Forrest Hill drill hall, Category B listed military building in Edinburgh, Scotland
Forrest Hill drill hall is a three-part stone structure in Edinburgh, with sections that include a garage area, a former Poor House wing, and a central portion containing stairs. The northern section connects directly to Greyfriars Kirkyard.
The building was completed in 1872 by architect Duncan Menzies as headquarters for the Queen's Edinburgh Rifles. A major refurbishment happened in 1905, after which it eventually became part of the university's teaching operations.
The building shifted from military use to become part of the university, serving education and research instead. This transformation reflects how spaces in the city adapt to new purposes over time.
The location sits near Greyfriars Kirkyard and is easily reached by public transport. Keep in mind that the building remains in active university use, so access may be limited depending on ongoing academic activities.
The FREDDY II robot was developed within these walls as an early demonstration of autonomous assembly technology, and it now sits in the National Museum of Scotland. This machine marks Edinburgh's contribution to pioneering robotic research.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
