12 iconic Edinburgh buildings that have found a new lease of life
Compared to many other UK cities, Edinburgh is a city that places great value on its built heritage, with regeneration often favoured over destruction.
By David McLean
Published 17th Feb 2021, 15:14 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2021, 15:17 BST
Architectural conservation is treated as a priority in Scotland’s capital, and, where possible, planners work hard to ensure that new custodians of old buildings are made to retain their best features.
We take a look at a dozen iconic landmarks around Edinburgh that have found a new lease of life.
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Formerly the Tolbooth Kirk, this striking building was built in the 1840s and was originally served as a meeting hall for the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Today it's known as the Hub, and is used as a ticket office, information centre and performance venue during the Edinburgh Festival. Photo: Greg Macvean
Currently under construction, hence the use of this artist's impression is a new luxury housing development at the former State Cinema in Leith. The 83-year-old building's auditorium has been demolished, but the iconic art deco frontage is being restored. Photo: Contributed
When the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary was vacated in 2003 and hospital services relocated to a new site at Little France, there were fears over what would become of the original 19th century buildings. Thankfully, their best features have been retained as part of the luxury Quartermile housing development. Photo: Lisa Ferguson
One of the most recent examples of an Edinburgh landmark that has found an exciting new use, the former Frasers department store at the West End is currently in the process of being transformed into a world-class whisky tourism hub by Johnnie Walker. Photo: Lisa Ferguson