Restoration of 300-year-old Lamb's House is on the cards

Published on Monday 11 February 2008 09:24

IT'S more than 300 years old and stands where Mary Queen of Scots made her dramatic return to Scotland from France in 1561.

Now the grade A-listed Lamb's House, on The Shore in Leith, could be restored to its former glory under plans that will also reopen a nearby medieval close.

The mid-17th century building, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, is in need of major renovation and repair.

Developers have submitted plans to the city council that would see new life breathed into it, turning the building into housing and office space.

The firm behind the plans, the arms-length council company the EDI Group, is also seeking approval for a new building set at a right angle to Lamb's House.

The National Trust for Scotland's David McAllister said: "These plans will bring this much-loved building back into everyday use.

"As owner, sponsor and joint applicant, the trust is fully supportive of the proposal, including the new builds that will enhance the setting and improve understanding of Lamb's House."

The plans take into account feedback from a public consultation exercise held last year and aim to further the long-term regeneration of the area.

The project will see Lamb's House restored with nine residential units, a small office suite and on-site car parking. The adjacent Waters Close, which has been closed since the 1960s, will be reopened if the plans get the go-ahead.

Jim Tweedie, chairman of Leith Local History Society, said: "As a history society we are more than happy that the exterior of the building is being retained in its present form.

"It would have been a tragedy if a building of this significance had been demolished. It is also encouraging to know the developers are now reopening Waters Close and that the gardens at the front are being retained for public access.

"While we would have loved to have Lamb's House as a site for a museum for Leith, we appreciate that this was not a viable proposition and fully support the National Trust's plans for this building."

Lamb's House stands on the site of a building where Mary Queen of Scots is said to have spent time following her return to Scotland in 1561.

Mary had left France for her homeland following the death of her French husband, King Francis II, the following year.

Plans for Lamb's House will see period details, such as fireplaces, "joisted" ceilings and ceiling panels conserved.

A landscaped public courtyard and panels charting the history of the building are also part of the proposals.

John Mark Di Ciacca, EDI's director of development, said: "EDI wants to see historic Edinburgh sites being enjoyed by the public and conserved for future generations.

"Lamb's House is an iconic, grade-A listed building of national importance. This refurbishment will see it lovingly restored, brought back into its original use as a residential property and contribute to the continuing redevelopment of Leith."

&#149 National Trust for Scotland