History
The Old Royal High School, also known as New Parliament House, is a significant neoclassical building located on Calton Hill in Edinburgh. Designed by Thomas Hamilton, it was constructed between 1826 and 1829. The building originally served as the premises for the Royal High School, one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious educational institutions.
The Royal High School in 1829
Thomas Hamilton (11 January 1784 – 24 February 1858)
Key Architectural Features:
Façade: The building’s façade is dominated by a grand portico with six Ionic columns, which is reminiscent of ancient Greek temples. This gives the building a majestic and imposing presence on Calton Hill.
Symmetry: The design is highly symmetrical, a hallmark of neoclassical architecture, emphasizing balance and proportion.
Materials: Constructed primarily from sandstone, the building has a warm, golden hue that complements its classical design.
Interior: Inside, the building features spacious, high-ceilinged rooms with large windows that allow natural light to flood in, enhancing the sense of openness and grandeur.
Historical Significance:
The building’s architectural style was intended to reflect the values of enlightenment and education, aligning with its original purpose as a school. Its design has been praised for its beauty and its ability to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape of Calton Hill.
Unsure on date, but this shows how it was when built
In the 1970s, there were proposals to use the building as the home for a devolved Scottish Assembly, but these plans did not come to fruition. The school relocated to larger premises in Barnton in 1968, and since then, the building has seen various proposed uses, including a luxury hotel and a National Centre for Photography.
Currently, there are plans to transform the building into a National Centre for Music, which would provide a new home for St. Mary’s Music School.
Explore
Visited this twice with PV, once in 2018, stopped off here on the way to Sunnyside and sadly we looked and looked but could not find an entry point. I even tried the shitty pigeon way without success, I do remember getting shit on a few times as I spooked them out.
Roll the clocks forward another year and we returned and this time we were in and after having to wait a year it was well worth the trip. We spent the night in sleeping bags and headed off at first light. Then returned a week later for another night before the long drive back to Hertfordshire, but as I was driving home we saw what looked to be a nice town hall that needed further investigation. An hour or two later and back in the car heading south.
Photos
The Old Royal High School, also known as New Parliament House, is a significant neoclassical building located on Calton Hill in Edinburgh. Designed by Thomas Hamilton, it was constructed between 1826 and 1829. The building originally served as the premises for the Royal High School, one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious educational institutions.
The Royal High School in 1829
Thomas Hamilton (11 January 1784 – 24 February 1858)
Key Architectural Features:
Façade: The building’s façade is dominated by a grand portico with six Ionic columns, which is reminiscent of ancient Greek temples. This gives the building a majestic and imposing presence on Calton Hill.
Symmetry: The design is highly symmetrical, a hallmark of neoclassical architecture, emphasizing balance and proportion.
Materials: Constructed primarily from sandstone, the building has a warm, golden hue that complements its classical design.
Interior: Inside, the building features spacious, high-ceilinged rooms with large windows that allow natural light to flood in, enhancing the sense of openness and grandeur.
Historical Significance:
The building’s architectural style was intended to reflect the values of enlightenment and education, aligning with its original purpose as a school. Its design has been praised for its beauty and its ability to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape of Calton Hill.
Unsure on date, but this shows how it was when built
In the 1970s, there were proposals to use the building as the home for a devolved Scottish Assembly, but these plans did not come to fruition. The school relocated to larger premises in Barnton in 1968, and since then, the building has seen various proposed uses, including a luxury hotel and a National Centre for Photography.
Currently, there are plans to transform the building into a National Centre for Music, which would provide a new home for St. Mary’s Music School.
Explore
Visited this twice with PV, once in 2018, stopped off here on the way to Sunnyside and sadly we looked and looked but could not find an entry point. I even tried the shitty pigeon way without success, I do remember getting shit on a few times as I spooked them out.
Roll the clocks forward another year and we returned and this time we were in and after having to wait a year it was well worth the trip. We spent the night in sleeping bags and headed off at first light. Then returned a week later for another night before the long drive back to Hertfordshire, but as I was driving home we saw what looked to be a nice town hall that needed further investigation. An hour or two later and back in the car heading south.
Photos
Thanks for looking 
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