This project involved the careful repair and conversion of a derelict listed eighteenth-century cottage located adjacent to Cameron Toll shopping mall and car park. The cottage holds historical significance as the childhood home of Arthur Conan Doyle. It was gifted to the Cockburn Conservation Trust, who commissioned GRAS to conserve the building fabric and adapt the house for use by Dunedin School, a charity dedicated to educating pupils with additional support needs.

The work focused on preserving the original materials and architectural features while sensitively upgrading the building to provide a functional learning environment. Repairs included masonry consolidation, timber repairs, and careful attention to internal finishes, ensuring the character of the cottage was maintained throughout.

Funding for the project was provided in part by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the City of Edinburgh Council, and fundraising efforts by Dunedin School. The completed project offers a valuable community resource while safeguarding an important element of Edinburgh’s architectural and cultural heritage.