55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 George Square, Edinburgh

James Brown 1774-1779. Numerous alterations and additions including: 1824 subdivision of 57 into 57 and 58; Frank W Simon and Tweedie 1893 (internal linking of numbers 56 and 57 for the Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society); J M Johnston 1928 (internal alterations at number 56, also for the Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society); University of Edinburgh Department of Works 1947 alterations and additions to number 60 for Midwifery Department) and many later alterations also by the University Department of Works.

5-storey, 3- and 5-bay, mainly rectangular plan classical style houses which form a terrace, now a series of university departments. Numbers 55-59 Craigleith droved ashlar; number 60 squared snecked pink and cream Craigmillar rubble sandstone with blue whin pinnings. Set on ground sloping north to south and forming the north east portion of George Square. Roman Doric doorcases (some with coupled columns) with elided friezes; number 60 with later Greek Ionic doorcase. Cast iron balconies to some windows at numbers 57 and 58.

4-pane glazing in timber sash and case windows. Tall corniced gable stacks with yellow clay cans.

The interiors were seen in 2015. Many have been altered and connected internally but still retain elements of outstanding Georgian interior schemes, including late 18th century staircases with decorative iron balusters and timber

handrails, marble and timber chimneypieces, panelled timber doors, fine cornices and some timber dadoes. The largest house on the east side was number 57 (now divided into numbers 57 and 58) and the interior is particularly fine. The decorative inner screen in the vestibule with fanlight is of note. There is a good 18th century staircase rising at the rear of the building which has fine iron balusters and timber handrail. The former public rooms have particularly good plasterwork, the two rooms at the front of the building having three windows and two windows respectively. The vestiges of archway between the two front rooms may suggest that this was one large entertainment space. There is a variety of other features in the other houses, but generally the surviving detailing is simple but of good quality.