New plan to enhance Edinburgh's literary quarter

A study by Malcolm Fraser Architects, with funding from EWH, has proposed an innovative scheme for Sandeman House, home of the Scottish Book Trust.

The Scottish Book Trust is the leading agency for the promotion of literature in Scotland, developing innovative projects to encourage everyone to read, write and be inspired by books. Their home in Sandeman House is ideally located near other cultural centres, but access for some visitors is difficult, with a steep slope and a multitude of steps. It is also hidden away at the end of Trunk’s Close, in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

The category C listed building largely dates from 1916, and was intended for the use of the congregation of the Moray Knox Free Church, but it also incorporates parts of an earlier tenement on the site which dates from 1849.

Amongst other improvements to the building, the proposal suggests an extension to the front elevation of Sandeman House. This would enable level access to the building via Trunks Close, and also give the Scottish Book Trust more of a presence for passers-by.  The scheme also proposes a redesign of some of the internal spaces of the building, enabling the Scottish Book Trust to increase their programme and grow as an organisation over the coming years.

With the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Canongate Books, The List, the Scottish Poetry Library and Edinburgh City of Literature all based nearby, improving access to Sandeman House could bring new life to the close and enhance this fantastic grouping of cultural organisations as well as Edinburgh’s offering to visitors.