Opening of National Centre for Music delayed until 2028

Construction has now started at the Calton Hill site, with the work due to complete in spring 2028 and its doors to open that summer

In October, the Royal High School Preservation Trust said the centre was set to open in 2027 as it unveiled an additional £4.5 million in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

But excavation works carried out late last year at the historic site forced changes to the design, with the new timetable for the long-awaited project now announced.

A spokesperson for the centre said 92 per cent of the £70m funding required was now in place for the centre. However, a funding gap of around £6 million is still believed to be outstanding.

Carol Nimmo, chair of the 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.”

Robertson Construction Central East has been named as construction partner for the project in a £47 million contract.

The Category A listed building has remained unused for more than 50 years, despite a number of proposals for its future.

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 with views across the city.

As part of the enabling works undertaken by Robertson Group during 2025, structural surveys and excavation works were undertaken.

These gave in-depth information about the historic building which then informed some structural engineering design changes and an extension to the timescale of the construction programme.

Ms Nimmo added: “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.”

The project is largely bankrolled by Scotland's biggest arts philanthropist Carol Grigor through her long-running Dunard Fund charity. Music groups and organisations are expected to use the new centre for collaborating, rehearsing, recording and performing.

Ms Nimmo added: “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, chief executive of Robertson Group said: “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.”

A spokesperson for the National Music Centre said: "We have 92 per cent of our fundraising in place and are fundraising for the rest.

"We are confident about sourcing that remaining funding through private fundraising and making case for funding to statutory funders."