New College

New College houses the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh and sits prominently on Mound Place in the city center. The building displays Gothic Revival style with a striking central tower and ornamental stonework throughout.

The building opened in 1846 as an educational facility for the Free Church of Scotland under architect William Henry Playfair's design. This institution became a major center for theological training in Scotland and continues to serve that purpose today.

The General Assembly Hall here served as the meeting place for the Scottish Parliament between 1999 and 2004, marking a turning point in Scotland's political life. This hall became the symbolic center for the nation's democratic processes during that time.

The library on site holds the country's largest single-location collection of theological texts and historical manuscripts. Visitors can explore the reading areas and courtyards to get a sense of how scholars and students use this space today.

Rainy Hall stands out for its intricate hammerbeam roof structure and heraldic carvings that reflect the institution's religious connections. These architectural details tell stories of the spiritual traditions and academic heritage embedded in the building itself.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Website: http://ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/divinity

GPS coordinates: 55.94980,-3.19520

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40