The Georgian House NTS

20/07/2026

Today, our Collections Care team and specialist art handlers carefully dismantled the magnificent Newliston Bed before it is placed into secure storage while restoration and conservation work continues at the house.

The bed is an extraordinary survival of late 18th-century craftsmanship. Its elegant design is attributed to Robert Adam, with painted decorative elements by David Allan, while the exquisite embroidered textiles were hand-stitched by Lady Mary Hog of Newliston. Together, they created one of Scotland’s finest examples of a Georgian state bed.

Keep an eye on our socials over the coming weeks for more updates on our ongoing conservation and restoration work within the house.

18/07/2026

Have you ever looked closely at Charlotte Square? 👀
Bestselling historical author Sara Sheridan takes us on a wee tour, revealing how one small architectural detail can tell us so much about Georgian Edinburgh and the society that shaped Scotland’s New Town.

30/06/2026

Today our Visitor Services Manager Dr Sheonagh Martin has been invited to attend His Majesty The King’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

This invitation is in recognition of Sheonagh’s near 30 years with the National Trust for Scotland, during which she has inspired colleagues, volunteers and visitors alike through her passion for Scotlands history and heritage.

Sheonagh is joined by Peter who is one of our longest serving volunteers, who has generously decicated more than 25 years to the National trust for Scotland. Together, they represent the commitment, enthusiasm and care shown by so may of our staff and volunteers across the Trust.

Congratulations to both Sheonagh and Peter on this well deserved honour. We hope you both enjoy a wonderful afternoon at Holyroodhouse.

National Trust for Scotland

26/06/2026

It seems last night’s thunderstorm has finally swept away the scaffolding that has been covering the front of the house for the past six months.

With the conservation work to our front elevation now complete, our focus turns to the rear of the building before work begins inside the house.

These important conservation works will take a little more time, and we are aiming to reopen at some point in 2027.

We know this will be disappointing for those eager to step inside once again, but we’re incredibly excited to welcome visitors back to one of Edinburgh’s finest Georgian townhouses when the time comes.

Thank you for your patience and continued support as we preserve this historic building for future generations.

04/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week, we’d like to celebrate the wonderful volunteers of The Georgian House.

Volunteering is about more than giving your time, it’s about meeting people, sharing interests and becoming part of a community.

The Georgian House may be temporarily closed, but the friendships made here continue. Our volunteers still meet regularly for lunches, outings and catch-ups, united by a shared love of history, heritage and storytelling.

What started as volunteering has grown into lasting friendships, and we’re incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm, support and companionship they bring to our team.

Thank you for being part of The Georgian House family. 💙



National Trust for Scotland

01/06/2026

This weekend we took a trip to Newliston House, the last country house designed by Robert Adam.

Designed in 1789, Newliston was built just before Adam turned his attention to Charlotte Square.

Standing within its beautiful landscape setting near Kirkliston, the house offers a fascinating glimpse into the work of one of Scotland’s greatest architects.

This is also a rare opportunity for our visitors to see the original bed hangings designed by Robert Adam and hand-stitched by Lady Mary Hog of Newliston, with assistance from the celebrated Scottish artist David Allan.

Did you know that the bed displayed at the Georgian House originally came from Newliston House? Even more remarkably, the surviving hangings at Newliston closely match those in our collection and were also designed by Lady Mary Hog, creating a fascinating link between the two houses that can still be seen today.

Newliston House is open to the public this week until Sunday, from 2pm–6pm. Located just 8 miles west of Edinburgh city centre, it’s a wonderful opportunity to explore a remarkable piece of Scotland’s architectural heritage.

Have you visited Newliston before? We’d love to hear your memories and favourite features of the house.

25/05/2026

A lovely literary connection for the Georgian House today 📚

We were delighted to welcome acclaimed Scottish author Sara Sheridan to The Georgian House following the release of her new novel, The Jewel Keepers.

Set in Edinburgh’s New Town in 1837, the year of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne that brought the Georgian era to an end. Much of the story takes place in Edinburgh’s New Town, around the Moray Estate and nearby Glenfinlas Street just a few doors from The Georgian House.

We enjoyed taking a wee wander around some of the real-life locations featured in the book, bringing the world of The Jewel Keepers to life amongst the streets of Edinburgh’s New Town.

20/05/2026

Scotland’s press gathers in Charlotte Square today to hear the latest updates on our ongoing conservation and restoration work.

On a side note the First Minister has appointed his new cabinet.

National Trust for Scotland

09/05/2026

Couple tickets left for tonight’s investigation of a Gladstone’s Land 👻

https://www.scottish-paranormal.co.uk/event-info/the-ghosts-of-gladstones-land

Good Morning 😍 Off to the capital for the first ever paranormal investigation at this amazing property 🙏🙌

More updates throughout today and tonight but with over 500 years of history 👀…

Join us later for a live walkaround 🔦

20/04/2026

Hidden inside the fireplace at No. 5 Charlotte Square… 🕯️🔥

During conservation work, a delicate scrap of newspaper came to light.

It’s a fragment of The Primrose League Gazette, dated 29 December 1888.

This was no ordinary publication. The Gazette served as the official voice of the Primrose League, a powerful political organisation founded in the 1880s that promoted Conservative values, patriotism, and civic involvement. It found its way into many middle and upper-class homes across Britain.

The surviving pages are filled with advertisements, from Spratt’s Patent Dog Biscuits (among the earliest commercial pet foods) to infant nourishment, cordials, and household products. Together, they offer a glimpse into everyday Victorian life such as what people purchased, what mattered to them, and what was ultimately thrown away.

At the time this newspaper was printed, No. 5 Charlotte Square was home to Beatrice Ramsay, widow of George Ramsay, former manager of the Scottish Union and National Insurance Company.