Governor’s: All that’s executed here these days is government policy

IT IS the ultimate flat above the shop. Yesterday afternoon, Governor’s House looked empty, with a few cars parked outside and its huge public rooms given over to some office furniture.

But the huge castellated mansion, which soars precariously above the rail lines of Waverley station, looks set to have a distinctly more high-profile future.

Constructed between 1815 and 1817, Governor’s House was built by architect Archibald Elliot, also responsible for St Paul’s and St George’s Church and the Regent Bridge in Edinburgh, as the residence of the governor of Calton Jail, then Scotland’s largest prison.

The jail complex stayed there for well over 100 years, becoming well-known as a setting for the execution of prisoners and prompting many to wonder why such a prominent site had been given over to such a lowly purpose. Finally, in 1930, the prison was demolished, its inmates moved to Saughton, and in place of the old jail rose St Andrew’s House, the famous art-deco building, now home to the Scottish Government.

However, while the jail went, the Governor’s House remained, and was subsumed within the government complex. It is known for the circular rooms which face out on to Waverley station, affording some of the best views of the city.

Alex Salmond appears certain to make the move above the shop. Instead of fighting his way across town to get to the office, he will simply be able to enjoy a minute’s walk down the steep single-track road which links Governor’s House to Regent Road and the government offices. Or, perhaps, get them to walk up to him.