press release

Turner & Townsend, the global professional services company, has been appointed by the Royal High School Preservation Trust as project manager and contract administrator. This is for the transformation of Edinburgh’s historic Royal High School into the new National Centre for Music.

The landmark project on Calton Hill will breathe new life into the derelict Grade A listed building, designed by Thomas Hamilton and overlooking Edinburgh city centre. Empty since 1968, the building has seen several failed attempts at repurposing, including proposals to house the Scottish Parliament in the 1970s. 

The redevelopment will restore and conserve the iconic structure while creating a world-class cultural venue. The National Centre for Music will feature a 300-seat performance hall and two additional performance spaces with 100-seat capacity, providing a vibrant hub for music education and performance in the heart of Scotland. 

Turner & Townsend’s appointment spans 2025 to 2028, covering project management and contract administration services to ensure delivery of this complex heritage project.  

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to help re-purpose and safeguard one of Edinburgh’s most significant heritage assets while creating a space that will inspire future generations of musicians. 

Our team brings deep expertise in conservation and heritage projects and we’re proud to play a leading role in delivering a sustainable and culturally transformative outcome for Scotland.” 

Mark Bruce
Heritage and Conservation Lead, Scotland
Turner & Townsend

“We’re delighted to appoint Turner & Townsend to our team for this important project which will save and reactivate the former Royal High School, one of Scotland’s most vulnerable historic buildings, into a stunning home for the National Centre for Music.”

Kate Smith
Chief Executive
Royal High School Preservation Trust