St Andrew's House

In the past couple of years, I have been fortunate to be in St Andrew's House on a few occasions. Fortunate because it is a remarkable building, recognised as one of Scotland's great pieces of inter-war architecture. Designed by James Tait and built in 1936-39, it is colossal, striking, impressive and properly authoritarian to reflect its role as the seat of govenment, as it was when it opened; a role that continues today in combination with the new Parliament at Holyrood.

If the external massing of the north front (seen here) is impressive, the southern facade, cascading down the lower slopes of Calton Hill is equally competent, presenting a carefully balanced view to the Old Town.

I don't share the Buildings of Edinburgh's dismissal of the interior, which is grand and has wonderfully simple details in its bronze doors, door handles and brass handrails on the staircases. It's a pity that relatively few people see inside.