RBS provides £14.2m loan to City & Country for conversion of former Donaldson’s School

The transformation of the former Donaldson’s School for the Deaf site in Edinburgh has been supported by a £14.2 million package from Royal Bank of Scotland.

City & Country (Edinburgh) Limited, a joint venture between UK and European Investments Limited and City & Country, will use the funding to progress the first two phases the building’s conversion into 110 apartments in the iconic Playfair building together with two gate lodges.

Located in Edinburgh’s West End and surrounded by 18 acres of elegant grounds, the building was originally constructed in the 1840s by renowned architect, William Henry Playfair and is now a Category-A listed property.

Playfair is considered one of the greatest architects of the 19th century, designer of the capital’s neo-classical landmarks in the New Town, helping it earn the moniker ‘Athens of the North.’

Royal Bank of Scotland relationship manager, Robert Fardon, said: “When City & Country (Edinburgh) Limited showed us the plans we immediately knew this was going to be an exciting project to be part of. It underlines our commitment to major residential projects across Scotland and we’re honoured to be playing a role in its restoration and conversion.”

The site was formally a specialist school for deaf children which has subsequently been relocated to Linlithgow in 2008.

The one, two and three-bed apartments are designed to create interesting contemporary interiors with fantastic panoramic views across Edinburgh, overlooking an attractive internal courtyard with sweeping lawns leading to period gate lodges.

They are also situated close to many amenities including schools and local shopping while Haymarket Station, the West End and City Centre are only a short walk away.

Prices are expected to range from £250,000 to £2,500,000.

Helen Moore, managing director of City & Country, said: “This is a major development in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, which is set to become one of the most sought-after addressees the Capital has on offer. After having lain empty for so many years, it is wonderful to see this iconic building being brought back into beneficial use, for both current and future generations to enjoy.

“Many jobs and considerable investment have been made into the local economy and City & Country (Edinburgh) Limited would like to thank Royal Bank of Scotland for its support in bringing this project to fruition.”