Advocates Close

Advocates Close is a narrow and steep alley in Edinburgh of medieval origin, redeveloped in the early 21st century.

A major part of this stemmed from the lack of sewerage, with waste being thrown out of the window to run down the steep slope.

[3] The main non-residential building in the 19th century was the Imperial Hotel, which stood at the lower end on the site of the Lord Advocate's house.

The first renewal of interest in the street (other than as a viewpoint) was in 1993 when the newly created Old Town Conservation Committee chose to site their office in the oldest remaining building: Clement Cor's house at the head of the close on its east side.

This involved a wholesale restoration of the building, revealing a large 16th century fireplace within and several painted ceilings.

The City of Edinburgh Council sold a large section of its former offices early in the 21st century, stretching along the length of Advocates Close.

Unfortunately, as a result of the banking scares at the end of 2008, despite being close to completion, the original developer was declared bankrupt and the scheme was relaunched under new ownership.

The development brief for the site required a new pedestrian link between the Evening News Steps and the centre of Advocates Close.

[6] The resultant mix of old and new is highly respectful of Edinburgh's historic character, whilst creating a vibrant new scheme of hotels, offices and bars.

[7] At the centre of the redevelopment (topographically rather than conceptually) lies the bar, the "Devil's Advocate", converted from the 19th century boilerhouse which served the buildings to north and east.

Arguably the most dramatic change is the re-addition of two floors and a pitched roof on the Warriston Close building.