Two of Edinburgh's most historic buildings are to get a new lease of life under ambitious plans unveiled today. The old city observatory on Calton Hill - which has a Greek influenced design that contributed to Edinburgh getting the moniker the "Athens of the North" - is to become a year-round arts venue under a new vision that would see it become open to the public on a permanent basis for the first time. Read more
A historic building in the middle of Edinburgh has been opened up as a holiday home. The Old Observatory House on top of Calton Hill was left to rot when its last residents moved out in the 1980s and by 2002 the building was on Historic Scotland's Buildings at Risk register. But now it has been renovated by the City of Edinburgh Council and Vivat Trust and opened as a holiday home. Read more
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is about to start work on a major programme of repairs to the two historic copper domes that top the 1894 Observatory building at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. Read more
Permission to lease an iconic 18th century city building atop Calton Hill for residential use has been granted by Edinburgh Councils Culture and Leisure Committee. Read more
One of the world's most spectacular holiday homes has been created - in a historic former observatory atop a famous beauty spot in Scotland's capital. Edinburgh's Calton Hill will become home to a luxury bolt-hole boasting stunning views of the city's skyline in a building dating back to the 18th century. Read more
A neglected building atop one of the best-known landmarks in Scotland's capital is set to become a new visitor attraction devoted to astronomy. Plans are being drawn up to transform the fortunes of the former City Observatory, on Calton Hill and the important instruments stored there. The A-listed building designed by celebrated architect William Playfair and widely regarded as one of the forgotten gems in the city - was the nation's main observatory from 1818 until 1896 when a new complex was built on Blackford Hill.
A historic timepiece that was the forerunner to the One o'Clock Gun has been successfully removed for repair after helping ships' captains set their watches for more than 150 years. The 762kg time ball - once the only reliable way of telling the exact time in Edinburgh - is being repaired as part of the ongoing restoration of Nelson's Monument on Calton Hill. The repairs to the structure are part of the Twelve Monuments Restoration Project, a joint initiative between Edinburgh World Heritage and the city council.
The Astronomer Royal for Scotland has hit out at the "utterly shocking" condition of the City Observatory on Calton Hill, as the amateur stargazers based there prepare to abandon it. John Brown, who is also honorary president of the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh, called for extra security at the observatory after repeated thefts of lead from the roof left the inside sodden. The ASE are preparing to move out because of the damp after meeting there for the last 55 years.
Galaxies Near and Far Royal Observatory Winter Talk given by given by Jenny Richardson, Stuart Lynn, Neil Phillips. Royal Observatory Visitor Centre, Blackford Hill, 7.30pm, £3 (£1.50), 0131-668 8404