Longmore House: Historic Environment Scotland Headquarters

From Hospital to Heritage Hub

Longmore House began its life as a hospital in 1875, when the Edinburgh Association for Incurables opened a facility on Salisbury Place to care for patients with long-term conditions requiring constant nursing. The original converted house quickly proved inadequate, prompting the trustees to commission a new building. Completed in December 1880 using a neoclassical design by architect John More Dick Peddie, the new hospital was largely financed by a generous bequest from John Longmore, whose name it would bear. This marked the beginning of a building that would evolve continuously over the next century, expanding its wings and services to meet growing demand.

Expansion and Royal Recognition

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Longmore Hospital underwent significant expansion. In 1891, the Duke of York and Princess Mary opened a new East Wing designed to accommodate 34 additional patients, featuring dedicated wards, nursing facilities, and modern conveniences. The West Wing followed in 1899, bringing with it a new laundry, kitchen, chapel, and mortuary, along with the installation of electric lighting—a remarkable technological advancement for the era. The ground floor of the West Wing was dedicated to tuberculosis patients, while the upper floor served those with cancer. In 1903, the hospital received a royal charter from King Edward VII and became known as the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for Incurables, reflecting its growing prestige and importance to Scottish healthcare.

Medical Innovation and NHS Integration

The hospital's specialization in chronic and incurable conditions made it a centre of medical innovation. By 1898, dedicated wards for tuberculosis and cancer treatment had been established, addressing two of the era's most pressing health challenges. When the National Health Service was established in 1948, Longmore and its sister institution, Liberton Hospital, became integral to the NHS's Group Training Scheme for nurses, helping to develop the skilled nursing workforce essential to the new healthcare system. This role continued until services were transferred to the Western General Hospital, leading to the hospital's closure in 1991 after more than a century of continuous operation.

Architectural Significance and Conservation

The building itself stands as a testament to Victorian and Edwardian architectural ambition. Its neoclassical design, executed by one of Scotland's most respected architects, combines elegant proportions with functional hospital design. The Category B listed status recognises its historical and architectural importance. The iron and glass corridor connecting the West Wing to the main building exemplifies the period's innovative use of materials, while the chapel and mortuary reflect the comprehensive care the institution provided. Photographs preserved in the National Monuments Record of Scotland document the hospital's interior during the 1890s, offering glimpses into the working conditions of patients and staff during this transformative period.

Contemporary Role in Heritage Preservation

Since 1994, Longmore House has served as the headquarters of Historic Scotland, and from 2015 onwards, of its successor organisation, Historic Environment Scotland. This transition from a place of medical care to a centre for cultural heritage preservation represents a fitting evolution. The building now houses the administrative and operational heart of Scotland's leading public body for investigating, caring for, and promoting the nation's historic environment. Visitors and researchers can access information about Scotland's designated heritage, explore collections of culturally significant objects, and engage with programmes dedicated to understanding and protecting Scotland's past.