Charlotte Square Photos, New Town Buildings, Scotland, Architects, Date, History

Charlotte Square Edinburgh Architecture

Historic Scottish Property by Robert Adam Architect and James Craig

post updated 20 April 2024

Charlotte Square – New Town Buildings

Phase One of the New Town was designed by James Craig for Lord Drummond

18 Nov 2013 – new photos

photo © Adrian Welch

28 Sep 2012 – Corran Properties have begun refurbishment work to upgrade National Trust for Scotland’s former HQ at Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, to form new office accommodation.

Designed by Morgan McDonnell Architecture Ltd it will entail construction of a new build extension along Hope Lane as well as a fully glazed courtyard garden and underground car park.

Intended to challenge the perceived wisdom that Charlotte Square has had its day as an office address the scheme will provide category ‘A’ rated floorspace, whilst restoring an important period building within the New Town World Heritage Site.

This will entail separation of three townhouses to form individual tenantable properties alongside a subsidiary block on Hope Street Lane providing additional space.

Utilitarian in character the new build block will be finished in natural sandstone with treated timber elements. All properties will be interlinked via a horizontal courtyard garden laid on top of existing car parking.

The scheme was criticised in planning by the Cockburn Association which claimed the proposed scheme was ‘unexceptional and bland’ and complements efforts to upgrade surrounding public realm.

Charlotte Square Building Designs

Charlotte Square Property Designs – key architectural selection below:

Wemyss House, 28 Charlotte Square, EH2 4ET
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Former Headquarters of the National Trust for Scotland
Collection of fine Regency furniture

Edinburgh World Heritage, 5 Charlotte Square, EH2 4DR
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photographs © Adrian Welch

Charlotte Square architect : Robert Adam

The home of big finance with billions rumoured to pass through the Square’s dozen or so institutions every year. Incumbents and former institutions include Cazenove and Anderson Consulting.

photos © Adrian Welch

Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) was born at No. 16, Lister at No.9 and Earl Haig at No.34. The square was designed by architect Robert Adam, who died before its completion.

photos © Adrian Welch

Current residents of the Square (at time of writing) include David Murray and the key member of the Scottish devolved government at Bute House. The park in the centre is off limits except at the Annual Edinburgh Book Festival when it is filled with marquees.

West Register House, Charlotte Square
Dates built: 1810-14
Robert Reid

photos © Adrian Welch

Powerful building occupying former Church of St. George with strong vertical emphasis: a superb endpiece to George Street.

Georgian House (NTS), No. 7 Charlotte Square, 1792-, Robert Adam – protected and reposed work.

Charlotte Square building : West Register House

Edinburgh New Town Phase I

James Craig (1744-95) famously won the competition to masterplan an Edinburgh New Town when only 22 years old in 1766; Edinburgh New Town gradually absorbed much of the professional classes from the increasingly ramshackle Old Town. The New Town was mostly built of sandstone from Craigleith Quarry. Princes Street (1805) is uninteresting despite its fame, but Charlotte Square and George Street (after George III) contain many good works.

Charlotte Square images copyright Adrian Welch – see Edinburgh Photos

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