George Watson’s Edinburgh photograph, Scottish Modern Architecture Pictures, Henk Snoek photos
George Watson’s Music School
Modern Educational Building in Scotland on Colinton Road design by Michael Laird & Partners Architects.
post updated 22 February 2025
Location: 67-71 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh, EH10 5EG
Contact: 0131 446 6000
Architect: Michael Laird & Partners
A major piece of 20th Century architectural design in Scotland – hyperbolic paraboloid architecture:
Photos by Henk Snoek
Completed: 1964
Design: Michael Laird & Partners (now Architects)
George Watson’s Edinburgh – Music School
no large image
Powerful sculpting of hyperbolic paraboloid roof pitched down to fleetingly touch the ground plane and sat on a simple low block.
George Watson’s College is a co-educational private day school in Scotland. It is situated on Colinton Road, in the Merchiston area of Edinburgh.
It was first established as a hospital school in 1723, became a day school in 1871, and was merged with its sister school George Watson’s Ladies College in 1974. It is a Merchant Company of Edinburgh school and a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference.
In 1967, the Merchant Company announced its plan to combine the two Watson’s Colleges to form a single co-educational campus in Colinton Road. Building work was required to house the combined school.
The first joint assembly of the amalgamated school was held in 1974. The school attained the largest co-educational school in Scotland, with a roll of over 2,400 pupils.
Photos by Henk Snoek
Colour image of the building from Michael Laird Architects:
Another Edinburgh building from the sixties by Michael Laird & Partners:
Standard Life Assurance, 3 George St
Dates built: 1964, 1975
Design: Michael Laird & Partners
Office building wraps round an existing corner block
The Technology Centre, George Watson’s College is by Campbell and Arnott Architects.
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Scottish Capital Building Designs
Contemporary Scottish Capital Property Designs – recent architectural selection below:
Modern Edinburgh Buildings – Selection:
Meadowbank Stadium
photograph © Adrian Welch
Commonwealth Pool
photograph © Adrian Welch
Another Edinburgh building by Michael Laird Architects: Tanfield, an unusual commercial property set on the north bank of the Water of Leith. The rather bulky office building was controversial when built, set within a swathe of historic stone buildings that cascade down the hill from the original New Town to the south.
Comments / photos for the George Watson’s Music School Edinburgh Architecture designed by Michael Laird & Partners Architects, Scotland, United Kingdom, page welcome.