Falcon Hall

Falcon Hall was a neoclassical mansion in Morningside distinguished by stone falcon statues at its entrance gates. The facade was decorated with large carved falcons and life-sized statues of Nelson and Wellington.

William Coulter, Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1808 to 1810, built the original structure in 1780. Alexander Falconar later purchased and transformed it before the building was demolished in 1909.

The property was home to Dr. John George Bartholomew, co-founder of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, during his residence from 1899 to 1909. His scholarly work in geography left an imprint on how locals understood the place.

The mansion no longer stands, but the original stone falcons from the entrance gates can be viewed at Edinburgh Zoo today. Those interested in its history can also see facade elements relocated to the Edinburgh Geographical Institute.

After the mansion was demolished in 1909, parts of its facade were reconstructed at the Edinburgh Geographical Institute on Duncan Street. This unusual second life for architectural elements shows how buildings can preserve their meaning even when relocated to new places.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Architects: Thomas Hamilton

GPS coordinates: 55.92970,-3.20833

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:42