September 25 2020

Edinburgh World Heritage has completed conservation work on three historic tenements o the Canongate comprising 16 flats and five shops.

Supported by Historic Environment Scotland the work focussed on a 17th-century tenement at 195-197 Canongate, also known as cordiner's land, a reference to the shoemakers who once traded here.

Restoration of the five-storey, six-bay block was carried out by CLWG Architects through repairs to the rubble and dressed stone facade, timber-framed multi-paned sash and case windows and a decorative carved panel.

Further work saw chimney heads and gables repaired as well as an overhaul of the roof and rainwater goods together with repainting the north facade.

City of Edinburgh Council planning convener councillor Neil Gardiner said: "As a city, we all need to play our part in making sure the listed buildings we live in can still be occupied and enjoyed for generations to come, and Edinburgh World Heritage regularly engages with property owners and tenants to preserve Edinburgh’s historic built environment."

Brenda Clark, the representative of the residents of 185 Canongate, added: “We were delighted to see our neighbours in the tenements next door follow suit and the rear elevation of the buildings look very impressive. We are now trying to persuade our neighbours in the adjoining building overlooking Gladstone Court to tackle the repairs to their building and would encourage them to approach Edinburgh World Heritage for their help and advice.”

EWH previously reinstated 189-191 Canongate, easily identifiable by its striking red lime harling and limewash, in 2019 as part of ongoing maintenance of the Old Town.

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