Designed by Robert Morham for the Edinburgh Corporation, the 55 Abbeyhill building opened in 1896 and was utilised as a police station until at least 1932. The building was used for a period by the Edinburgh City Mission and by the United Pentecostal Church. In 1979, the building became an Armenian restaurant and gained a degree of fame and notoriety for only being advertised by word of mouth, was challenging to book, and was lit only by candles. In February 2012, the building was added to the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland and then, in November 2019, it was reported to be affected by rising damp. In June of last year, the B-listed building was put on the market though it remains vacant.placeholder image
Designed by Robert Morham for the Edinburgh Corporation, the 55 Abbeyhill building opened in 1896 and was utilised as a police station until at least 1932. The building was used for a period by the Edinburgh City Mission and by the United Pentecostal Church. In 1979, the building became an Armenian restaurant and gained a degree of fame and notoriety for only being advertised by word of mouth, was challenging to book, and was lit only by candles. In February 2012, the building was added to the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland and then, in November 2019, it was reported to be affected by rising damp. In June of last year, the B-listed building was put on the market though it remains vacant. | Google

9 disused buildings in and around Edinburgh I would love to see restored

Ena Saracevic
By Ena Saracevic

Live Reporter

Published 20th Jan 2026, 08:27 GMT

Explore the vacant buildings in and around Edinburgh that I would love to see restored.

There are many buildings in and around the city and the Lothians that have been sitting vacant for years, waiting to have new life breathed into them.

Many important buildings - such as former churches and historic halls - have been granted Listed status, which protects them from being demolished or altered, but sadly does not ensure they are properly maintained.

As a result, many have become overrun with rot and, in some cases, are in a complete state of ruin.

While there are plans under way for some of these buildings, most have been left vacant with little talk of restoration.

From abandoned pubs to once magnificent buildings, these are some of the eyesores I would love to see restored. Let me know which buildings you would like to see tackled by leaving a comment below.

This B-listed building once accommodated staff from the Royal Victoria Hospital. It has laid vacant for years though the Buildings at Risk database notes the site is allocated for housing in the proposed City Plan 2030.

5. Royal Victoria Hospital East Lodge and Gateway

This B-listed building once accommodated staff from the Royal Victoria Hospital. It has laid vacant for years though the Buildings at Risk database notes the site is allocated for housing in the proposed City Plan 2030. | HES

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This B-listed building has an extensive history, built in 1780 as the rectory of St Catherine’s Chapel of the Kaims. In more recent years, Gracemount youth and community centre was managed by the Council up until closure in 2018. The Gracemount Mansion Development Trust are a group working to reopen the mansion. In 2024, the building was awarded £167,340 from the National Lottery Community Fund with plans to purchase Gracemount Mansion for redevelopment and to reopen the asset as a community hub.

6. Gracemount House

This B-listed building has an extensive history, built in 1780 as the rectory of St Catherine’s Chapel of the Kaims. In more recent years, Gracemount youth and community centre was managed by the Council up until closure in 2018. The Gracemount Mansion Development Trust are a group working to reopen the mansion. In 2024, the building was awarded £167,340 from the National Lottery Community Fund with plans to purchase Gracemount Mansion for redevelopment and to reopen the asset as a community hub. | Google

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The New Victoria Cinema opened on August 25, 1930. From April 6, 1964 it was re-named Odeon and in 1974 was given a Grade B Listed building status. It is listed on the Buildings At Risk Register and, in April 2012, the building was upgraded to a Grade A Listed building. Stefan King's G1 Group (now Scotsman Group) purchased the site in 2015 and received permission a year later from the Council to transform the building into a film theatre, café and bar. We look forward to the cinema being brought back to life!

7. The New Victoria Cinema

The New Victoria Cinema opened on August 25, 1930. From April 6, 1964 it was re-named Odeon and in 1974 was given a Grade B Listed building status. It is listed on the Buildings At Risk Register and, in April 2012, the building was upgraded to a Grade A Listed building. Stefan King's G1 Group (now Scotsman Group) purchased the site in 2015 and received permission a year later from the Council to transform the building into a film theatre, café and bar. We look forward to the cinema being brought back to life! | Google

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In Musselburgh, the Brunton Theatre was officially opened by the Queen Mother on June 23, 1971. The building is currently closed due to safety concerns from the presence of RAAC in its structure. We hope the theatre can make a comeback as soon as its safely possible to do so!

8. The Brunton Theatre

In Musselburgh, the Brunton Theatre was officially opened by the Queen Mother on June 23, 1971. The building is currently closed due to safety concerns from the presence of RAAC in its structure. We hope the theatre can make a comeback as soon as its safely possible to do so! | Google

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