Playfair Steps in Edinburgh city centre reopen after four-year closure

The Playfair Steps have been closed for four years for health and safety reasons, but have now reopened

A flight of steps in Edinburgh’s city centre have reopened after a four-year closure in time for next month’s busy Edinburgh festivals programme.

The Playfair Steps run from Market Street to Princes Street Gardens.

Named in honour of the architect William Henry Playfair, the steps – first built in 1828 – had been shut for health and safety reasons linked to works carried out at the adjacent National Gallery building.

The Playfair Steps, which have now reopened after a four-year closure

However, the steps have returned to use as of this month, and will open and close daily in line with the opening hours for Princes Street Gardens.

The new galleries at Scotland’s revamped flagship arts gallery will open on September 30, with the final costs of the project confirmed as £38.62 million.

The opening of the galleries is taking place five years’ later than originally planned.

Edinburgh City Council culture and communities convener, Councillor Val Walker, said: “We are delighted that the Playfair Steps have reopened for residents and visitors' use. The steps remained closed whilst construction work was underway at the neighbouring National Galleries of Scotland. During this time we were able to undertake repairs to the steps and pathways and give them a deep clean.

“I very much look forward to visiting the ten new rooms at the Galleries when they open in September and enjoying the key works that will tell the fascinating story of Scottish art.

“This has been a highly complex construction project and I’m delighted it is now complete. Throughout, we worked with the Galleries to facilitate their redevelopment and the result promises to be of huge benefit to residents and visitors to the capital.”