Riddle's Court secrets revealed

With the conservation statement for Riddle’s Court now complete, the Cockburn Conservation Trust will now move on to plan the future of the historic building with an options appraisal.

The conservation statement prepared by consultant Andrew Wright brings together for the first time a combination of archival sources along with a detailed site inspection. His research throws a new light on many aspects of the building.

There is some archival evidence that the lime harling of the exterior walls had at one time been a startling yellow with window margins tinted a pinkish red, some of which still survives on site.

Of particular interest is a stone hood on the south wall of the inner court, considered to be a rare survival from a hoist, suggesting that the upper storey was used as a merchant’s warehouse. 

A condition report has also been carried out, which shows that the building is in fair condition, but some repair and conservation works are needed to put it back into a good state for future use.

A range of possible options for Riddle’s Court are now being explored by the Cockburn Conservation Trust, based on other uses within the Old Town, the functions of similar properties and potential opportunities. The draft document is expected in the next few months.

The other project funders are The Big Lottery Fund, Patrick Geddes Trust, Brownlee Old Town Trust, Architectural Heritage Fund, RIAS Community Projects Fund and The Robertson Trust.