11 iconic Edinburgh landmark buildings that were given a new lease of life - in pictures

By Gary Flockhart

Published 18th Aug 2024, 04:55 BST

Edinburgh is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities on the planet – and big reason for that is our stunning buildings.

And while many other UK cities seem to favour destruction over regeneration, thankfully, architectural conservation is treated as a priority in Scotland’s capital city.

We've trawled through the photo archives to bring you 11 iconic landmarks around Auld Reekie that have found a new lease of life.

Take a look through our gallery to see 11 iconic Edinburgh buildings given a new lease of life.

1. Edinburgh buildings given a new lease of life

Take a look through our gallery to see 11 iconic Edinburgh buildings given a new lease of life. Photo: Third Party

This huge former warehouse at Market Street once housed the fruit and vegetables arriving in by train from Waverley Station. In 1980 the building was transformed into the City Art Centre and has been exhibiting the best in Scottish and international art ever since.

2. City Art Centre

This huge former warehouse at Market Street once housed the fruit and vegetables arriving in by train from Waverley Station. In 1980 the building was transformed into the City Art Centre and has been exhibiting the best in Scottish and international art ever since. Photo: Photographer: Scott Louden

Dating from 1923, the Caley Picture House is one of Edinburgh's oldest cinema buildings. Latterly a night club, the former cinema has enjoyed various new leases of life and is now a Wetherspoon super pub.

3. Caley Picture House, Lothian Road

Dating from 1923, the Caley Picture House is one of Edinburgh's oldest cinema buildings. Latterly a night club, the former cinema has enjoyed various new leases of life and is now a Wetherspoon super pub. Photo: Contributed

Designed by William Henry Playfair, the former Donaldson's school for the Deaf has long been regarded among Edinburgh's finest architectural treasures. A new luxury housing development occupies the grounds and the main building is being transformed for residential use.

4. Donaldson's School

Designed by William Henry Playfair, the former Donaldson's school for the Deaf has long been regarded among Edinburgh's finest architectural treasures. A new luxury housing development occupies the grounds and the main building is being transformed for residential use. Photo: Rob McDougall

Edinburgh Scotland

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