Has anyone ever told you the story of Craig House? This grand estate, perched on Easter Craiglockhart Hill, has witnessed over 400 years of Edinburgh’s history. Craig House isn’t just one building, but a collection of structures, each with its own tale to tell. The oldest, Old Craig House, dates back to 1565. It replaced an even earlier structure, tragically burned down by the Earl of Hertford in 1544. Imagine the Symsounes of Craig House, the original owners, surveying their newly built home.
Later, the Dick family, one of Edinburgh’s wealthiest, took ownership and expanded Old Craig House around 1746. Dr. John Hill Burton, a renowned historian, also called Craig House home in the 19th century. His extensive library of 10,000 books filled its rooms. Can you picture him surrounded by those volumes, lost in research? In the 1880s, Old Craig House was described as a “weird-looking mansion, alleged to be ghost-haunted”.
The story of Craig House took a turn when the Royal Edinburgh Hospital purchased the estate in 1878. The hospital envisioned a new chapter for Craig House, transforming it into a haven for wealthy psychiatric patients. Renowned architect Sydney Mitchell designed New Craig House, a grand building with an iconic tower that still dominates the landscape. Construction finished in 1894. The design echoed the French Renaissance style, every surface adorned with intricate details. The Great Hall, with its ornate oak panelling and gilded cornice, was the centerpiece of New Craig House. It was designed to evoke the atmosphere of a luxurious hotel, not an institution.
The hospital, later renamed the Thomas Coulson Clinic, operated until the early 1990s. After a period of decline, the site was sold to Napier University in 1994. The university breathed new life into Craig House, converting the historic buildings into a vibrant campus. Students filled the once quiet halls, and the estate became a hub of learning.
But Craig House’s story doesn’t end there. In 2011, the university sold the estate for residential development. Today, the historic buildings have been converted into contemporary homes. The new builds on the grounds sparked controversy. However, Craig House continues to evolve. It stands as a testament to Edinburgh’s ever-changing landscape, a place where history whispers through the stones.