Royal High School (Former): Eastern Pavilion, Regent Road, Edinburgh

One of two rectangular plan (longer elevations to S and N) temple style pavilions with tetra-prostyle porticoes to inward-facing gables; pilasters dividing bays to pedimented outer gables; 3-bay S elevations, 3-bay E and W elevations; principal floor and basement (no basement to N elevations; low basement to W pavilion; full height basement to E pavilion). Predominantly polished ashlar; droved ashlar to N elevations. Base course; Greek Doric entablature (plain entablature to N elevations), antefixae. Single storey battered buttresses to outer ends of S elevations. Predominantly regular fenestration; windows in Vitruvian openings with lugged architraves to principal floor to S elevations and to central bay to W elevation of W pavilion. To W elevation, single window to each bay; to E elevation, 2-leaf timber-panelled door to centre; to N elevation, window to far left.

The former Royal High School is of great architectural, cultural and historical significance. One of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in Scotland, and designed by a leading architect of the early 19th century, its unique and powerful combination of setting, massing and masterful use of classical architectural language cemented Edinburgh's reputation as the Athens of the North, and also alluded to the academic aspiration and achievement of both the school and Scotland as a nation.

In 1968, the Royal High School vacated its Calton Hill premises, moving to a new location at Barnton. The main building, including the central hall, was adapted for use as a debating chamber for the anticipated Scottish Assembly in 1977-80 by the Property Services Agency. (Historic Environment Scotland)

Edinburgh Evening News reports (04/10/2021) that council officials are recommending approval for a long term lease on the building for the Royal High School Preservation Trust, who has been granted planning permission for the site to become the home of St Mary's Music School. The article goes on to report that under the current plans, the school will have its own building to the east of the site that houses teaching rooms and residential spaces for boarders. The main building would be used for public functions, with three new public performance spaces including the Assembly Hall, and the West Pavilion would house the cafe, gallery and visitor centre.

December 2008: External inspection finds the pavilion may not be in full use. Its long term future is tied to the rest of the complex.

March 2009: The Edinburgh Evening News reports on new development brief for the site following the failure to secure funding for a photography centre by the Hill Adamson Trust. Edinburgh City Council is reported to have launched a design competion inviting developers to put forward their own designs for the site.

April 2009: The Edinburgh Evening News reports that the Hill Adamson Trust is still fund raising and working towards its scheme. Culture Minister, Mike Russell, is reported to be planning to hold talks with the Trust and the National galleries over the coming months, to keep the project progressing. The article goes on to note that a number of hotel operators are thought to have inquired about the complex.

September 2009: Further site visit, buildings in use but under utilised. Set to ALERT at this time.

January 2010: The BBC and the Daily Record report that the buildng is to be developed into an ‘arts hotel‘ by Duddingston House developers. Plans are to be lodged for its conversion.

19 October 2011: External inspection finds the building continues to be maintained but is now largely vacant. It is understood that the site will shortly be fully vacated in anticipation of the proposed re-development of the site into an arts hotel.

November 2011: Edinburgh City Council reports that the Heads of Term agreement is close to being signed with Duddingston House Properties. The buildings, with the exception of the Gate Lodge, are confirmed as now having been vacated, secured and mothballed. The Gate Lodge will continue to be occupied by a security presence for the site. The car park will potentially continue to be let out on a short-term basis.

2 February 2012: The Royal High School site is discussed with local planners as part of the survey of all A-listed buildings in central Edinburgh carried out at the end of 2011. The site is intended for conversion into an arts hotel, however, for the next stage of the re-development process the building will be vacated and formally mothballed. The lease agreement with Duddingston House Properties has yet to be signed and formal plans have yet to be drawn up. Move to At Risk.

9 October 2013: Frank Ross, economy convenor at Edinburgh City Council, outlines in article in the Edinburgh Evening News (Building Edinburgh's Future) a plan to commission a study of 12 priority sites believed to have potential for short-term transformation of which the former school is one. The article notes the difficulties development projects have in securing financing in the current economic climate. The study is to explore options for public sector intervention to unlock the development potential of the sites, a number of which already have planning permission in place.

19 May 2015: External inspection finds the building remains in much the sae condition as seen previously.

23 September 2015: Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for alterations to the main building and pavilions, demolition of the gymnasium block and gate lodge and new build development within the site, to form an arts hotel are currently being sought ref: 15/03989/FUL & 15/03990/LBC.

24 September 2015: Urban Realm reports (23/9/2015) on the appointment of architects by The Royal High School Preservation Trust to develop detailed designs for restoration and conversion of the site to form a base for St Mary's Music School. The Trust is reported to have made a formal offer of £1.5m to purchase the site from Edinburgh City Council.

28 June 2016: Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the conversion of the complex to form new premises for the St Mary's Music School are being sought ref: 15/05662/FUL & 15/05665/LBC.

9 March 2017: Revised applications for change of use, alterations and extensions to create a hotel and restaurant are being sought, with demolition of former Lodge, Gymnasium Block, Classroom Block and Luncheon Hall proposed ref: 17/00588/FUL & 17/00587/LBC.

12 November 2019: A member of the public notes the appeal against refusal of permission for conversion to form a hotel remains (undecided PPA-230-2213) is undetermined.

28 October 2020: Appeal (LBA -230-2118) against refusal of listed building consent for conversion of the complex to hotel use has been dismissed by Scottish Ministers.

31 May 2021: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. The building remains vacant and disused but in overall Fair condition. Some evidence of lack of maintenance. Vegetation growths at ground level at rear.

7 July 2021: City of Edinburgh Council is now marketing, for lease, the former Royal High School complex. The marketing particulars outline the Council is seeking development proposals which ensure a sustainable long term future for the Royal High School. Proposals are noted as needing to be of the highest architectural quality and should take account of the conclusions drawn by the Scottish Ministers following a public inquiry into the development of the site for a hotel. A planning statement is included in the marketing particulars.

8 September 2021: Urban Realm reports (03/09/2021) that proposals have been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council to restore the site as a performance venue and music school. Article goes on to note that £55m in additional funding has been secured to include a space for a café, gallery and visitor centre set within fully accessible public gardens.

11 October 2021: Edinburgh City Council confirm (07/10/2021) that the Royal High School Preservation Trust is to be leased the Royal High School.

21 January 2022: The Scotsman reports (16/01/2022) that the Royal High School buildings will be used for Edinburgh's Hidden Door festival in June 2022. The site is anticipated to accommodate around 1,000 festivalgoers, with a temporary stage erected in the main auditorium and work created for four main spaces inside the buildings.