Remember the 1960s? A time of change. It was during this decade that Charteris Land began to take shape here on Holyrood Road.
Charteris Land is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Holyrood Campus today. It houses the Moray House School of Education and Sport. The school has a long history. It joined the University of Edinburgh in 1998.
Back in the late 1950s and 60s Scotland needed more teachers. Moray House bought land to expand its facilities. This land sat between Holyrood Road and the Canongate. In 1964, architects Gordon and Dey were commissioned to design a new teaching block at the Charteris Land site.
The initial plan was for a ten-storey building. The Royal Fine Art Commission objected. They felt it was too tall for the area. Construction was delayed. The building was finally completed in 1969. It was limited to six storeys.
Look closely at the building’s facade. Notice the four sculptured panels? These panels are the work of David Miller. He was a member of staff at the College at the time. The panels represent different concepts within education and learning. They depict The Maze, Growth & Development, Assimilation of Knowledge, and Community.
Each panel was constructed using reinforced concrete. The process took 29 continuous hours. Arnott McLeod, the building contractors, used polystyrene moulds. The panels have been retained during recent refurbishment work.
In 2008-9, a three-storey extension was added. Lewis & Hickey architects designed it. It features zinc and cedar cladding. It sits at the southern end of the block.
Moray House College of Education has evolved over time. It began with the Free Church of Scotland’s Normal and Sessional School in 1848. This was at Moray House itself. In 1878-9, a dedicated training Department was set up. This followed the formalisation of education with the 1872 Education Act.
The government took over educational training in 1905. Moray House College of Education was formally established in 1959. It later became part of Heriot Watt University. Since 1998, it has been the University of Edinburgh’s Faculty of Education.
Today, the Moray House School of Education and Sport offers programs at all levels. This includes teacher training, community education, and sports science. It is also a centre for educational research.
Charteris Land stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of education in Scotland. It reflects the changing needs of students and educators alike. As you continue your journey, remember the story of this building. Remember the vision and dedication that shaped it.