Description

Mostly Robert Kay (see Notes), circa 1790, refronted 1860-70. 3-storey, 7-bay Classical tenement with principal elevation to W (South Bridge). Altered commercial premises to ground. Painted ashlar with contrasting painted margins. Raised, key-stoned shouldered architraves to window openings with carved heads to keystones. String course, cill course, bracketted cornice.

3-window pedimented wallhead gable to rear (E) flanked by later piended dormers.

Predominantly 2-over 4-pane timber sash and case windows to W elevation and 12-pane timber sash and case windows to E elevation. Grey slates.

Access to vaults below street level (see South Bridge listing).

Statement of Interest

A Group with the South Bridge and Nos 4-13, 19-67 and 87-99 South Bridge and 9 and 10 Hunter Square and 107-108 South Bridge.

This is a interestingly detailed, distinctive building which forms part of the original South Bridge scheme for shops along the sides of the South Bridge. It is an important part of the streetscape. The street elevation to the South Bridge was refronted in 1860-70, when the previous, simpler, Classical frontage was altered to include the decorative elements of shouldered architraves and carved key-stone details. The rear of the building to Niddry Street mostly retains its original window openings and distinctive wallhead gable.

In 1753, the South Bridge Act made provision for the building of a bridge to form a link between the North Bridge (see separate listing) and the newly expanding South side of the city. A group of Trustees was set up to oversee the project. These trustees planned to have unified facades down both sides of the bridge and a number of architects, including Robert Adam, put forward suggested plans for these. The Adam scheme was for a grand, fully colonnaded street - this was rejected because of cost. The Edinburgh architect Robert Kay put forward a simpler plan and the Trustees asked that he consult with John Baxter and John Brown, two other Edinburgh architects and builders. The final design, which is thought to be an combination of different designs from these architects, was for a terrace of simple Classical facades, punctuated with pediments. Extra pediments were then added to the corners.

The A Group recognises the importance of the South Bridge and its associated streetscape buildings as being an outstanding and significant scheme in late 18th century town planning.

List description revised as part of Edinburgh Holyrood Ward resurvey 2007-08.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q56632184

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.

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