Riddle’s Court has re-opened following a painstaking £6m restoration by our parent charity, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust.
An A-listed 16th century courtyard house in Edinburgh’s Old Town World Heritage Site, Riddle's Court is a unique survival and contains significant architectural features including a rare 16th century painted board and beam ceiling, an early 17th century plaster ceiling and a late 19th century hand-painted ceiling by T.K.Bonnar.
The restoration process uncovered many long-forgotten features, such as the 16th century fire place from the time of the King James Banquet hidden behind a Victorian hearth. In every corner, behind every plaster wall, lay more clues to the building’s centuries of evolution and the generations of very different occupants.
Throughout the project, the architects and SHBT worked closely with restoration and archaeological specialists, employing sensitive and often innovative techniques to respectfully unearth and restore the many chapters of Riddle’s Court history.
In this section we offer a glimpse into the restored building, but should you wish to find out more regarding the work of SHBT, techniques employed or specific aspects of the building, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Restoration work
Restoration work

Site Meeting
Restoration work

Planning the Next Work
Restoration work

Stripping Back
Restoration work

Stripping Back
Restoration work

Bread Oven & Fireplace Discovered
Restoration work

New Sections of Ceiling Discovered
Restoration work

Opening Up the Lift Lobby
Restoration work

The Geddes Room Pre-restoration
Restoration work

The Restored Geddes Room
Restoration work

Ceiling Conservation
Restoration work

stone and plaster conservation
Restoration work
