Sandtoft help restore Queensbury house

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Aug 2, 2005

Sandtoft to supply the authentic-looking roof tiles to ensure Queensbury House in Edinburgh is restored to its former glory

Queensbury House in Edinburgh has been restored to its former glory with 14,000 roof tiles that match the original specifications.

Architects wanted to restore the Scottish Parliament's house to its 17th Century appearance, and after consulting the original drawings, they approached Sandtoft to supply the authentic-looking roof tiles.

RMJM Architects, who oversaw the two-year restoration project, said: "The choice of roof tile was critical to ensure that Queensbury House remained true to its original form".

"We chose Sandtoft's 'Greenwood' handmade clay pantiles because they complement the building's character wonderfully".

"Putting modern style tiles on the roof just wouldn't look right on a 300-year-old building".

Historic Scotland was also involved in the project to ensure Queensbury House was restored to the most original condition possible.

Located on the Canongate in Edinburgh, Queensbury House was built in 1681.

It started life as the home for the first Duke of Queensbury who needed a residence in Edinburgh.

In 1808 it was converted into a military barracks and an extra floor was added.

More recently Queensbury House became a geriatric hospital which closed in 1995.

Today the sympathetically-restored building now forms part of the Scottish Parliament complex and provides accommodation for the Presiding Officer of the Parliament, deputies, clerk and their staff.