A project to re-invigorate a 16th century courtyard house in Edinburgh's Old Town got a welcome boost yesterday with the announcement of the latest round of Historic Scotland’s Building Grants.
The Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning and Conservation at Riddles Court was also the location that Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs today, chose to announce the latest round of heritage grants.
The building which is in the Lawnmarket, part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, was the recipient of £500,000. The overall capital cost of the project has been pegged at £4.8 million.
“The Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning and Conservation will be an excellent example of heritage regeneration of one of the finest surviving Scottish residences, dating from the late 16th century. It will become a conservation hub providing a platform for sharing resources and best practice advice, as well as practical training on traditional building skills,” said Hyslop.
Riddle’s Court comprises a series of buildings dating from 1590 set around a small courtyard off the Lawnmarket. The grant is for building repairs which are part of a wider project to repair, restore and redevelop Riddle’s Court to become the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning and Conservation.
John Campbell, QC, Chairman of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) said: “We are absolutely delighted that the importance of Riddle’s Court is being recognised by this highly significant repairs grant from Historic Scotland."
He added: “The first step on the road to the creation of the Patrick Geddes Centre for Conservation and Learning will enable us to start down the road to putting this historic merchant’s house into a better functioning condition, so that scholars, the whole conservation community, the public and visitors can appreciate and enjoy the buildings’ unique surroundings and presence right in the centre of the capital city, where Geddes once lived and worked.”
The project last year received a first round pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Hyslop said: “It is vital that we preserve our historic environment, not only for future generations to enjoy, but also to attract visitors from around the world who come to explore our fascinating history and heritage."
The 16 recipients of the Historic Scotland’s Building Grants are:
- St Peter’s, Cardross £ 500,000
- Grand Fountain, Paisley £ 100,132
- Spiers Centre, Alloa £ 435,000
- Pheasantry, Haddo House £ 28,169
- Riddle’s Court £ 500,000
- Glasgow School of Art £ 178,042
- Rothesay Pavilion £ 500,000
- Carnsalloch House £ 364,000
- Brig O’ Doon £ 30,160
- Corn Exchange, Dalkeith £ 83,864
- Leighton Library £ 76,800
- Inverness Town Steeple £ 241,750
- Haddington Town House £ 59,000
- Brodie’s Mill Innerleithen £ 500,000
- Castle Leod £ 219,618
- Kelvingrove Bandstand £ 245,000
Total £4,061,535