ROBERTSON Construction Central East has been appointed construction partner for the development of Scotland’s National Centre for Music in the former Royal High School building on Calton Hill in Edinburgh.
The A-listed building has remained unused for more than 50 years, despite a number of proposals for future use.
Enabling works were undertaken throughout 2025 by Robertson to fully understand the condition of the building. The firm has now been appointed to undertake the £47 million main works contract in restoring the former Royal High School to its former glory.
The project is due for completion in spring 2028, with the National Centre for Music set to open in early summer 2028. As part of the contract, Robertson will create 10 local jobs, as well as offer 10 apprenticeships and 30 weeks work experience.
Robertson, with the help of subcontractors – just under three quarters of which are Scottish – will transform the building working across roofing, cornicing, stonework and plumbing as well as specialist technical packages for staging, lighting and acoustics.
The National Centre for Music will be home to three performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, learning studio, a café, event and conference spaces and public landscaped gardens.
Carol Nimmo, chair of the Royal High School Preservation Trust, said, “After years of dedication and work from our trustees, design team and staff, moving to the construction phase is a truly memorable moment. Throughout the enabling works we’ve formed a strong working relationship with Robertson who share our vision for the building and have a wealth of experience when it comes to re-imagining historic locations. We’re delighted to be continuing our relationship as we move forward into this main work construction contract.
“We’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has helped us reach this stage in the project, none of which would’ve been possible without the extraordinary founding gift from the Dunard Fund which has allowed us to preserve the heritage of the building and make it accessible for cultural and public benefit.”
Elliot Robertson, CEO, Robertson Group, added, “The Royal High School building is a widely recognised landmark on Edinburgh’s skyline and this project represents a rare opportunity to bring the building back into active public use. Creating a home for the National Centre for Music will allow new generations to experience this iconic landmark in a completely new way.
“Having already completed the enabling works, our team understands the character and complexities of the building, and the responsibility that comes with delivering a high-quality refurbishment. We are looking forward to continuing our close partnership with the Royal High School Preservation Trust to help create a place that will celebrate music, creativity and community for many years to come.”
