The Royal High School Preservation Trust has officially appointed Robertson Construction Central East as the construction partner for the £47 million transformation of the former Royal High School on Edinburgh's Calton Hill.

The project will see the Category A listed building, which has sat vacant for more than 50 years, reborn as Scotland's National Centre for Music.

Following the successful completion of enabling works in 2025, Robertson has now commenced the main construction phase this month. The ambitious restoration is scheduled for completion in Spring 2028, with the National Centre for Music expected to open its doors to the public in early summer of that year.

The project is set to provide a significant boost to the Scottish economy and the local workforce. Just under three-quarters of the subcontractors engaged are based in Scotland. Furthermore, the contract includes a commitment from Robertson to create 10 new local jobs, offer 10 new apprenticeships, and provide 30 weeks of work experience for those entering the construction industry.

The technical scope of the restoration is extensive, covering essential heritage repairs to roofing, stonework, and cornicing, alongside highly specialised packages for:

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- Professional staging and lighting systems.

- State-of-the-art acoustics.

- A world-class recording studio and learning spaces.

- Three distinct performance venues and rehearsal rooms.

Carol Nimmo, Chair of the Royal High School Preservation Trust, expressed the significance of the milestone: "After years of dedication and work from our Trustees, design team and staff, moving to the construction phase is a truly memorable moment. Throughout the enabling works we've formed a strong working relationship with Robertson who share our vision for the building and have a wealth of experience when it comes to re-imagining historic locations. We're delighted to be continuing our relationship as we move forward into this main work construction contract.

"We'd like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has helped us reach this stage in the project, none of which would've been possible without the extraordinary founding gift from the Dunard Fund which has allowed us to preserve the heritage of the building and make it accessible for cultural and public benefit."

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Robertson Group, highlighted the cultural importance of the landmark: "The Royal High School building is a widely recognised landmark on Edinburgh's skyline and this project represents a rare opportunity to bring the building back into active public use. Creating a home for the National Centre for Music will allow new generations to experience this iconic landmark in a completely new way.

"Having already completed the enabling works, our team understands the character and complexities of the building, and the responsibility that comes with delivering a high-quality refurbishment. We are looking forward to continuing our close partnership with the Royal High School Preservation Trust to help create a place that will celebrate music, creativity and community for many years to come."

Once complete, the centre will also feature a café, event and conference facilities, and publicly accessible landscaped gardens offering panoramic views across the capital.