Robert Gordon's College, North gates and boundary walls

Robert Gordon's College, located on Schoolhill in Aberdeen, is an impressive 18th-century Classical hospital building designed by William Adam between 1731 and 1732. This outstanding three-storey and attic structure features a symmetrical H-plan layout and is set within extensive grounds. The building underwent alterations and additional wings were added by John Smith between 1830 and 1832.

Constructed from grey granite ashlar with pale granite dressings and raised margins, the southern elevation showcases a central three-bay section with a two-leaf door framed by a moulded architrave. Above this door is an arched and corniced niche that houses a statue of Robert Gordon. The building has a blocking course with a consoled and stepped central section, flanked by advanced outer bays that are pedimented. At the ridge, a tall central octagonal cupola features a tapering, crocketed spire topped with a weathervane. The central rear elevation includes a semi-circular, crenellated porch.

The central block is flanked by symmetrical, two-storey L-plan colonnaded wings designed by John Smith, which form a courtyard. The gable ends facing the courtyard are adorned with triangular pediments, while the southern elevations of the wings are enhanced by full-height pilasters flanking the central two bays. The roof is covered with grey slate, and broad, coped ashlar stacks are present at the ridge and wallheads, along with cast iron rainwater goods.

The entrance features two-leaf gates leading to the north boundary wall, which is complemented by large square-capped gate piers topped with ball finials. A coped rubble boundary wall remains along sections of the northern and western perimeter of the grounds.

Inside, the original symmetrical plan has been preserved. The entrance hall boasts a segmentally vaulted ceiling, and there is a dog-leg stone stair with distinctive twin-arched ceiling mouldings at the stair entrance on all floors. A fine panelled room on the first floor, which survives from William Adam's original 1742 interior design, features a ribbed plaster ceiling and Queen Anne furnishings.