12 historic Edinburgh buildings at risk of disappearing forever
Since 1990, the Buildings at Risk Register has been active in Scotland in response to a concern at the growing number of listed buildings in Conservation Areas that had been left vacant and had fallen into a state of disrepair.
The Register, which is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, aims to protect these buildings, many of which are at risk of being lost forever.We take a look at 12 listed buildings which have fallen into the “at risk” category and might not have a future in the long term unless something is done to stop the rot.
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5. Abbeyhill former police station
Formerly a police station, this quaint, castellated Romanesque structure at 55 Abbeyhill was built in 1896 to the designs of city architect Robert Morham. It was added to the Buildings at Risk register in 2012. Photo: Google Street View
6. Old Royal High School
Controversial plans to transform Thomas Hamilton’s 1829 Greek Revival former Royal High School building into a hotel are still up in the air. Various elements of the building are at risk, including the main building, the eastern and western pavilions, the school lodge and the gymnasium. Photo: Photographer: Scott Louden
7. Imperial Docks grain elevator
Originally built in the 1930s when Leith was importing vast quantities of grain, this B-listed building rests at the head of Imperial Dock and is noted as being one of the earliest examples in Scotland of a concrete grain elevator. It has been on the Buildings at Risk register since 2012. Photo: Contributed
8. Ravenscroft Cottages, Gilmerton Village
Consent to demolish the historic farm workers’ cottages at Ravenscroft Street in Gilmerton is currently being pursued by housing developers. The mostly derelict cottages were added to the at risk register in 2005. Photo: Ian Georgeson