Riddle’s Court, Edinburgh (Old Town)

Breathing new life and learning to one of the most historic and architecturally significant buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

The Project

Riddle’s Court is a highly significant building in the development of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It is an A-listed building, one of the finest surviving burghal residences on the Royal Mile dating from the late 16th Century and is located close to Edinburgh Castle.

The building contains highly significant interiors representing different phases of development and fashions including a painted tempera ceiling from the 1590s, decorative plaster ceilings from the 17th Century, 18th Century panelling and a painted ceiling by Thomas Bonnar in 1895. Riddle’s Court also has significant historic and social associations and was a venue for a banquet hosted by King James VI and his Queen in 1598.

In the late 19th Century the site was chosen by Patrick Geddes to develop as a University Halls, a key early project in his mission for social betterment, and to test his theories for the cultural renewal of cities, at a time when the Old Town was in serious decline. Since this time the building has predominantly been retained in educational and social use.

Riddle’s Court represents a significant architectural and social record for this part of Edinburgh’s Old Town reflecting the fluctuating prominence of this part of the city over a period of 400 years; this is well reflected in the phases of change and development of the physical fabric, at the core of which is still a late 16th Century merchant’s house.

The building, currently in the ownership of City of Edinburgh Council, has been underused for a number of years, largely due to the limited accessibility of the building; and the need for substantial capital investment to undertake essential repairs. The cost of undertaking essential and urgent repair works alone is £1.5 million.

The Options Appraisal identified a viable capital project to be taken forward with a long term sustainable future. This will involve the repair and conservation of the building to create a thriving Learning and Conservation Centre within the heart of the City of Edinburgh. This will be available to a wide cross-section of society ranging from those in need of adult learning assistance and support, to international academics and individuals seeking to develop programmes relating to Geddes and his educational philosophies. It will also provide an important venue for community, arts and cultural groups within Edinburgh and an important resource hub for a range of organisations operating within Edinburgh serving the community, in forming new learning programmes and outreach activities.

The project will involve extensive repairs to the building, improving accessibility by introducing a lift and creating, where possible and appropriate, level access to public areas. Riddle’s Court will once again be accessible to the public and available for use for a wide range of activities.