School vision to become a reality

The 18th-century Liberton Bank House will be a permanent home for Dunedin School, which is currently housed in a nearby Scout hall.

A GP practice will be built in the derelict gardens of the building next to the Cameron Toll Shopping Centre. The Sherlock Holmes creator lived in the house for four years during the 1860s, from the age of five.

The project is a joint venture between the Cockburn Conservation Trust, which will manage the restoration of the building, and the special school.

The Heritage Lottery Fund, which announced the cash injection to the 420,000 project today, said the house was in danger of being lost completely.

The remainder of the funding is largely in place, thanks to various charitable donations, but the project hinged on the HLF grant being secured.

Colin McLean, the HLF's manager for Scotland, said: "I'm always heartened when new uses can be found for Scotland's historic buildings.

"Liberton Bank House gives the local community a sense of place, of history and of identity.

"This project shows the relevance of heritage in today's society. Children, young people, adults, and community groups will all benefit by being involved in the restoration of Liberton Bank House, whether it's by having new premises, learning new skills or just having fun."

Laura Norris, of the Cockburn Conservation Trust, said: "We're absolutely delighted to get this award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was absolutely essential to the project and proves how important it is."

The Evening News recently revealed that a literary garden was planned for the run-down grounds of the house, where special writers' events and poetry evenings will be hosted.

The home in which Conan Doyle was born near the top of Leith Walk has long been demolished, although a statue of Sherlock Holmes now stands near the site in Picardy Place. His second family home in Portobello has also been razed to the ground.