Break with the past as snooker hall goes on sale

A HISTORIC building that became a snooker club for Edinburgh's army of Home Guards has been put up for sale.

When the B Company 3rd Battalion of the City of Edinburgh Home Guards was honourably stood down at the close of the Second World War its former members didn't want their friendships to end.

So having spent the past four years guarding the city from potential invasion, they vowed to meet regularly so "the art of living in peace could be discussed in a friendly atmosphere".

Founder members of the Fairmilehead-based "Dad's Army" secured the purchase of a derelict stable block built in 1815 as part of former Lord Provost Sir James Forrest of Comiston's stately home.

Using the building initially as a social club, it later became the Fairmilehead Home Guard Snooker Club, offering members everything from alcoholic drinks to light meals.

However, dwindling membership in recent years has forced the once bustling snooker club to close.

Now the property has been offered for sale with full planning consent that will allow it to be transformed into a three or four-bedroom detached home with courtyard.

Hamish Robertson, 63, a bestselling author and one of just over 20 remaining members of the club, said that it would be sorely missed by its members.

He said: "This building has a wonderful history but it is time for its next chapter to begin.

"When I joined the club in the 1970s there were still quite a few original Home Guards who came along to play snooker with their friends.

"The club used to be so busy that there was a long waiting list to join, you had to queue to get on a table, and you often needed to team up and play doubles to have any hope of getting a game. But sadly over the years membership numbers started to fall.

"Now there are no original members from 1944 left, the club is no longer attracting new members and the cost of keeping it going has become too great.

"So the remaining members of the club have made the decision that it is time to allow the building to be sold for redevelopment."

The former stables building, located close to the Pentland Hills, is nestled in woodland surrounding the original Comiston House, which has been converted into apartments. Included in the sale is a circular tower dovecot, believed to be from part of the original Comiston House, and dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century.

Both buildings have been given B-listed status by Historic Scotland.

The proceeds of the sale will be used to meet legal and surveyors' fees, with the remaining amount being shared between 22 members of the club.

Selling agents Montague Evans say full planning permission and building warrants have been acquired for the site, which has an asking price of offers over 200,000.