Inch House

I'm looking forward to leading some nature walks in Inch Park in the early summer. I recently had a guided tour of Inch House, which houses the Inch Community centre. 

Inch House is based on a traditional Scottish tower house, built in the 16th century. 

 

New wings were added to the building in 1634 and again in the mid-18th century. In the 1890s, additions were made round the courtyard in Scots baronial style, giving the building its current appearance. 

Later additions mostly were very sensitive to the original style of the building - look at how the newer chimney piece in the background here echoes the shape and detail of the older chimney piece in the foreground (click on the photo to enlarge it and get a better look at the detail)

The building contains many well-preserved rooms, complete with special features such as 17th century fireplaces, decorated ceilings, window shutters and carved wooden door surrounds, 

 

as well as original stone garderobes (toilets). A very narrow spiral staircase leads to a turret, where (apparently!) you can get magnificent views across Edinburgh. (I had to admit defeat on this staircase, I've hated tiny spiral staircases ever since a childhood visit to a lighthouse!)

Edinburgh Council bought the building in 1946. It was first used as a primary school, and then in 1968 converted into a community centre serving the local Inch community. As well as being a community centre, the building offers practice space for a number of local bands 

You can find out more about the building here.