Last modified on Sat 6 Feb 2021 17.07 EST
When renowned Scottish architect Thomas Hamilton set about designing a home for Edinburghâs Royal High School in the early 1800s, he cemented the cityâs reputation as an âAthens of the Northâ with a Greek revival building still considered one of Europeâs finest.
But despite being widely lauded and variously floated as a home for the Scottish parliament, a national photography centre and a military history museum, the building has lain empty since the school moved in 1968. Now, a decision by the cityâs council to strip hotel developers of the siteâs lease could see it back in action once again.
A seven-figure privately funded investment has been secured to bring to the market an additional 25 hectares of land linked to over 3km of deep water quaysides.
Demolition of the derelict grain warehouse was granted in 2015 despite opposition from heritage bodies, including the Cockburn Association.
The building was listed 26 years ago when it was still in use and had been recognised as a rare survival that still contained its early machinery.
The grain silo dates from the 1930s.
It is understood the mostly concrete structure is being brought down gradually bit by bit rather than by controlled explosion.
The elevator element of the grain silo, an extensive conveyor belt, was demolished two years ago.
New outdoor venues away from city centre considered to help reboot Edinburgh Festival this summer scotsman.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from scotsman.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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