Lauriston facts for kids
Lauriston is a historic area in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It's known for its many important old buildings. This area is located just south of famous landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket. To its north, you'll find The Meadows public park, a great green space.
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Historic Buildings in Lauriston
Lauriston is home to several key buildings that have played a big part in Edinburgh's history. These include a former hospital, an art college, and a famous school.
The Quartermile: From Hospital to Modern Hub
Lauriston was once the site of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, a very important hospital. The hospital moved here in 1879. They chose this spot because it was on the edge of the city, offering fresher air. Instead of building everything new, the hospital used parts of an older building called George Watson's Hospital. The famous architect David Bryce designed the new hospital complex.
The Royal Infirmary served as a hospital where doctors trained at the University of Edinburgh Medical School. It was also a "voluntary hospital," meaning it relied on donations to help people. The hospital operated until 2003, when its services moved to a new location.
After the hospital moved, the old buildings were sold. They were then completely updated by architects Foster and Partners. This huge project cost £750 million and turned the area into a modern space called the Quartermile. It now has homes, shops, and offices.
Since 2021, the University of Edinburgh has been investing £120 million to transform the main hospital buildings. They are creating the Edinburgh Futures Institute here. This will be a special place where different subjects and ideas come together for learning and research.
Edinburgh College of Art
Lauriston is also where you'll find the Edinburgh College of Art. This college is part of the University of Edinburgh. It's a place where students learn about art, design, and architecture. In 2017, the college expanded. It took over the old headquarters of the local fire and rescue service. This new space also includes the Museum of Fire, which is a museum about firefighting history.
George Heriot's School
Another famous building in Lauriston is George Heriot's School. This is a private school for both primary and secondary students. It's located on Lauriston Place, right across from the old Royal Infirmary buildings.
The school was founded by George Heriot, who was a goldsmith to the king. The main building of the school was built in the mid-to-late 1600s. It's a fantastic example of late Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Its beautiful design makes it one of the most impressive buildings in the area.
Images for kids
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Quartermile streets
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Edinburgh College of Art
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Houses in Lauriston overlooking The Meadows
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St Catharine's Convent, Lauriston Gardens
