Description

Robert Reid, 1810-12; additions and alterations by William Burn, 1825. Symmetrical, neo-classical, two storey, 11-bay building, with attic storey to advanced centrepiece and end bays; single storey stable range to rear. Burn's additions include; perron staircase (external stairway with platform), single storey pavilions and single storey links to stables. Built in cream sandstone ashlar; base course, cill course to first floor, band course above, dentilled cornice; balustraded parapet between panelled and coped attic storeys; punched windows.

South elevation (Commercial Street): three-bay pedimented 'temple' centrepiece with pair of fluted Greek Doric columns set in antis (recessed) between broad piers, each pier with a niche at ground and framed square panel above. Royal arms of George III (carved from wood; painted and gilded), 'Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense' in tympanum. Two-leaf panelled door with moulded architrave and cornice; perron steps, panelled to front, with bulbous balusters and piers. Three bays and broader advanced end bay to either side. Flanking advanced single storey pavilions with window in recessed arch; moulded impost course; cornice and blocking course with raised panelled central tablet. Spearhead cast iron railings on flat ashlar bed between pavilions and centrepiece.

West elevation (Dock Place): at ground, single storey pavilion to south with large rectangular window in recessed segmental-arched panel, moulded impost course, panelled door with three-pane rectangular fanlight to right, blocking course with raised panelled tablet; coursed single storey rubble screen wall enclosing stable court to south with two small windows and door between extends to tall ashlar carriage gateway detailed as pavilion but with two-leaf boarded gates in round-headed arch. Recessed to north; piend-roofed, two-storey, three-bay end of coursed rubble stables, blind central window at first floor. First floor of main block with pair of central windows and slightly advanced outer bays.

East elevation (Waterfront): as above, but south pavilion with round-headed arch and standard window (no door); ashlar screen with five bays, panelled door to left with consoled cornice, narrow door to inner left with flanking sidelights, three windows to right. Stable pavilion with door to centre at ground.

North elevation (rear): two-storey and attic eight-bay; coursed rubble with ashlar dressings; band course, cornice and parapet to advanced single end bays only; windows to each bay of principal floors. Centre four bays advanced with attic windows and pediment. Flanking bays with round- headed loading bay breaking eaves at centre; projecting porch to third bay from left; inner right bays with projecting garage door addition at ground. End pavilions (see above).

Stable Range: coursed rubble two-storey, 12-bay range with stugged ashlar dressings; four central bays with irregular fenestration between pair of slightly advanced fronts with recessed archways (blank to left, windows to both floors to right) and blocking courses, two bays beyond and taller end bays.

12-pane timber sash and case windows. Grey slates, piended roofs; cast iron downpipes; decorative rainwater heads stamped "GIIIR".

Interior: classical theme continues, much altered by Burn. Lobby leads via tripartite doorway with elliptical fanlight to oblong central stair-hall with Imperial stair going down to ground level and up to gallery and principal floor; acanthus balusters embossed with lions rampant; oval dome on pendentives and elliptical arches with coffered soffits, opening through smaller elliptical-headed doorways to room each side. To east top-lit Boardroom, with apsidal ended meeting room beyond; to west top-lit arcaded Long Room with D-shaped room beyond. To east at ground Burn's public reception room created in single storey link with direct access; elaborate nine-compartment ceiling on bracketed cornice (fitted out as exhibition room, 1970).

Statement of Interest

The interior was significantly altered by William Burn, who put in the stair. In the later 20^th century the building was used as storage by the National Museums of Scotland.

Custom House was acquired by the City of Edinburgh in 2015, through its

Common Good Fund from National Museums Scotland. The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust were appointed to lead the restoration of the building. It is currently in use as a multi-purpose venue and arts hub whilst long term plans are being developed (2022).

Statutory address revised and minor updates to listed building record in 2022.

Previously listed as '67 Commercial Street, Custom House, with Stable Range; EH6 6LH'.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata IDs Q17570064 Q17570074

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Staffordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  [(Cumberland and Westmorland)] [By (author) Nikolaus Pevsner] published on (January, 1967)
• 
  Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  London 6: Westminster (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England): Westminster v. 6
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  Maintaining and Repairing Old Houses: A Guide to Conservation, Sustainability and Economy