Edinburgh architecture

Edinburgh architecture is fascinating, whilst city steeped in history it offers the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary architecture. Here are just a few examples of Edinburgh architecture from our last visit.

St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh – One of the most important architectural landmarks along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile the church, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh is where John Knox preached the Reformation and is the mother church of the Church of Scotland. This view looks toward the great east window.

Image of the columns and vaulted ceiling of the Gothic style St Giles Cathedral.

The James Braidwood memorial statue – Located in Parliament Square, Edinburgh it was unveiled on the 5th September 2008 by Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Principal of Edinburgh University. This statue is dedicated to the memory of James Braidwood 1800 – 1861, a pioneer of the scientific approach to fire-fighting.

Scottish Parliament Debating Chamber – This is a detail of one of 112 unique stainless steel connecting joints that enable the reinforced steel and oak laminated beam roof to span 30 metres without any supporting columns.

National Gallery of Scotland – One of the tree lined walkways in Princess Street Gardens adjacent to the National Gallery of Scotland.

Edinburgh – James Braidwood Memorial

James Braidwood (1800 – 1861) was born in Edinburgh and educated at the Royal High School. He founded the world’s first municipal fire service in Edinburgh in 1824 and was the first director of the London Fire Engine Establishment and is credited with the development of the modern municipal fire service.

He learned about the construction of buildings after joining his father’s building firm as an apprentice, this knowledge he later put to use in fire fighting. Distinguished for his heroism on the occasion of great fires in Edinburgh (1824) and London (1830). He also undertook a pastoral role, introducing visits to ordinary firemen and their families by the London City Mission.

On the 5th of September 2008, the James Braidwood memorial statue in Parliament Square, Edinburgh was unveiled by Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Principal of Edinburgh University. (See below).

“James Braidwood 1800 – 1861
Father of the British Fire Service – This statue is dedicated to the memory of James Braidwood, a pioneer of the scientific approach to fire-fighting. It also recognises the courage and sacrifice of fire-fighters, not only in Lothian & Borders Fire and Rescue Service, but all over the world.”

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh – Abstract

Abstract image of vaulted ceiling of the Gothic style St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland.