Restored Riddle's Court - Open For Learning

A 400-year-old building off the Royal Mile is preserved for posterity

- Garry Fraser

RIDDLE’S Court has a history few other buildings canmatch. It is an A-listed 16th century courtyard closeset behind the Royal Mile, not far from Edinburgh Castle. Over the years, it has been a merchant’s house, the residence of philosopher David Hume, a university hall and a Fringe venue.

Now, after a £5.8 million refurbishment by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, it is a centre for conferences, private functions, educational programmes and town and gown events in partnership with Edinburgh University.

Over the past 20 years the trust has raised in excess of £25 million and, working with local authorities and Historic Environment Scotland, has restored more than 30 buildings. Current and previous projects include the Custom House in Leith, Blackburn House, West Lothian and Strathleven House, Dunbartonshire.

Riddle’s Court is a significant part of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Its evolution over the centuries can be measured through its fabric which represents changes in ownership, craft styles and decoration.