Candlemakers' haunt could lighten load

TWO tenement buildings that gave the historic Old Town street of Candlemaker Row its name are to be sold off by city council chiefs.

The buildings, which were built in 1722 to provide a living and working base for the city's candlemakers, have fallen into disrepair and been put up for sale.

The A-listed tenements, which back on to Greyfriars Kirkyard, have been lying largely unused for several years and are being sold as part of the city council's attempts to raise extra revenue as it faces up to cuts in its funding.

Property experts expect the buildings, at 36-40 Candlemaker Row, to interest developers looking to create flats or serviced apartments, although council officials also say office use or meeting rooms may be possible, subject to planning.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "This A-listed tenement possesses great character and presents an exceptional development opportunity right in the heart of Edinburgh's historic old town.

"Its sale forms part of the council's asset rationalisation programme and will generate a much-needed capital receipt for the city.

"Naturally, going forward, the council will insist that any development be sensitive to the building's considerable heritage."

An asking price has not been set, but it is expected a significant sum could be raised because of its prominent location close to tourist attractions and one of the main hubs of festival activity.

Meeting rooms within the property are still inscribed with the names of previous Deacons of the Incorporation of Candlemakers, which continued as a guild until 1884.

The candlemakers were forced to move to the Bristo Port area in 1722 after a fire started in a candle workshop in Forresters Wynd, off the Cowgate, led to the death of the Deacon of the Bonnet Makers Guild. The whole trade was banished from the crowded closes to the area, which at that time was much more open.

A worn inscription still exists within the building containing the candlemakers' arms, which stated "Omnia manifesta luce" - or "Everything clearly seen".

The building at number 40, known as Henry's Land, has been used as a payroll office for St Giles' Cathedral, and also contains a one-bedroom flat.

Charles Guest, a partner at property firm Ryden, said: "With the current tourist activity in the city, I would have thought serviced apartments would be a good front-runner, or possibly flats.

"I cannot see them being offices because of the age of the building. I've been involved in old buildings in the past that have been converted to offices and you get all kinds of problems getting things like photocopiers up the stairs."There are also a lot of offices on the market.

"It is right in the heart of a tourism area, with Greyfriars churchyard, Greyfriars Bobby bar and the museum reopening on Chambers Street so I am sure there will be a lot of interest."