One of the high points of the Scottish calendar is to be organised from one of the highest points on the capital's skyline.
The Edinburgh International Festival Society has acquired the former Highland Tolbooth Hall on Castle Hill, which stands close to the Castle at the top of the Royal Mile. The seller was the Church of Scotland
Built in 1842, it served originally as the Assembly Hall and offices for the Church of Scotland. One of the architects was Pugin - famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament, but perhaps even better-known nowadays as the inspirer of Lord Irvine's wallpaper.
The tall steeple of the A-listed building claims to be thc highest point in the city. It will now undergo a #7m refurbishment some #3m of which is coming from Lottery funding.
Property consultants Ryden brokered the deal. The firm is now advising the Church of Scotland on the letting of its current Assembly Hall on the Mound to the Scottish Office as the temporary location for the Parliament.
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