Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS)
The Edinburgh townhouse in Rutland Square was gifted by the founder Sir Robert Rowand Anderson and is the HQ of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). The RIAS is the membership organisation for Chartered Architects in Scotland.�� www.rias.org.uk
Royal Hospital for Sick Children: Mortuary Chapel
A small room lined with tender, luminous paintings by Phoebe Anna Traquair, 1885. Life-size angels sing the Sanctus on a background of the Creation with panels of "Maternity", "The Cup of Life" and "The Bridge of Life". Lots of appealing detail. Enter through front entrance fate between main hospital bulding and Sciennes Primary school, then follow signs down right hand (eastern) side of building.�
Royal Hospital for Sick Children Mortuary Chapel
The Mortuary Chapel of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh is a nineteenth century chapel, designed by the Scottish architect George Washington Browne, with mural decorations by the Arts and Crafts artist Phoebe Anna Traquair. The murals are Phoebe Traquair's first professional commission, and the sole survivor of around 20 commissions instigated by Patrick Geddes' Edinburgh Social Union.� �
Once a laboratory store for the Holyrood Brewery, now the offices of the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland following its conversion in 1997 by Richard Murphy, Architect. Pedestrian access from Canongate and Holyrood Road. Disabled access from Canongate.
The Royal Edinburgh Community Gardens was established in 2010, and is managed by Cyrenians. We work with hospital patients, staff, volunteers, visitors and local community groups to grow fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs, cook food, improve the bio-diversity of the site, and support people on a journey of recovery. The Growing Space was established in June 2014, as part of the Green Space Art Space initiative which aims to develop the outdoor spaces at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. �
Royal Commission on The Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland
For over 100 years RCAHMS has been working to create a record of Scotland's built environment. Their vast national collection of over 15 million unique items is made available to the public to explore online and in their Search Room. This year RCAHMS is showcasing the hidden treasures of Scotland’s rich industrial heritage. Whether you’re interested in exploring old photographs of Victorian factory workers, shipbuilding on the Clyde, or the construction of the Forth Bridge; original design drawings of power stations and hydro-electric schemes; survey photographs of distilleries, factories and mills; or aerial photographs of lost industrial sites across Scotland and Europe – there will be something for everyone.
William Playfair's magnificent 1832 Surgeons' Hall, a Temple to Surgery, has an Ionic portico to the street. Internal alterations by A Balfour Paul, 1908. Main Hall, Library, Museums and the Exhibition of the History of Surgery. www.rcsed.ac.uk
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Located on Queen Street since 1848, the Royal College of Physicians buildings contain many beautiful Georgian and Victorian rooms. Our mission remains close to the founders' ideals: namely to promote the highest standards in medicine and this is reflected throughout the buildings. One highlight is Number Eight - the first house built in Queen Street - a classic Georgian townhouse designed by Robert Adam�for Robert�Orde�the Chief Baron of the Court of the Exchequer. It was used to host his private parties which were attended by great figures�of the day, including the philosopher David Hume. Much of Adam's impressive interiors including spectacular plasterwork ceilings survives. �
This Category B-listed 1869 villa imaginatively incorporates Victorian features, including a Pompeian-style painted vestibule and cupola. It is now the Scottish headquarters of the RCN, the world's largest professional organisation and trade union for nursing. There are exhibition displays, including the history of nursing and RCN Scotland's first headquarters at Heriot Row in the New Town. One discovery during refurbishment of the 1869 villa was original and intact decoration attributed to David Ramsay Hay, a leading reformer of interior design. �
This Victorian Mansion was designed in 1891 for Arthur Sanderson, the famous whisky distiller who had bought a large collection of fine arts. However, since 1925 it has been the Headquarters of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force.The interiors were finely decorated by William Scott Morton, with each room individually designed according to the art displayed a Grecian themed entrance hall, a Renaissance Dining Room, Drawing Room inspired by Robert Adam, and Louis XIII styled bedroom. Limited wheelchair access beyond 1st floor.� http://facebook.com/603sqn/
Rock House is known as the most important address in the world of photography as it was the home and studio of pioneering photographers Hill and Adamson from 1843 to 1847. The house dates from 1765 and features in JMW Turner's watercolour 'Edinburgh from Calton Hill'. Recently the house was refurbished and decorated by leading interior designers, Studio Reed and it's very beautiful.
This is a grade A listed building in the 'Arts and Crafts' style. The chapel is a memorial to Robin Tudsbery, killed in the last week of the Second World War. The stained glass windows, by Sadie McLellan (one of the Glasgow Girls), depict scenes from John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Carved furniture by Thomas Goode & Co is another important feature.� �
Riddle's Court is a picturesque A-listed merchant's house just steps away from Edinburgh's famous castle. The 1590s building houses unique features including exquisite painted ceilings, authentic working fireplaces and panelled rooms � all of which have been being painstakingly restored by skilled craftsmen. It is closely linked to the work of Patrick Geddes, environmentalist and �father of town planning�. The building has been restored and new, contemporary interventions added to transform the space into a state of the art venue. �
The Reid Concert Hall, built in 1859, is the original home of the Reid School of Music and retains a central role in the musical life of the University, hosting lectures, performances and concerts. The Museum of Instruments is the earliest surviving purpose-built musical museum in the world. It displays objects from the University’s collection including examples from the woodwind, brass, string and percussion families. www.ed.ac.uk
Registers of Scotland is the non-ministerial government department responsible for compiling and maintaining 18 public registers. These relate to land, property, and other legal documents. 2017 was a landmark year for ROS -� celebrated the 400th anniversary of the world's oldest national land register, the General Register of Sasines.
Registers of Scotland is the government department responsible for registers relating to property and other legal documents in Scotland. They maintain 17 public registers. The two main registers, the General Register of Sasines and the Land Register, are the official records of who owns what in Scotland. As the first country in the world to officially record property ownership, there is a long and important history. Explore the exhibition in the newlyrefurbished Meadowbank House to find out more. www.ros.gov.uk
Regent, Royal and Calton Terrace Gardens
One of the largest New Town gardens in private ownership, its main format remains relatively unchanged since its development by William Henry Playfair in 1830. The design consists of an upland lawn of seven acres planted with specimen trees. The flanking woodlands of five acres are planted with crocuses, daffodils and bluebells, providing a carpet of colour in the spring.
Redhall Walled Garden is an 18th century garden and summerhouse run by the Scottish Association for Mental Health. It is a working garden which provides a unique setting for a remarkable mental health service, nestled in the peaceful haven of Edinburgh?s Colinton Dell. Redhall supports people recovering from mental ill health through therapeutic horticulture. The beautiful setting provides an environment for learning skills, being active, spending time in nature and working alongside others.
Described by Ian Rankin as Edinburgh�s �hidden secret� the Union Canal lies in the heart of Edinburgh. Re-Union operate� a wide-beam canal boat as a social enterprise encouraging communities to engage positively with their canal. www.re-union.org.uk
This award winning transformation of a 1960s bungalow incorporates a Japanese sensibility towards space that blends inside and outside to provide a seamless transition between the house and its attractive gardens. The existing bungalow was opened up to form a new living space with exposed scissor trusses and views through the building from front to back. The house, designed by Konishi Gaffney Architects, has a strong environmental pedigree with external insulation, photovoltaic panels, a ground source heat pump and water recycling sanitary ware.
P Johnson & Co at Ratho Byres Forge, established over 40 years ago, is a family-run business designing and creating contemporary metalwork. The artist blacksmiths combine modern technology with traditional skills to create innovative ironwork. Many examples of commissioned works can be found in various locations around Edinburgh, as well as throughout Scotland. This is a unique opportunity to take a tour of a well equipped working forge and watch the ‘smiths at work. ACTIVITIES The forges will be lit and several blacksmiths will demonstrate the forging of mild steel using power and hand hammers at the anvil. Tours of the forge and how it operates. Displays of past and Refreshments will be available.
New Adventure Centre providing a home for a number of different sports, teams, athletes, their governing bodies and coaches. The unique configuration of a quarry in established deciduous woodland near Ratho Village provides a splendid natural setting for the Centre. The quarry forms a huge amphitheatre, 130 metres across and 20 metres deep and has an average cliff height of 18 metres. The architecture of the Adventure Centre is unique. A combination of stone, glass, rocks and wood that blends in with the surrounding environment. The Adventure Centre includes: the world's largest indoor climbing arena, the world's highest sky ride and an aerial adventure course. Gym and healthclub.�
An award-winning architect?s own two storey wheelchair accessible family home and studio on a tight urban site based around an unfolding 28m long ramp. It has resulted in a design that is both open plan and complex, with spaces connecting whilst still feeling separate and able to be used for different purposes. A restrained front fa?ade using stone and shingles contrasts with the copper clad playful forms of the garden fa?ade.
Raimes Clark & Co Head Office - Smiths Place House
This fine Palladian style Georgian Villa retains many original features including its exemplary entrance hall, cantilevered oval staircase, period fireplaces and Leith's oldest walled garden. Raimes Clark & Co Ltd, who trade as Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacies, recently celebrated their 200th anniversary and there will be a display of historical artefacts, photographs and papers including, what is probably, the oldest patent medicine in the world and the UK's most complete collection of old prescription ledgers. � �
Initial designs were made for 21 Rutland Square by Archibald Elliot in 1819 but the ground floor flat was actually completed in 1837 as part of a development by John Learmonth and his architect John Tait.� �
The Queensferry Parish Church was opened in 1894 during the reign of Queen Victoria. This historic church set on a picturesque hill features beautiful stained glass windows and a picture gallery.
The Museum tells the story of South Queensferry and its people, the ferry, the bridges, and the annual ritual of the Burry Man. Magnificent views (aided by binoculars and telescopes) of both Forth Bridges.
The Queen?s Nursing Institute Scotland celebrates its 130th anniversary by opening its office on Castle Terrace to the public for the first time. Designed by James Gowans and completed in 1870, the Institute acquired the property in 1889 as a training centre for Queen?s Nurses, funded by money raised for Queen Victoria?s Golden Jubilee. Today, the Institute promotes excellence in community nursing. Find out more about the building, the history of QNIS and our links to Sherlock Holmes.
A category A listed former church, originally designed by architect Robert Brown in 1822, which in 2014 is celebrating its 35th anniversary as a concert hall which now hosts approximately 200 events a year to over 100,000 people. www.thequeenshall.net
Original design by Andrew Wilson, a landscape artist who transformed the garden into a carefully composed layout, drawing inspiration from classical landscapes. Comparison of Wilson's original plan and contemporary plans reveal how little of the original structure has altered.
The Eastern Garden is 6.90 acres. In 1812 householders from Abercromby Place came together with a plan to purchase the ground that is now occupied by East Queen Street Gardens to create a pleasure garden for the benefit of the local community. The original design was by John Hay, a nursery man and landscape gardener. To this day, the gardens remain an urban parkland.
Queen Street Gardens Central and East Districts
Queen Street Gardens were established under a private Act of Parliament in 1822, intending to safeguard the open space along Queen Street as communal pleasure gardens. Today, proprietors and tenants of neighbouring properties are entitled to apply for a key and the levies received meet the cost of maintenance and upkeep. The Centre District of Queen Street Gardens was designed by Andrew Wilson, Landscape Painter, inspired by the classical landscapes of Claude Lorrain. The gardens feature a stone pavillion in the Greek Doric style that underwent conservation in 2014. It is 4.25 acres in size.
Edinburgh�s Quaker Meeting House was built as the Original Secession Church in 1865, part of the Victoria Street development. It has been in Quaker hands since 1989. It stands at the foot of Upper Bow, on Victoria Terrace, enjoying views of Victoria Street and across the city towards the Pentland Hills. The exterior is a fine example of Italian Revival style, and the Meeting House is well-used by local Quakers, the wider community and as a Fringe venue.�
Designed for Prospect Community Housing Association by Smith Scott Mullan Architects, 2001. The remit was for a light, airy, naturally ventilated and energy efficient office space that would balance openness with security, professionalism with informality and privacy with contact. Extensive use of glass throughout expresses confidence in the regeneration of Wester Hailes and provides a comfortable and spacious workplace.
Priory Church of St Mary of Mount Carmel
Originally a Carmelite Friary founded in 1330, the church fell into disrepair during the 16th century. It was restored for the use of the Episcopal church in 1890, the work being started by John Kinross. Later work was carried out in the 1960s by Ian Lindsay with extensive refurbishment in 2000, new floor (with underfloor heating), and a glass engraved screen to the side chapel. Features include the font cover designed by Lorimer, 14th century aumbry and Mass Dial on the outside south wall. It is now the only Medieval carmelite church still in use in the British Isles. www.priorychurch.com
Office block filling a long-empty site developed by Teesland and designed by Percy Johnson Marshall & Partners (2000). Grand curving entrance with double-height entrance hall faces Tollcross. Occupants include Turcan Connell, McGrigor Donald, 3Com Ltd, Watson Wyatt Partners and Ledingham Chalmers. (Turcan Connell, 5th Floor)
Priestfield Tennis and Sports Association (PTSA) Clubhouse
The Priestfield Tennis and Sports Association (PTSA) clubhouse is a traditional, wood panelled building built in the 1930s to serve as a clubhouse for the local, community tennis club.� It has a veranda looking out over five hard courts allowing members to rest and watch tennis on the newly surfaced courts.� The central hall is spacious and wood-lined with a small functional kitchen adjacent.� � � limited wheelchair access
The church building was opened for worship as Rosehall United Presbyterian Church in December 1880. It is of Italianate design by Sutherland and Walker and its twin towers form a landmark on the main Dalkeith Road. The building is category A listed. The stonework has recently been renewed, entrance area remodelled and the interior redecorated following grants by the Church of Scotland, Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund. It contains a very fine set of stained glass windows. www.priestfield.org.uk
Monumental waste handling plant, 1970, handling and processing nearly 500,000 tonnes of Edinburgh's refuse each year. The refuse is compacted into containers and despatched by rail to landfill at Dunbar. The stable block and offices of the original facility, 1893, by the City Engineer, now houses a visitors centre with an explanation of the process.�
A beautiful Victorian Swimming Baths that stands proudly on the Portobello Promenade. It has one of the only three remaining Turkish Baths within Scotland and although the venue was refurbished in 2002 it still retains many of its original features.�
Portobello Baptist Church is celebrating its centenary of using the building which was the first Portobello Town Hall (opened 1868) and was built on the site of Puerto Bello House which was the first dwelling in the area. The building was designed by David Bryce (who also designed Fettes College and the original Edinburgh Infirmary). The building was also used as a dance hall, a cinema and hosted soirees before becoming a church. The church hall was originally from the Devil’s Porridge site in Gretna where munitions were assembled during WW1. After the war, the huts were disassembled and sold.
Portobello and Joppa Parish Church was finished in 1877.� Designed by John Honeywell �after the style of 12th-century Gothic or Early English�, it is an excellent example of his work.� Its 165ft. spire, a distinguishing landmark in Portobello and Edinburgh, is visible for miles.� Renovation after a fire in 1998 has blended traditional features with wood, brass, striking colours and vibrant stained-glass windows.� The north and south windows, designed by Douglas Hogg and installed in 2002, have won a Saltire Art and Architecture Award.� � �
A splendid example of early 20th century architecture by Sydney Mitchell & Wilson 1901 showing pre-Reformation influences with stone carving of Mary and examples of 'the green man'. The marble chancel has one of the finest pulpits, sculpted by William & Beveridge 1903. The Ascension window is by Clayton & Bell and the pipe organ by Forster & Andrews 1903. Special features include an indoor labyrinth and outside Canalside & Church gardens. These offer places of calm and reflection. �
An Edinburgh police box with original interior fittings, commissioned in May 1933, as one of about a hundred produced to the 1929 design of City Architect Ebenezer James MacRae. The police boxes were designed to fulfil a modern, practical and technical function, whilst being styled to fit in with the city's existing architecture.
Designed as an extension to St Cuthbert’s Co-operative Association’s department store in 1937 by the architect TW Marwick (whose father designed the neighbouring building) the Modernist elevation was the first glass curtain-wall to be built in Scotland. The architect Andrew Doolan converted it to a conference centre in 2000, adding the Penthouse on the 5th floor which offers spectacular views of Edinburgh and the Castle. The conference centre has won numerous design awards.
Work on Robert Adam�s original design began in 1789 and paused at his death. It was completed by William Henry Playfair who combined the two courts into one great court and created the magnificent Playfair Library. The dome, added in 1887 to a design by Robert Rowand Anderson, is not open to the public. Other meeting rooms contain fine paintings, including a dozen by Raeburn. The landscaped quadrangle was made possible in 2011 thanks to a generous benefactor. Meet the (Dead) Authors �
Donaldson?s was designed by the eminent Edinburgh architect William Henry Playfair and was built between 1842-51. It was built as a Hospital for the instruction of children in accordance with the terms laid out in the will of James Donaldson.
This flamboyant French Gothic church of 1862 is dramatically sited on the corner of Leith Walk and Pilrig Street. It has a spectacular lofty interior filled with stained and painted glass by Daniel Cottier and a historic organ by Forster and Andrews.
Parliament House is steeped in history and architecture. Immediately enter the prestigious Parliament Hall for sight of the impressive stained glass Great window.
The oldest Christian site in Edinburgh, tradition has it that the church was founded by St Cuthbert 1,300 years ago. The original building no longer stands but in its place is a spectacular 18th century bell tower and 19th century church, designed by Scottish architect Hippolyte Blanc. Features of the church include the marble-lined Memorial Chapel; the beautiful alabaster carving of the Last Supper; the mural of Christ in Glory by Robert Hope; our Tiffany stained glass window; our impressive marble pulpit and font; and our spectacular painting of New Zealand?s Lake Tekapo by renowned Scottish artist, Adrian Wiszniewski.
Built in the early 19th century by The Erskine Trustees and Sir Patrick Walker, these original buildings are part of a development of townhouses forming a plain classical row, consistent with and complementary to the wider Walker Estate between Queensferry Street and St Mary�s Cathedral. Subsequent remodeling includes a Victorian shop front with original wrought iron detailing. Number 8 was the home of John Scott Russell, a Scottish engineer, naval architect and ship builder who lead an interesting and varied career, including collaborations with Isambard Kingdom Brunel to build the Great Eastern. �
Built in 1691, Panmure House is the final remaining home of economist and philosopher Adam Smith, who occupied the House from 1778 until his death there in 1790. During his tenancy, Smith completed the final editions of his magnum opus The Wealth of Nations, and regularly hosted key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment. Rescued and restored by Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, it is now a new centre for global economic and social debate, not normally accessible to the public.
Constructed in the early 1870s when Edinburgh architects Peddie & Kinnear may have sought inspiration for the facade from the Parisian church of Saint-Sulpice. This B-listed church has a surprisingly lofty and beautiful amphitheatre interior, with Peterhead marble columns supporting arches around a clerestory window. The organ was added in 1992 inside the original casing dating from 1902.
Bought by Out of the Blue Arts & Education Trust in 2003, The Drill Hall is being transformed into a multi-disciplinary arts centre with already 40 individuals and organisations active in Edinburgh's creative industries, rising to 80 when fully converted. The Drill Hall is a key catalyst in the area's cultural regeneration. The Drill Hall was built as a two storey seven-bay symmetrical classical military hall. Office building to street with polished sandstone ashlar facade. Centre bay is slightly advanced arch with keystone, frieze above inscription "7th B. The Royal Scots" Segmental pediment over eaves with matching bracketed comice, carved coat-of-arms and date 1901 in tympanum. Carved Roman military motifs at 1st floor. 3-bay with single ground floor window flanked by slit windows. 15-panel timber sash and case windows. Two-leaf doors to centre archway. Green-grey slate piended roof.˜ On Friday 22˜ May 1915 a south-bound troop train crashed into another stationary train near Gretna and was then hit by a north-bound express train coming the other way. 227 passengers died including 224 men of the 7th Battalion Royal Scots, all locally recruited soldiers. Relatives of the men congregated outside the Drill Hall seeking news and eventually a list of the dead was read from a window. The bodies were transported from Gretna to Leith Central Station and were taken to the Hall, which was functioning as a temporary mortuary. The soldiers were laid to rest in Rosebank Cemetery, Pilrig.˜
Oriam - Scotland's Sports Performance Centre
The concept of Oriam, Scotland?s Sports Performance Centre, was developed as a result of findings reported in the McLeish report into Scottish Football. The aim of Oriam is to provide our top sportsmen and women with the facilities, access and support services pivotal for successful performance on the international stage. While the roots of investment into creating Oriam was driven by performance sport, the organisation is focussed on three key pillars; performance, student & community. Oriam is committed to contributing to the health of the nation through both enabling access to facilities and provision of programmes and services targeted at a range of different user groups. Oriam is open to all regardless of age, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Old Saint Paul�s is an inclusive and welcoming church, just off the Royal Mile. Founded in 1689, it is the original Episcopal church of the city, and was once a Jacobite stronghold. The present 19th century building contains much of interest, such as the ironwork cross which once stood by the gallows, the last thing seen by condemned Jacobites; the WWI Memorial Chapel naming 150 men and 1 woman who died; and Alison Watt�s award-winning painting �Still�.��
An iconic 18th century Gothic style building designed by the architect James Craig in 1776. It has been restored by the Vivat Trust and is now a self catering property.�
Originally a private house for Mary, Countess of Home, dating back to 1618, Old Moray House has undergone several changes of use including offices for the British Linen Company, a tea and paper warehouse and a school. It is now occupied by the Moray House School of Education. The Balcony Room and Cromwell Room are of historical interest, notable for their ornate vaulted ceilings and 18th century panelling. The Newington Collection of paintings includes fine examples of the work of the Scottish Colourists.
Old College sits at the heart of the University of Edinburgh. Work on Robert Adam?s original design began in 1789 and was completed by William Henry Playfair who created the magnificent Playfair Library. The dome, added in 1887, bears a 6ft foot high gilded bronze statue of a youth bearing ?the torch of knowledge? and is affectionately nicknamed the ?Golden Boy.? The meeting rooms and main staircase contain many fine paintings, including a dozen by Henry Raeburn.
The New Observatory was built to the plan of WH Playfair between 1818 and 1822 to be a Scientific Observatory and is the earliest of Playfair�s many Edinburgh masterpieces. Modeled on the Temple of the Four Winds in Athens, it blends with the nearby Classical Architecture. The building was the Royal Observatory throughout the 18th century and some of the original instruments and time pieces can still be viewed in their historic setting.
Calton Old Burial Ground is one of the �famous five� historic graveyards in the heart of Edinburgh World Heritage Site and was opened in 1718 by the Trades of Calton. The site is situated on a spectacular slope, enjoying superb views of the city. Calton Old contains many magnificent monuments dating from 18th and 19th centuries commemorating eminent figures from the history of Edinburgh and Scotland. Highlights include: the mausoleum to David Hume; the Scottish-American Soldiers Monument, erected in 1893 to the Scottish Soldiers who died in the American Civil War and the only such memorial outside the US; and the imposing obelisk of the Martyr�s Monument put up in 1844 to commemorate the political martyrs who were deported to Botany Bay in 1793. Five historic graveyards in the heart of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site were included in the World Monuments Fund 2010 Watch List. Old and New Calton, Greyfriars, Canongate and St Cuthbert�s graveyards are recognised as exceptional burial sites. It is intended that a graveyards trust be established.�
Oakvale is a typical large Edinburgh Victorian villa built sometime in the 1870's. Originally intended to be a cathedral, the building has been used as a private residence, a convent and now a funeral home. It is the head office of William Purves, Scotland's largest group of independent funeral directors.� Oakvale has magnificent reception rooms with ornate plasterwork, woodwork and fireplaces, as well as an original grand staircase and stained glass windows.
Formerly an annexe to Leith Academy, Norton Park School has been adapted to form much needed office accommodation for local, mainly social welfare charities. The huge, high spaces of the school have been divided horizontally by new partitions and vertically by mezzanines to create spaces for modern office working (1997, Burnett Pollock Associates, Architects) incorporating innovative environmental and sustainable features.
84 George Street has been the offices of the Commissioners of Northern Lights since 1832.˜ Built in 1786 as part of James Craig?s New Town development, the original fa?ade is almost unchanged since its construction.˜ Acquiring No. 82 in the late 1960?s both buildings were renovated and developed into a single office, which included a workshop and engineering facility within the basement.˜ The basement underwent a complete refurbishment in 2016/17 and is now a conference and meeting space for NLB. ˜
The architecturally designed award-winning garden landscape at North Edinburgh Arts was created during 2014 on former brownfield land adjacent to the principal Arts Centre Building. From a design perspective, it has been recognised for excellence via awards from the Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum, Scottish Civic Trust and Place Making UK. The garden is a multi-themed greenspace focusing on providing access to artistic expression, community play-space and horticultural growing, with a primary focus on sustainable communities, cultural interpretation and environmental awareness. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS The area within which North Edinburgh Arts is located has a diverse and fascinating cultural heritage, reflecting its place as an interface between the Edinburgh Waterfront and the City. We work with a range of local history groups and community members to interpret local heritage in all its forms, taken from the areas important industrial and social history that forms an integrated context within a broad global influence. ACTIVITIES Guided tours of the garden and the opportunity to visit the North Edinburgh Arts Building. Children’s play activities Refreshments available from the café. https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/about-neg/
A publicly accessible green lung in an urban setting, this 14 acre cemetery dating from 1846 is a peaceful haven and wildlife sanctuary supporting biodiversity, in the care of City of Edinburgh Council. Architect David Cousin followed 19th century “garden cemetery movement” principles in its layout, also designing the Victorian Gothic entrance lodge and the Romanesque catacombs. Friends of Newington Cemetery will be on hand to point out features of interest, including links to graves of folk with global connections. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS There are a number of graves of notable and less well-known local people whose work and life had a global reach. www.newington-cemetery.org.uk
A publicly accessible green lung in an urban setting, this 14 acre cemetery dating from 1846 is a peaceful haven and wildlife sanctuary supporting biodiversity, in the care of City of Edinburgh Council. Architect David Cousin followed 19th century ?garden cemetery movement? principles in its layout, also designing the Victorian Gothic entrance lodge and the Romanesque catacombs. Friends of Newington Cemetery will be on hand to point out features of interest, including links to graves of folk with global connections.
In 1879 Newhaven Station was opened along with other stations built for passengers between North Leith and the Caledonian Station on Princess Street. The railway line closed, with the final train leaving the station on the 28th April 1962. Newhaven is the only survivor of the five Caledonian Railway Stations on the Leith Branch Line. The front façade and the internal conversion work is complete and may be of interest to those who have visited before. The old station now offers desk space to rent.
New Register House is one of Scotland’s most important buildings where National Records of Scotland provides some of its public services. It was designed by Robert Matheson as the home of civil registration in Scotland and opened in 1861. Its centrepiece is the Dome, a large and striking circular chamber, over 27m (90 feet) high, which consists of five tiers of ironwork shelving and galleries. It’s of considerable interest as a piece of 19th century functional architecture and structural engineering. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS National Records of Scotland preserves the primary records for understanding all aspects of Scotland’s history, its people, government, economy and society. These records can inspire and engage communities across Scotland and the world, as their own heritage is revealed. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: 30-minute tours of New Register House and Archivists’ Garden, 10:30 – 15:30. Advance booking is essential, informing us of any special access requirements on tour routes. Email: customerservices@scotlandspeople.gov.uk or Telephone: 0131 314 4300 (Mon – Fri 09:00 – 12:00) https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/visit-us/events-talks-and-visits Please note, that only the tours must be booked in advance: visitors are welcome to drop in on the day to New Register House and engage with other activities available and NRS staff. https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/visit-us/events-talks-and-visits Visitors are advised that the tours will entail a degree of walking and climbing stairs and are recommended to wear suitable footwear
Temporary exhibition chronicling the evolving design for the new building for the Scottish Parliament going up across Holyrood Road. Using a variety of media, including architectural models, plans and computer images, you can view the design of the building that will be the permanent home of the Scottish Parliament.�
2017 is the 200th anniversary of the opening of New Calton Burial Ground. Join the Friends for a tour of this historic graveyard, a secret treasure within the World Heritage Site. Hear about its controversial creation before it became the City's most beautiful burial landscape. We will introduce you to some of the citizens who shaped Edinburgh's New Town, as well as unsung heroes and eccentric figures from the rich tapestry of Edinburgh life during Victorian times.
The grand houses of the south side of Charlotte Square were built by Robert Reid to Robert Adam's design of 1791, though without the sphinxes. Nos 26-31 have been restored and converted to provide new headquarters for the National Trust for Scotland (Simpson & Brown Architects, 1997).�
Go behind the scenes on a tour of our state-of-the-art collections research centre in Edinburgh. On this guided tour you'll see how we access, research and prepare collections not on display, meeting specialists from our curatorial and collections care teams to learn more about how we look after our internationally important collections.�
National Museums Collection Centre - SOLD OUT
Sadly, this event is now sold out, but the good news is that there are plenty of other venues to visit!
Purpose-built headquarters for the RCAHMS converted from a former warehouse by J & F Johnson Architects, opened in 1992. Open plan reading room houses archives of the National Monuments Record of Scotland. Items from the collection of drawings, photographs and documents on the architecture and archaeology of Scotland will be on display.
National Library of Scotland (Causewayside)
The National Library of Scotland?s Causewayside Building is an iconic piece of modern architecture, which has recently undergone major renovations. The range of activities it houses include: acquisitions, cataloguing, conservation, digitisation, map consultation and storage.
The National Library of Scotland is Scotland?s largest library. Take this opportunity to learn more about the collections and the history of its impressive building. See behind the scenes, including a visit to ?The Void, a rarely seen area beneath George IV Bridge. Along with our main exhibition about Scotland?s role in the Enlightenment, there will also be special displays on Doors Open Day about the history, architecture, and opening of the National Library building in 1956. Booking opens 2nd September via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/doors-open-day-2019-at-the-national-library-of-scotland-tickets-69706041647
National Galleries of Scotland - Granton Art Centre
In addition to artworks displayed at the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the National Galleries of Scotland stores over 5,000 artworks in the Granton Art Centre. This Centre is Scotland?s first purpose-built art store, providing 1,300 square-metres of secure, climate-controlled storage space. During Doors Open Day 2019, the Centre will be open for behind-the-scenes tours including a short presentation on recent developments, an overview of how the Centre is currently used, and an insight into future plans. Guided tours: (booking opens 2nd September) 10:00 – 11:15 11:30 – 12:45 13:15 – 14:30 14:45 – 16:00. These 4 tours are ticketed and tickets must be booked in advance via https://www.nationalgalleries.org/whats-on or contact the Information Desk, Scottish National Gallery on +44 (0)131 624 6200. Please note booking in person is not possible at Granton Art Centre. Free street parking and disabled parking by prior arrangement.
National Archives of Scotland: West Register House
Originally St George's Church, the design by Robert Adam was modified by Robert Reid in 1811. The church with its elegant dome and gilded lantern magnificently closes the vista of George Street. Converted in 1964 for use by the Scottish Record Office (now National Archives of Scotland). The entrance hall only will be open.
Napier University: Jack Kilby Computing Centre
Designed by Richard Murphy Architects, 2001. The impact of hundreds of computer terminals is lessened by the division of the hall into discrete sections, with varying levels. Dramatic use of light from the roof and sides gives a sense of warmth not usually associated with high technology. This is a quiet working area; visitors should respect the silence. Information available in the foyer. Numbers inside limited at any one time, be prepared to queue.
The Craiglockhart campus will re-open in September 2004 and will be home to our Business School - one of our four faculties - great care has been taken to integrate the new modern development with the sites existing 19C buildings.
The new campus is Scotland’s newest hub for health, science and sports education and hosts the Faculty of Health, Life and Social Sciences. The state of art Edinburgh Napier University building, designed by architects RMJM, was built by Balfour Beatty Construction on an existing campus in Sighthill. At its core is the eight storey lock which was retained from the old university buildings, while further buildings were developed and integrated around it. The new campus is a beacon of sustainability and has already been awarded a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating. (BREEAM is the world’s foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings). The new campus offers a wide range of top class facilities.
Fire Service Headquarters was opened on the 7th June 1900 and was an operational fire station until 1986. It continues to be the administrative and command centre for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. It is also the home of the Museum of Fire. Housing the last remaining Halley fire appliance in the world. The Halley which served in Leith is unique and along with other appliances on display, which include James Braidwood's High Street appliance, forms a progressive display covering the development of the fire engine. The building also houses a mock-up of an Edinburgh close which allows the visitor to experience the conditions during the great fire of Edinburgh.
Foundation stone laid September 1963 and opened June 1965, the building was designed by Howard Taylor (Church of Scotland Home Board) and represents the best of ‘60s concrete architecture: light, open, inclusive. The sculptures above the entrance represent the four evangelists and the Holy Spirit. It has a lozenge shaped worship space, with raised central dias, a floating roof representing a bird watching over its brood and furnished with Whytock & Reid chancel furniture, Scots designed stained ‘glass’. Vertical structural girder exposed as part of major ‘cross’ piece – in the church and in the world. Building not likely to remain in this present form after church union sometime after 2013.
MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine
The MRC IGMM includes 3 Research Centres: the CRUK Edinburgh Cancer Centre; the MRC Human Genetics Unit & the Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine (CGEM) Our University of Edinburgh Institute brings together over 600 scientists, including 200 students, in a single, scientific endeavour. Visit the IGMM building to discover how it was designed to physically and intellectually link the three research centres within the Institute, encouraging exciting multi-disciplinary collaborations in biomedical research.
Two new private mews houses on infill site in mews. The principal living spaces are arranged on split levels under a top lit pitched roof, with bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and garages lying on the levels below. The building presents an entrance frontage in stone on Merchiston Mews and a rendered frontage to Dorset Place. No Disabled access to interior
Mortonhall Crematorium is set in a mature woodland setting and opened in February 1967. It is one of Edinburgh’s best examples of post-war architecture designed by the architectural practice of Sir Basil Spence, Glover and Ferguson in an Expressionist style and category A listed.
Part of Quartermile, an exciting city centre development by Gladedale, and built on the site of the former Edinburgh Royal Informary, the offices of leading law firm Morton Fraser offer a unique working environment with panoramic views from the client suite to the south and west of the city.
Morningside Cemetery was opened in 1878 by the Metropolitan Cemetery Company and bought by the City of Edinburgh in 1992. It is still a working cemetery and, despite the loss of some ground to development, retains typical features of a late Victorian cemetery. Amongst those buried there are Robert Louis Stevenson?s nurse, a number of female medical and nursing pioneers, a Nobel Prize winner, a Hungarian patriot, and several artists. There are over 80 Commonwealth War Graves.
Unusual surviving example of a system-built school of prefabricated panels on a metal frame. Art Deco in style with a horizontal emphasis, wide windows and a pretty clock tower. The future of the building is uncertain.
Purpose-built Nursery School designed on Montessori principles by Frank Wood in 1932. Converted to School Reception and Moray House College Archive, 1999 by Lewis and Hickey djp. It has retained many of its original features. Exhibition of the history of the College and material from its Archive. http://www.education@ed.ac.uk
15C home of "Marvellous Merchiston", the mathematician and thinker John Napier, inventor of logarithms. Superb painted and plaster ceilings including one from Prestongrange which was inserted when the tower was restored. The Napier University buildings (not open) were added in 1961 by Alison and Hutchison.
The school site contains the Georgian building, Colinton House, as well as the ruins of Colinton Castle which date from the 16th century.
The Merchants� Hall was built in the C19th to reflect values associated with Scotland�s capital city: integrity, acumen and accomplishment.� Situated in the heart of the city it is one of Scotland�s most discreet treasures where the best of art and architecture have combined to create a building of grace and distinction. The Merchant Company of Edinburgh has three independent schools full of pupils and runs an initiative award for secondary pupils.
Parts of the shaft date back to the 15C, but the present Cross is largely a 1885 reconstruction by Sydney Mitchell, based on drawings and engravings of the original. The earlier Mercat Cross was removed in 1756 as a traffic obstacle: its site is marked in the pavement, just a few metres from its present location. The Cross is embellished with the Scottish Royal Coat of Arms and the arms of Edinburgh, the Burgh of the Canongate, Leith, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, all in true heraldic tinctures. Public proclamations are made from the gallery three days after proclamation in London (that being the time a horseman takes to travel between the two capitals).
The Meadows Croquet Club is the home of the National Croquet Centre. Croquet has been played in Scotland since the second half of the nineteenth century. Some of the trophies from the early days are still competed for and will be on display.
McNeil House is a recently completed home for the McNeil Trust, a charity formed under the auspice of the Christian Science Church. This is a six bedroom, 4,500 square foot house which nestles into the hillside of the previously unused garden plot belonging to the Trust. It has been designed in an intentionally contemporary design style by Lorn Macneal Architects with an inverted floor plan arrangement. This ensures the principal rooms with balconies can optimise the southern aspects over the Pentland Hills, with all bedrooms having direct access into the courtyard garden below. It embraces renewable technologies including ground source heat pumps.
Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church of Scotland
In the early 1870's the architect Hippolyte Blanc (1844-1917) won a competition to design the Church and Hall and came up with a Gothic style described as a 'little Cathedral'. The sanctuary has a fine set of stained-glass windows ranging from high Victorian to William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Our participation in Doors Open Day is an extension of our 5 Minutes’ Peace initiative opening the sanctuary twice weekly to all as a haven of peace and beauty. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS The Chinese Church of Edinburgh hold their services at Mayfield Salisbury each week ACTIVITIES Organ recital by Kate Pearson, the Mayfield Salisbury Church organist at 1pm. A performance of choral music by the Chamber Group of the Church Choir at 3pm. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. www.mayfieldsalisbury.org
Tour through impressive subterranean city streets by guides in period costume. Fascinating insight into urban life in times past.