7-11, Friar Street

This is a row of three houses located at 7-11 Friar Street, built in the early 19th century, with some alterations made in the 20th century. The houses are constructed from squared coursed sandstone with ashlar dressings and feature slate roofs, which have a ridge and two gable stacks. Each house is three storeys tall above cellars, with one bay for each house. Nos. 7 and 9 are designed as a mirrored pair, sharing linked doorways, while No. 11, on the right, has its doorway positioned to the left. All openings have plain stone surrounds. No. 7 has glazing bar sashes, while Nos. 9 and 11 have 6-pane sashes. Each house has a 6-panel door, although some may have been replaced in the 20th century, and all doors include overlights. The cellar openings below the ground-floor windows are blocked, but there is a coal hole with a flap on the left side. The doorways are accessed by three external steps. A plaque set into the front wall of No. 7 commemorates the birthplace of Sir William Turner, who was born on January 7, 1832, and held several prestigious titles and positions, including Professor and Principal of Edinburgh University.