Plans unveiled for first Edinburgh city centre public garden in 200 years

World renowned landscape garden designer, Tom Stuart-Smith to support The Royal High School Preservation Trust’s ambitious garden project on Calton Hill.

Article Source: The Royal High School Preservation Trust
Last Updated: 23 October 2024 13:24

Plans for the Royal High School Building on Calton Hill are well underway including an ambitious garden project which will see exciting new gardens with free public access, created in the grounds of the building.

Designed through a collaboration between award-winning landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith OBE, and Edinburgh based landscape architects, OPEN (part of SLR), the area will provide the first major new city centre public garden since Princes Street Gardens opened more than 200 years ago in 1820. The plans will give residents and visitors to Edinburgh access to a beautiful open space with outstanding views of both the capital and the surrounding landscape.

With an East and West Garden the aim is to provide an oasis of calm from the busy city centre while creating a contemporary setting that respects the neo-classical features of the former Royal High School building. Ensuring the area can be enjoyed by everyone has been a key principle of the design so the gardens will be open daily with free entry for all. The creation of a very green garden has also been a fundamental part of the plans to increase biodiversity and create nature networks in the area.

The gardens will create a dynamic ecosystem, providing diverse food sources and habitats for local wildlife to support biodiversity and combat species decline. Using local materials and native plants, the design integrates with Calton Hill's surrounding landscape, reinforcing both visual and ecological connections between the cultivated gardens and the natural environment.

The West Garden area has been designed to fit with the wild landscapes that surround the site, complementing its location at the foot of Calton Hill. It will feature native trees like Scots Pine, Birch and Rowan and other plants native to the region.

By contrast, the East Garden will be designed as an extensive flower garden and feature a large pergola along the Belvedere wall, one of the original features of the Royal High School building.

A programme of regular events will share knowledge about the gardens as well as other related topics like horticulture skills, biodiversity, and health and wellbeing. Community groups will be invited to use the gardens and learning opportunities focused on conservation, native species and precious micro-systems.

Tom Stuart-Smith and his team in collaboration with Edinburgh-based landscape architects OPEN, were appointed to design and curate the garden space. Tom's work has been heavily influential in contemporary landscape design, with eight award-winning gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, plus a host of acclaimed gardens across the globe including RHS Bridgewater and the Queen’s Jubilee Garden at Windsor Castle. This partnership melds Tom's renowned creative approach with OPEN's deep understanding of Edinburgh's urban fabric, promising a garden that will be both innovative in design and harmonious with its historic surroundings.

He said: “Edinburgh's unique blend of urban architecture and dramatic landscape puts it in a league with cities like Athens and San Francisco. Our design aims to highlight this extraordinary setting while creating a tranquil retreat within the bustling city.

"The West and East gardens, though distinct in character, work in harmony to complement each other and the stunning architecture of the Royal High School building. This site is truly exceptional - the views are spectacular, and the landscape is unparalleled. It's a rare opportunity for a landscape designer to work on such site, and I'm confident that our plans will resonate with Edinburgh's residents and visitors alike."

Grant MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Royal High School Preservation Trust said: “Making the most of the outdoor space at the Royal High School building is a key part of our vision and we’re delighted to be unveiling our plans. These gardens will be the first new public garden space in Edinburgh city centre for centuries and they will become an area for everyone to enjoy. We want it to be a place for everyone to have access to and enjoy, and where better to take in such unrivalled views of the city than in a calming, tranquil garden environment.”

Work on the garden spaces will begin in 2025.

Image: West Garden - Aerial

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a second male sloth bear, named Rajath.

Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition

A ‘KNOCK-OUT’ new beer has been unveiled inside an ice sculpture in Edinburgh to celebrate 150 years since the legendary North Pole expedition it was originally brewed for.

National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day on 14 December, the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh

Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.

Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world

The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh

On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.

Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year

Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities

Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo appoints new Marketing Director

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Johna Penman as its Marketing Director, leading the organisation’s Brand, Box Office, Marketing and Communications functions.

Fingal Sails into Christmas Retaining Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Christmas has come early for Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, after retaining two prestigious Rosettes for culinary excellence

George Clooney returns to Edinburgh to speak at the 2026 British Business Awards and Social Bite Fundraising Dinner

The annual British Business Awards will take place on 30th April 2026 and will feature a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney.

Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026

The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.

10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary

Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.

Capital Theatres aims to share festive magic and wonder with a line up for everyone

Capital Theatres celebrates the festive season with entertainment for all ages, including enchanting magical family shows, world-class dance and a specially crafted Christmas Care Home Tour.

Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK

Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper

Edinburgh brewery presents ultimate Christmas tipple for craft beer lovers

Christmas has come early for Scotland's beer fans following the release of a limited-edition craft ale from a leading Edinburgh microbrewery.

Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December

Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.

Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft

Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.