Public libraries have been squeezed and under threat for many decades; a manifestation of a long-running assault on the public domain, writes Charlie Ellis. Thankfully, many in this city seem to be in good health. One of Edinburgh’s busiest public libraries, McDonald Road, is currently celebrating its 120th anniversary. They have been commemorating this with exhibitions and a series of talks.
The annual Doors Open Days offer public access to buildings which are not usually accessible. In several senses, they reveal much about the city.
One of the things that appeals to visitors here is that so many museums and galleries are open to the public. In contrast, they are disheartened that so many seemingly ‘public’ places are strictly private: the gardens of the New Town being a classic example. Visitors (and some residents) peer longingly over fences and walls at the forbidden fruits within.
A formal 125-year lease agreement has begun between Edinburgh Council and the Royal High School Preservation Trust. Work will now begin on turning the historic structures and new additions into a home for St Mary’s Music School and a public performance venue.
RHSPT chair Willie Gray Muir said, ‘As we prepare to move ahead into the redevelopment phase, we look forward to collaborating closely with the local community as we keep them up-to-date on progress.’ Work is expected to finish in 2026.
As I sat in Hata (5 Rodney Street), sipping a satisfying cortado, I witnessed a stand-off. Who would come out on top?
At the junction, two single-decker buses came face to face. One was coming up the hill and the other down, both wanting to make the tight turn onto Broughton Road.
The King’s Theatre is in danger. Will Quinn, Broughton arts critic and editor of the Quinntessential Review, explains the crisis facing a cultural asset for the whole city.
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There remain only a few weeks for Capital Theatres, locally based stewards of the historic Leven Street venue, to keep the doors open for this and the next generation.
The proposal to repurpose the old Royal High School on Regent Road as a new performance venue and home for St Mary’s Music School has taken a major step forward.<
Detailed proposals for a new National Centre for Music and performance space at the old Royal High School were submitted to Edinburgh Council this morning [bit.ly/3n6StBw]. We’ll comment once we’ve had a chance to peruse and digest.
As well as bigger educational facilities for St Mary’s Music School, the Royal High School Preservation Trust plans to create a café, gallery, visitor centre, and fully accessible public gardens.