland, and Simpson and Brown (Architects). As such, MESH combines institutional collaboration within Scotland's capital with research-led, intellectual innovation, technical innovation, web-based academic exchange and public involvement. Like the earlier Visualising Urban Geographies project, also funded by the AHRC, MESH will work closely with its partners to develop new and imaginative resources to represent the changing nature of urban form. Professor Rodger is confident that the Edinburgh Atlas will form the basis for wider dissemination and project emulation in cities across the world.
David McLean�is Edinburgh born and bred, with a keen interest in the history and architecture of the city. Since 2011 David has managed the popular Lost Edinburgh page on Facebook. David adores his hometown and feels very passionate about protecting its most cherished assets, its architectural heritage and uniquely stunning environment being high on the list.?
Talk - Inter-war Housing of Ebenezer MacRae
Inter-war Housing of Ebenezer MacRae, Edinburgh City Architect Steven Robb Steven works in the Heritage Management Directorate leading a team that deals with historic buildings casework on the east side of Scotland from Aberdeenshire down to the Borders. The team deals with many high-profile developments involving listed buildings and conservation areas. Steven has recently published a paper on Edinburgh?s public washhouses and is currently researching the inter-war housing of Edinburgh?s City Architect Ebenezer MacRae. �
Healthy Buildings: light, landscape, timber and breathing construction by Malcolm Fraser, Architect The nursery at Edinburgh University's King's Buildings campus is designed around the 'free-play' concept, which helps develop children's confidence, independence and creativity. Three 'age group' playrooms are joined together by a single-storey building, with a large roof light offering views up to the tree canopy above. There is a first floor area for offices, staff and a family room. Each of the three playrooms opens out to the covered terrace, to allow outdoor time for the children, and then out into three distinct garden spaces. A Cross-Laminated Timber structure provides the perfect combination of creating a warm, tactile interior, whilst also using a natural, sustainable product that could structurally achieve the clear roof volumes. �
Talk - Evolution of a 'Scots' architectural style
Crichton Woods, Architect "As a child my grandfather spent a considerable amount of time with me. I remember being taken on numerous walking tours around buildings old and new. For many of the Edwardian buildings he had personally known the designers and had tales to tell of the builders. On one particular occasion I remember my grandfather taking me to the National Galleries for an exhibition on the Robert Adam drawings from Blair Adam. I was swept away by the Romantic images. How could somebody sketch these fantastic images straight from their imagination? My grandfather then told me we had our own style of Scottish Architecture that was based on a very individual and beautiful style created in the sixteenth century and that many architects had used this language to design their buildings." Crichton's main aim is to be simply the best practice in Scotland in designing houses and small developments in a modern Scots style. With new developments in carbon neutral construction and renewable energy it is a very exciting time to develop a new Scottish house style. �
Talk - Edinburgh's Old Royal High School
Richard Murphy, Architect A new public use for one of our greatest public buildings Thomas Hamilton's Royal High School is one of Scotland's most important buildings, not just for its extraordinary architectural merits, but for its near revolutionary expression of a democratic ideal. The Building was commissioned by the City in the early 19th Century as a direct response to the privatisation of education, offering free schooling to the Nation's brightest children in a building deliberately intended to be a beacon to the power of culture at the centre of the City.
Situated in the heart of The University of Edinburgh?s historic Old College, Talbot Rice Gallery is one of Scotland?s leading contemporary art galleries comprising of three distinct exhibition spaces including the contemporary white cube and the neoclassical Georgian space. Visitors can enjoy the Gallery?s festival exhibition Samson Young Real Music.
Surgeons� Hall Museum houses one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the World. The Museum was developed as a teaching facility for students of medicine. Its fascinating collections are housed in a magnificent example of William Playfair�s architectural design. www.museum.rcsed.ac.uk
A classical 1832 building houses 18th century anatomy specimens and visiting medical exhibitions.
Come and visit Parliament House which is steeped in history and has impressive architecture. Upon entering the prestigious Parliament Hall you?ll gain sight of the impressive German-made stained glass ?Great South? window and the fabulous Baltic oak beamed ceiling. You?ll also have the opportunity to view and learn more about a typical courtroom used today.
Millbuies was the home of benefactor George Boyd Anderson and reflects his expansive, innovative, creative and slightly eccentric personality. Designed by architect Sir Robert Matthews, assisted by Sir James Dunbar Nasmith, it was built in 1957 as an early eco-home incorporating many unusual, heat-saving features suggested by the owner: triple and quadruple glazing, positioned to catch maximum sunlight, underfloor heating, a sun room and an inner courtyard. The house is set in a beautiful garden sloping down to the Gogar burn with statues, terraces, a sunken garden, and specially commissioned doocot and stone compost area. It is a fascinating example of modernist architecture which aims to bring the garden into the house in accordance with the principles of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was B listed by Historic Scotland in February 2012. At the time of printing the future of Suntrap is uncertain; please check www. suntrapgarden.org for details of opening.
Summerhall is a vibrant cultural village in the heart of Edinburgh. A place where things happen, all kinds of interesting, wonderful and downright inspiring things. Originally the old Royal Dick Veterinary College for Edinburgh University, Summerhall is a mix of 20th century public architecture, 70s style lecture theatres and unique features and spaces such as The Dissection Room. The building's Techcube is a prime example of Brutalist architecture - an economical solution to urban destruction after World War II.
Designed by Robert Rowand Anderson, 1874-7, this is considered to be the best of the first generation Board Schools. Giant arches and gables build up to a slated fleche. A high-relief roundel of Education and her pupils adorns the chimney stack. The interior is lit by Anderson's characteristic rectangular top-lights. 2002 is the school's 125th anniversary.
The Church was designed by the architect James Milne and opened in 1823 as an extension church of St Cuthbert's for the rapidly expanding population of the Stockbridge area. A semi-circular apse was added in 1888. In more recent times the building has been sensitively upgraded to meet the needs of the present-day congregation and to form a first class concert venue with flexible-use ancillary spaces. The war memorial murals in the apse are a particularly beautiful feature.
Founded in 1977, Stills is a centre for photography based in the heart of Edinburgh, designed by architects Reiach and Hall. We will be offering tours at 11am & 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Come and see our exhibition by Cindy Sherman, one of the most influential artists of the last 40 years, and find out more about our production facilities.
The College, by David Rhind, opened in 1855 as Daniel Stewart?s Hospital for 50 destitute boys. In 1870 the Edinburgh Merchant Company turned the Hospital into a fee-paying day school and changed the name to Daniel Stewart?s College. The old courtyard at the north side of the building was eventually roofed over, and reopened in 2007 as a Performing Arts Centre.˜ Additionally, there are other fine rooms such as the Library, formerly the Chapel.˜˜
A village church in the heart of the city, St Vincent's is a Victorian Gothic delight which opened in 1857. Light streams through the stained-glass windows including an admirably bright and clear heraldic display by A. Carrick Whalen. Formerly home to the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus, impressive armorial embellishments still decorate the interior. Today the building houses a growing congregation in the Scottish Episcopal Church and functions as a music and community venue.
Saint Stephen's was designed by William Playfair and opened for worship in December 1828. Reconstruction was carried out in 1956-1957 by installing a floor across at the gallery level to create halls below and a church above. St Stephens was sold by the Church of Scotland in 2014 and it is now privately owned. Future plans are to create 'A Dance House for Scotland' and a world class theatre in the round.�
From its towering campanile to its intimate cloistered courtyard, a little bit of rural Italy in the heart of literary Morningside. St Peter�s was built especially for Father John Gray (former aesthetic poet and associate of Mallarm�, Rimbaud, Verlaine, Wilde and Beardsley) by his literary patron Marc-Andr� Raffalovich, in 1907.� The work of Sir Robert Lorimer (champion of the �Arts and Crafts� movement), this Grade A listed building remains a repository of exquisite metalwork, woodcarving, paintings, statuary and stained glass.
The most complete Gothic church in Edinburgh - The Builder, 1865. Grade A listed gothic church with 1930’s hall attached. The church was redecorated and re-lit in the early 2000s with a rich red scheme. The newly rebuilt Link building by Benjamin Tindall Architects will be open to the public for the first time, joining the church and church hall in a more accessible way, with a new entrance lobby and lift. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Visitors can learn about the Serbian boys who worshipped at St Peter’s during WW1. Billeted at George Heriots’ school the boys later introduced rugby to Serbia. ACTIVITIES - For the first time, see the new Link community building, designed by Benjamin Tindall Architects - Enjoy coffee & cake or soup & roll in our pop up cafe in the hall - Listen to live music - Learn about global and local people who have been part of St Peter's over the past 159 years Stpetersedinburgh.org The Link building is the second of three phases in a £1.2 million project to renew our church community halls. It was made possible thanks to the generosity of Viridor Landfill Tax Credits, The Robertson Trust, Allchurches Trust, The Baird Trust, Swinton Paterson Trust and the congregation of St Peter's Lutton Place.
Nestled amidst industrial units and modern apartment blocks, St Ninian’s Manse is very much a hidden treasure. Whilst the clock tower and belfry are together a key local landmark, the history and significance of the manse is often overlooked. Historical information about the Manse will be displayed, along with displays of other projects by Simpson & Brown for visitors to browse. www.simpsonandbrown.co.uk
This B listed Church was designed by Ross, Doak & Whitelaw and opened in 1957. Described as being in a 'Festival of Britain'/Modernist style, its distinctive form and particularly the copper roof make it a landmark building at a prominent road junction. The exterior and interior retain many original decorative features and fittings comprising a rectangular double height church and integrated halls. It is a vibrant hub at the heart of Sighthill. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Our minister, Rev DrTom Kisitu, was born and raised in Uganda. Two African churches, the Deeper Christian Life Ministry and the Remnant Christian Network, hold their services in our church. Since opening in 1957 we have welcomed missions to and from overseas. Charity work to Romania, Bosnia and Florida has been a central strand of life at St Nicholas over decades. ACTIVITIES Refreshments free of charge www.stnicholasedinburgh.org.uk
St Michael and All Saints Church is a Grade A listed building designed by the Edinburgh Architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson and built in 1867. The Church boasts fine altar pieces by William Burges (1867) and C E Kemp (1889) and excellent stained glass by William Wailes, Clayton Bell & Ninian Comper.
A Pugin & Son designed church in a classic style constructed between 1852-54. One of the side altars is dedicated to Mary Star of the Sea, the patron saint of Leith since the 12th Century. The Church has over 20 stained glass windows, and a new baptismal font by local sculptress Graciella Ainsworth.
The gothic fa�ade of St Mary�s Metropolitan Cathedral is all that remains of the much smaller St Mary�s Chapel designed by Gillespie Graham, 1814. After fire damage a rebuilding programme was undertaken by John Biggar in 1891. Recent additions include the organ by Matthew Copley in 2007 with its beautiful copper-flamed 32ft pipes, the largest organ to have been installed in Scotland in recent years, and the Parish Centre by LDN Architects in 2008 in the courtyard. For the bicentenary this year the church lighting system has been completely redesigned.�
The Song School, adjacent to St Mary?s Cathedral, is where the Cathedral choristers practice. The Song School walls are covered with murals by Phoebe Traquair (1852-1936), painted between 1888 and 1892. The murals include religious images, portraits of leading figures of the day and of the choir and clergy of the time, and images of the natural world. St Mary?s Cathedral is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878) and consecrated in 1879.
St Martin�s Community Resource Centre is a recently sympathetically redeveloped community hub for the Gorgie Dalry area of Edinburgh. Built in the 1880s, this category B listed building has been, since the early 1980s, St Martin�s Episcopal Church. This last congregation still worships in the building, but it is also home to Gorgie Dalry Community Association and a host of community groups. www.stmartinsedinburgh.org.uk
The Church was designed by the distinguished Scottish architect David Bryce and built as a Unitarian Church in 1835. Unitarians do not generally embrace the concept of sainthood, and it is one of only two Unitarian Churches identified with a saint�s name, perhaps because, in 1835, there was a threat of litigation in English Courts that could challenge the rights of Unitarians to church buildings. Perhaps also the use of the �IHS� symbol on the sounding board that was formerly above the pulpit and on the bays above the Gallery, was part of this requirement. Behind the Baroque fa�ade there is a galleried U-plan interior with iron columns supporting the arched ceiling and allowing for an exceptionally and naturally well lit interior, which has Mannerist touches.�
St Mark?s church is a B-listed neo-classical villa-style building which was consecrated in 1828. The interior has some fine Greek Revival detailing and good quality stained-glass. The graveyard contains many monuments to military and naval officers based in Portobello during the 19th century. A small memorial garden has also been recently developed. The combination of a church placed in line with a gateway and with the churchyard in a formal arrangement is unusual in Scotland and unique in Edinburgh. Disabled parking available.
St Margaret’s Parish Church can be traced back to a Norman church on the site in 1165, which was destroyed in the Reformation. Rebuilding began in 1836 in the Scots Gothic style by William Burn, completed in 1837. Adjoining the Church is the hexagonal 15th Century St Triduana’s Well. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Although, today, Restalrig is a small hamlet with a medieval chapel and well, and a tiny church, it has through the centuries, attracted people of international fame. St Triduana of Greece, James III, IV and V of Scotland, Richard III of England and the Cauvins from France all played a significant part in the history of the area. ACTIVITIES Guided tours of the Church, Chapel and graveyard. This includes St Triduanas Well, video presentation and photo display inside the Church. There will also be Music from St Margaret’s musical interludes throughout the day. www. stmargarets-restalrig.co.uk NB - the brochure states this venue is open on Sunday. This is NOT the case. The correct opening times are Saturday 10:00 - 16:00
St Margaret's Chapel & The Gillis Centre
St Margaret�s Chapel forms part of the Gillis Centre and is a beautiful example of the work of Scottish Architect James Gillespie Graham, one of the leading architects of the 19th century. Gillespie Graham�s associate, Augustus Welby Pugin, had a significant influence on the design and is credited with several internal features including the High Altar and stained-glass windows. �
St Margaret’s Catholic Church was built in the 1930s and replaced a Victorian corrugated iron building. A particular feature of the church is its Barnett & Sons stained glass windows. St Margaret’s has served the local Catholic community and the many visitors to South Queensferry for 135 years. The church has an interesting history tending to shale workers, builders of the Forth Bridges, navy staff from both World Wars and cruise ship visitors. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS St Margaret’s church has been available to the international workforces who built the Forth Bridges; also the many sailors and travellers from around the world, especially during both World Wars, and now from cruise ships. ACTVITIES A walking map of Queensferry and Dalmeny highlighting local attractions will be available. http://www.queensferryheritage.org.uk/
St Margaret's & St Leonard's Catholic Church
Built in 1880 for the Church of Scotland and designed by John Lassels, the Church is described as flat Scots gothic with a wagon roof and hammer beam trusses. The building has been a Catholic church since 1990 and is the only church in Edinburgh to offer, exclusively, the Tridentine Latin Mass.
Original Physical Education facility of Moray House (Gordon & Dey 1970), altered with apron of new accomodation by University of Edinburgh with staff facilities, laboratories and swimming pool. Faulkner Brown have added a bright facade, the rusticated ground floor following the streetline.
St Johns is the only church on Princes Street. It stands at the junction with Lothian Road. Designed by William Burn in the Perpendicular Gothic Style it was built in 1818. Since that time alterations and additions to the building have enhanced its character. In particular it now contains one of the finest collections of stained glass under one roof in Scotland, many of the windows coming from the studio of James Ballantine of Edinburgh. St Johns is also home to a large and vibrant congregation eager to welcome visitors.
A gothic red sandstone Episcopal church designed by Robert Rowand Anderson in the 1880s. Although simple from the outside, the chancel designed by John Burnett is glorious, with stunning frescos and a triptych painted by William Hole. The theme is the Te Deum, with the words written around the chancel and continuing into the south aisle. Above this are thirty life size figures depicted in procession leading to the altar, higher still are archangels, evangelists and the company of heaven.
Circular watchtower, built in 1827 to deter 'Resurrectionists' stealing bodies. Restored 1990 by Robert Hurd & Partners to provide a unique and charming studio, currrently occupied by the Touch Agency, graphic designers. Many interesting monuments in the graveyard. Small building, be prepared to queue.
Robert Rowand Anderson was a founder member of the Church.� He not only designed and personally supervised its building, but was responsible for the internal decoration and furniture much of which is unique. The spectacular painted ceilings, rood screen, font and stained glass have all been restored and extended to the original design.
St Cuthbert's Church, Kirk of the Castle Rock and Princes Street Gardens
Kirk of the Castle Rock and Princes Street Gardens. Stands on the oldest Christian site in Edinburgh where Saint Cuthbert himself once built a wooden chapel back in 643. Known as the Mother Church of Edinburgh. This church consists of Burke and Hare Era body snatchers Watchtower and Tiffany of New York stain glass window.
Considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque churches in Scotland, St Cuthbert?s was built in the 12th century and has been in continuous use ever since. It contains three fine windows by Lalia Dickson depicting the Madonna and SS Margaret and Theresa. There are mason?s marks duplicating those in Dunfermline Abbey and Leuchars church. ˜
St. Columba?s Hospice provides excellent palliative and end-of-life care to patients and their families, as well as specialist education to healthcare professionals. It opened in 1977, incorporating Challenger Lodge, a B-listed Greek revival villa built in 1825, and modern surrounding buildings. Please note: inpatient areas will not be open to visitors.
This Victorian Church, sitting just below the Castle, is a small gem. Visitors often remark upon the stained glass windows which, unusually, feature several female figures. There is a large mural of Christ in Glory painted by the renowned Wildlife artist John Busby and a tapestry by Millie Donaldson. This year, the interior has been refurbished including the fitting of underfloor heating, a new oak floor and improvements to the East end. The new lighting now illuminates more clearly the interior features. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS AND ACTIVITIES There will be an exhibition of "Our global connections" including an all-age activity. www.stcolumbasbythecastle.org.uk
St Cecilia?s Hall is Scotland?s oldest concert hall and home to the University of Edinburgh?s collection of musical instruments. Built by the Edinburgh Musical Society and designed by Robert Mylne, this Georgian jewel held its first concert in 1763. Surrounding the Concert Room are 4 galleries that display over 500 musical instruments spanning five centuries of musical heritage and history.
St Bernard's Well was designed by Alexander Nasmyth in 1789 on the site of an earlier mineral water well, believed to have medicinal properties. This little gem was restored in 2013, as the last in the City?s ?Twelve Monuments? programme. Some features have been restored, such as the pineapple finial being re-gilded and roof timbers replaced.
This beautiful Church was designed by Peter McGregor Chalmers, a leading Scottish ecclesiastical architect. The aim of the Church's design was to make the stones speak, accomplished by engraving texts of Scripture on the walls, and carving the capitals of pillars and doorways with meaningful symbols. Take a few moments in the centre aisle to view the building: Regard the apse, the organ, the pulpit and the youth chapel, around the stained-glass windows, thirteen of which were designed by notable Scottish craftsman Gordon Webster.
This beautiful Church was designed by Peter McGregor Chalmers, a leading Scottish ecclesiastical architect.˜ The aim of the Church?s design was ?to make the stones speak?, accomplished by engraving texts of Scripture on the walls, and carving the capitals of pillars and doorways with meaningful symbols.˜ Take a few moments in the center aisle to view the building: Regard the apse, the organ, the pulpit and the youth chapel, around the stained-glass windows, thirteen of which were designed by notable Scottish craftsman Gordon Webster. ˜ Year Of Young People:˜Active youth community and association with several youth groups.˜ St Anne?s is also twinned with St Andrew?s Church in Lusaka, Zambia which has a very large active youth community.˜ The World Issues Team are actively seeking the involvement of young people in the work of the Team.˜
St Andrew's House is the headquarters of the Scottish Government and opened the day after war was declared in September 1939. Following years of controversy, it was built on the site of the Old Calton Gaol and brought Government departments serving Scotland under the same roof for the first time. Designed by Thomas Tait, the Grade A listed building is considered to be an outstanding example of international architecture's Modern movement.
Built in 1784 as the first church of the New Town, St Andrew’s Church was designed by Major Andrew Frazer and the unusual elliptical plan, the first in Britain, responded to the restricted site after Sir Laurence Dundas built his house on the intended site in St Andrew’s Square on the George Street axis. The Church boasts a fine Georgian interior, especially the Adam-style ceiling, notable glass (Alf Webster and Douglas Strachan), Wells Kennedy organ (1984), original peel of bells (restored 2006), and interpretation panels.
South Queensferry Waste Water Treatment Works
Built into the hillside to minimise its visual impact, the treatment plant screens and de-grits sewage before pumping to the River Forth. Display of plans about the proposed new treatment plant, due to come on stream in 2003, and on the East of Scotland Water Watermark Initiative. Access through Port Edgar Marina.
South Leith Parish Church, founded in 1483, has been the ?Church in the Midst? the historic parish church in Leith for over 500 years. Our historic building, redesigned by Thomas Hamilton in 1847, has within it many historical and architectural items of great interest including a unique hammer beam roof and magnificent stained-glass windows. The church has many royal connections including the coat of arms of Mary of Guise and Mary Queen of Scots.
Beneath the 19 arches of the South Bridge lies a labyrinth of underground passages and chambers dating from the 18C. Once used as workshops, houses and storage, these atmospheric, candlelit areas contain wine cellars, carved stones and unearthed treasures.�
Since 1835 this Georgian house in Leith has belonged to Raimes Clark and Co Ltd. It is currently home to the Head Office of Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacies. The house has retained many of its original features such as the oval central staircase, Adam fireplaces and the oldest surviving walled garden in Leith.
Recent conversion of a former tropical fish shop into a studio for architects Smith Scott Mullan Associates. It shows inventive use of the two-storey space and simple materials, creating an environment for flexible working and casual communication. Display of recent urban regeneration projects by the practice.
Car-free development designed using green technology for a sustainable style of living for Canmore Housing Association by Architects Hackland & Dore, 2000.�
Sir Patrick Geddes Apartment, Ramsay Gardens
A wonderful opportunity to visit the National Trust Patrick Geddes apartment located within Ramsay Gardens in the Old Town. This exquisite period Arts and Crafts apartment was designed by the town-planner and environmentalist Sir Patrick Geddes for himself and his family at the end of the 19th Century. It retains many original features and is situated next to Edinburgh Castle, with magnificent 360 degree views across the City. Advance booking essential via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dod-ramsay-garden-patrick-geddes-apartment-tickets-65095029987 Please note that this venue is located on the fourth floor, and so is not accessible to all.
Sir James Young Simpson lived at Simpson House from 1845 to 1870. He was a Scottish doctor and an important figure in the history of medicine. Simpson discovered the anaesthetic properties of chloroform and successfully introduced it for general medical use. Simpson House is now part of Cross Reach, the Social Care arm of the Church of Scotland, and offers services to those affected by substance misuse.
Family home and surgery of James Young Simpson who discovered the anaesthetic properties of chloroform in the dining room, now the Discovery Room, in 1847. Now a Church of Scotland centre providing drugs counselling and related services.Sunflower Garden specially set out for children affected by family drug misuse.�
Former St Thomas's Church finding a new use as the Guru Nanak Gurdawara Singh Sabha Sikh Temple. Designed by John Henderson 1840-43, the Gothic pinnacles and octagonal spire give no hint of the eastern delights now within.
The Signet Library building (Lower and Upper Libraries), begun in 1810, designed by Robert Reid, with principal interiors by William Stark, was completed in 1822, in time for King George IV's visit to Edinburgh. The libraries are linked by a triumphal staircase by William Burn with a screen by William Playfair, 1819. The Upper Library has Corinthian column capitals carved by sculptor John Steell. It has been described as a 'classical cathedral', and by George IV as "the finest drawing room in Europe"!. The Lower Library is divided into reading bays. The west wing (Sydney Mitchell 1903), originally storage, has been redeveloped to provide more accommodation by Benjamin Tindall Architects, 1995. The building is home to The Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet (known as the WS Society), one of the founding institutions of the Scottish legal system. Today the WS Society is a thriving professional body of practising solicitors.�
A herb nursery on the outskirts of Edinburgh opened in April this year. It is a 7.5 acre organic, tranquil green space with a bee observatory, vintage glasshouse, orchard, shop, caf� and more. A Silver Gilt Medal winner at Gardening Scotland 2014.
Seafield is Scotland?s largest wastewater treatment works, treating the wastewater from the population equivalent of 850,000 people and is open for organised tours on Doors Open Day. You will hear how Edinburgh?s wastewater was treated in the past, then discover how it is treated today. Gone are the days where sewage was tossed into the streets or loaded onto the Gardyloo ship - you?ll see how today's treatment methods adhere to strict environmental regulations and even produce energy rich products such as green energy that can be exported to the national grid, and a nutrient rich fertiliser that is used in agriculture.
The home of Scotland's stories houses stunning contemporary spaces and facilities for all to enjoy. The building provides not only an exhibition space and theatre but a unique 'Storytelling Bothy' for live performances.
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman's Office
A pair of A-listed New Town houses designed by Robert Brown and built in the 1820s as part of the development of the Walker Estate. They have been in commercial use for some time and were recently re-furbished to provide offices for the new Ombudsman service set up as a one-stop-shop for dealing with complaints about public services in Scotland. The refurbishment has provided improved disabled access and private interview space.
This unique national resource and advocate for the art of poetry is committed to bringing the pleasures and benefits of poetry to as wide an audience as possible. Established in 1984, the SPL is the only independently constituted and housed poetry library in the UK. Over 45,000 items are held in collections and archives. The modern and functional building recently underwent an extensive renovation.
Midlothian County Council Buildings (J Macintyre Henry 1900-05). Deep frieze by W Birnie Rhind with high reliefs of Agriculture, Mining and Fishing. A marble pilastered hall and stair lead to the Main Council Chamber on the first floor. Exhibition of the work of the Scottish Parliament.
Scottish National Gallery Study Room & Research Library
The Scottish National Gallery comprises the Gallery Building and the Academy Building, both designed by William Henry Playfair in the mid-19th Century. Situated in the Gallery Building, the Prints & Drawings Study Room and Research Library houses an unrivalled collection of works on paper and an extensive library, and is usually open only by appointment.� www.nationalgalleries.org
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Archives and Library)
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art comprises two buildings � Modern One and Modern Two, the latter housing the Archives and Library. The Modern Two building was originally an orphanage, and was converted to a gallery space in the late 20th century. The Archives and Library house an unrivalled collection of works on paper and an extensive library, and is usually open only by appointment.� �www.nationalgalleries.org
The yard, originally ?Quality Court? on Quality Lane (pre 1777) has been home to the Club since 2007. The rebuild by Alexander Hunter Crawford in 1891, incorporating earlier 19th Century workshops and warehouses, has been internally altered to provide workshop facilities for Lapidary ? the cutting and polishing of stones (a traditional Scottish craft), silversmithing and the faceting of gemstones. It also houses a comprehensive Library and Club collections of Scottish agates and minerals with selected displays.
Scottish Free French House, Official Residence of the Consul General of France
Nestled on the hillside of Calton Hill, the Scottish Free French House is the Official Residence of the Consul General of France in Edinburgh. The building was purchased in 1942 by the Free French, who fled Nazi-occupied France and rallied around General de Gaulle in Britain to plan the Liberation of France. Since then the House has been the home of France?s much longer relationship with Scotland, and it has welcomed numerous guests coming from all over the world.
Spacious office building, 1997, by Architects Koetter Kim & Associates. Working spaces and staff facilities are arranged around a landscaped courtyard. The cylindrical garden room is used for meals, informal meetings and special functions. Enter from west terrace.
Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine
The new £54m Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM) building was officially opened by HRH Princess Royal on the 28th May 2012. The contemporary building is the first large-scale, purpose-built facility of its kind in the UK and provides accommodation for up to 250 stem cell scientists. It contains state of- the-art laboratory and support space and a clinical translation unit - enabling the production of cells suitable for future therapeutic applications. The building’s internal form mimics a ‘pebble in a pond’ effect: write-up spaces and offices are located around the perimeter, with concentric rings of laboratories and smaller specialised rooms moving towards the centre of the building. Sustainability is central to the design of the SCRM building and 76% of the energy needed to operate the building is contributed from renewable sources. Sustainable design features include solar panels on the roof, a ground source heat pump system below ground and rainwater collection for flushing the WCs.
Rutland Square, Georgian in style, is a significant surviving example of one of the most important and best-preserved examples of urban planning in Britain. It is A-listed and designated as part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site and Conservation Area. In 1894 the Scottish Arts Club bought 24 Rutland Square as a meeting place for all arts disciplines, painters, sculptors, musicians, writers and ‘lay’ members interested in the arts. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS We will have a special exhibition showing the historic buildings, used by Arts Clubs around the world with which we have reciprocal arrangements. We regularly host visitors from these clubs which are as close as Glasgow and as far away as Melbourne. ACTIVITIES On display will be information on the history of the building, including names of the owners before it was purchased by the Club, together with illustrations of typical inhabitants. The monthly exhibition in September is of work by one of our current members, Gordon Mitchell RSA RSW RGI. Saturday - illustrated talk by Dr James Lawson on the Bauhaus. 12:00. Lunch will be served in the dining room from 13:00 to 14.30 on Saturday. Advance booking is required by telephoning 0131 229 8157.
Arup first practised in Edinburgh in 1960. Over the next few years, staff numbers increased, occupying several offices throughout Edinburgh. To bring its staff together and accommodate growth, Arup Associates was commissioned to design a purpose built office. The resulting pavilion within the walled garden of the original Scotstoun House was designed principally by Peter Foggo during 1964/65 and occupied in December 1966. Scotstoun House has since been owned and occupied by Arup, which includes the recent refurbishment.
The Scotsman Steps are an important part of Edinburgh�s cityscape, they link the Old and New Towns and have historically been considered as a road. Before restoration by Edinburgh World Heritage and Edinburgh City Council, they were extremely dilapidated, and vulnerable to misuse. The Fruitmarket Gallery suggested commissioning a public artwork for the Steps as part of the renovation, to help change the public perception of them, and to fulfill the Gallery�s mission to make contemporary art freely accessible. Martin Creed, with his smart response to public space, his ability to engage with materials and their surroundings, and his understanding of the creative possibilities embedded in the act of going up and down steps, seemed an obvious choice for the commission. Using 104 different marbles Creed describes the work as a microcosm of the whole world � stepping on the different marble steps is like walking through the world.
Splendid offices for The Scotsman by Dunn & Findlay, 1899-1902, converted, 2001, into the 5-star Scotsman Hotel. Palatial entrance hall with swags of fruits and flowers carved in oak and a grand marble stair with full-height stained glass window. Modern arts and crafts bring a touch of humour to the public rooms.�
Science and Advice For Scottish Agriculture (SASA)
SASA provides a range of scientific services and advice on behalf of the Scottish Government relating to agriculture, plant health, biodiversity and the environment. SASA was based at East Craigs from 1920 and moved to this purpose-built laboratory facility in 2006. The building on SASA�s farm was designed to achieve as high a BREEAM certification as possible, attaining a �Very Good� rating. www.sasa.gov.uk
Schop will allow you to� discover if you have a creative three dimensional mind and hopefully allow you to leave with a sharpened sense of perception about the buildings around you.
The Church was completed in 1995, incorporating three stained glass windows rescued after a fire in 1993. Solar PV panels were installed on the south-facing roof in October 2011 and raise income through the Feed-in-Tariff. They saved over 6.0 tons of CO2 in the first year and have exceeded the target of a 30% carbon reduction. Energy efficient lighting and video projection of service sheets reduce the energy consumption. www.greenhomesnetwork.org.uk
Built in 1916 for Knox and Morey Free Churches in memory of Reverend Dr. John, this building now houses the headquarters of the Scottish Book Trust, the leading agency for the promotion of literature, reading and writing. Previously home to regimental tie factory, architect studio and even a night club, There is also a��tranquile garden.
A spired Victorian church, uneconomical to repair and maintain by its congregation: an inspired minister with an innovative solution being pioneered in the 1980s; Dalry Church of Scotland who 'conspired', with the local Housing Association, to materialise a visionary redevelopment; an Architect's 1983 Feasibility Study which transpired to a 1991 completion; and a 2011 Union of churches which aspired to design a church caf which has become an evening Caf Church. The transformation of Dalry United Free Church to Saltyard.
Once a town house, the Saltire's property was occupied by the British Linen Company in 1792; later the head office of British Linen Bank, and the printers Oliver & Boyd. If carpets and floorboards were removed the original tram rails used to transport bullion from one room to the other would be visible. The iron front doors and the one leading to the kitchen are relics of this past use of the building. The vaulted ceiling acted as a security device if anyone tried to break through the roof, the whole structure would fall.
The kindergarten of the Rudolf Steiner School puts the principles of the school into practice. Designed by Wilfried Bohm of Benjamin Tindall Architects in 1991, the layout has the child at its heart. It is intended to inspire creativity through its distinctive 'mother hen' appearance, its use of organic materials and its novel arrangement of space. The large roof covers four asymmetric and polygonal classrooms fulfilling Rudolf Steiner's ideal of space as magical and full of wonder as a fairy tale. A 'green' building, only sustainable materials and organic paint was used in its construction. Enter from Spylaw Road or Polwarth Terrace.
Situated within one of Edinburgh�s finest Georgian streets, The Royal Scots Club hosts an abundance of military history. This history only adds to the charm of cosy club feeling which now welcomes over 2000 members. Recent refurbishment has enhanced the Club�s country house style while still embracing its military heritage.�
The Royal Observatory Edinburgh combines state-of-the-art high-tech facilities and original Victorian observatory buildings in a beautiful hilltop site overlooking the city. Instruments for some of the world?s best telescopes are designed and built on-site. Catch talks, demonstrations and exhibits and go behind the scenes at one of the UK?s leading scientific establishments. Discover how˜the Observatory˜contributes to astronomy at every stage in the process from designing a new telescope to using and storing the data produced.˜˜ www.roe.ac.uk/opendays/
The Lyceum has been one of Edinburgh's premier playing houses since 1883, stand where many memorable performances have been given by actors such as Henry Irving, Ellen Terry, Brian Cox, Siobhan Redmond and David Tennant. 'Architecture' our Victorian jewelbox theatre is one of the most exquisite examples of the style. �
In its early days this Victorian theatre built in 1883 saw performances by the likes of Henry Irvine and Ellen Terry, whilst being run by famous theatre manager Howard and Wyndham. The building has remained a theatre space and was taken over by the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company in 1965.