Acheson House, Category A listed 17th-century townhouse in Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Acheson House is a three-story stone building from the 17th century located on Canongate along the Royal Mile, displaying traditional Scottish features. The facade shows carved stone decorations, while the roof is covered with Carmyllie slate tiles known for their durability and craftsmanship.
Sir Archibald Acheson, Scotland's Secretary of State under King Charles I, commissioned this residence in 1633. After centuries as a private home, it later became an administrative center and underwent extensive restoration work in 2011.
The building once served as a home for wealthy families and now houses the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust. This shift in use shows how the city has evolved and reflects the importance placed on preserving its past today.
The building sits on the Royal Mile, the main street running through Old Town, making it easy to reach on foot. Visitors should note the steep incline of this street section and that interior access is available during business hours.
The roof restoration project prompted the reopening of Denfind Quarry in Angus to supply traditional Carmyllie slate. This revival of an old craft tradition helped ensure authentic materials were available for other Scottish monuments.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
