Baillie McMorran's House

Lying at the back of Riddle's Court off Edinburgh's Lawnmarket is the remains of the 16th Century house of Baillie John McMorran, one of Edinburgh's wealthiest citizens of the time. McMorran actually built two L-shaped blocks in 1590, his own being the one on the south and west sides. The house passed to McMorran's brother and hosted a fine banquet in 1598 given by the Town Council to honour King James VI and his Queen. The houses, which were extended and refitted in the 17th Century were converted as a University residence in 1889 by Patrick Geddes who carved his motto Vivendo Discimus or 'By living we learn' in the court. The buildings were adapted as an adult education centre by Lothian Regional Council in the late 20th Century.


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