Edinburgh interiors

Many of Edinburgh’s buildings were designed to make a powerful impression internally as well as externally. Particularly following the Age of Enlightenment, the values and aspirations of the city’s many public and private institutions were expressed through the quality of their meeting places, while private residences also needed to be fit for entertaining and impressing visitors. Hence a great deal of effort was invested to ensure that the design, fittings and decor created the appropriate ambience. Depending on the function and scale of each building this might require creating a sense of drama, occasion, heritage, power, refinement, civility or culture. A number of buildings have been restored to their former glory after recent refurbishment, and many of the images in this gallery were taken on annual ‘Doors Open Days’ organised by the Scottish Civic Trust, where the public can enjoy the fruits of this restoration work.