Riddle’s legacy

I was delighted to read reports that Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh, once the home of Scottish philosopher David Hume, is set to undergo a £6 million refurbishment (your report, 28 October).

Riddle’s Court is widely renowned as Hume’s first Edinburgh dwelling. Hume took up residence in 1751, not long after its namesake George Riddle had reconstructed parts of the building in 1726.

First constructed in 1590, the building even played host to an official royal banquet as the venue for the 1598 wedding reception of King James VI and Queen Anne of Denmark.

The famous urban planner Patrick Geddes held his first summer school there in 1887.

Following its success, architects S Henbest Capper and George Shaw Aitken reconstructed the Court for Patrick Geddes as a University Hall in 1892.

Latterly owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, Riddle’s Court has continued its role as an educational establishment right up to the present day, 
acting as the Scottish home of the Workers’ Educational Association. It is widely regarded as an architectural gem, and I look forward to seeing this historic building restored to its full glory and continuing to fulfil its historic legacy for generations to come.

Jim Tough

The Saltire Society

High Street

Edinburgh