Robertson wins £47m deal to deliver music centre at former Royal High School

The Category A listed building has remained unused for more than 50 years, despite a number of proposals for its future use. The planned creation of the National Centre for Music marks the first time these ambitions will be realised with the signing of this contract representing a significant milestone in the building’s history, formally signalling the commencement of its future.

Enabling works on the building were undertaken throughout 2025 by Robertson to fully understand the condition of the building to inform the main works contract. The company has been appointed to undertake the main works contract in restoring the former Royal High School to its former glory through the creation of a National Centre for Music.

The main construction works started this month with a planned completion date of spring 2028, with the National Centre for Music opening in early summer 2028. As part of the contract, Robertson will create 10 new local jobs, as well as offer 10 new apprenticeships and 30 weeks work experience for those looking for a career in construction.

As part of the restoration project Robertson, with the help of subcontractors, just under three quarters of which are Scottish, will completely transform the building working across roofing, cornicing, stonework and plumbing as well as specialist technical packages for staging, lighting and acoustics.

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. The new venue will provide a cultural experience like no other, all in the backdrop of one of Edinburgh’s most historic and architecturally significant buildings.

Nurturing and celebrating the richness of Scotland’s music making across all genres and talents, the building will become an iconic destination where artists come to perform, make new work and connect with others and where audiences come to expand their passions and enjoy uplifting experiences.

Carol Nimmo, chair of the Royal High School Preservation 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. 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.

“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 officer, 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.”