High Court (Former Sheriff Court), 413-431 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh

The High Court, formerly the Sheriff Court, located at 413-431 Lawnmarket in Edinburgh, is a neo-Georgian classical court building designed by Albert J Pitcher and John Wilson Paterson between 1934 and 1937, with modifications to the elevations by George Washington Brown. This three-storey building, which includes a basement and attic, features a symmetrical rectangular plan and occupies an island site in the city center.

The principal elevation showcases a prominent breakfront centerpiece with a pediment and Giant Doric pilasters. The long side elevations also have secondary entrances flanked by Giant Doric pilasters. The exterior is constructed of Darney stone ashlar, with a rusticated ground floor that has bold key-blocked openings. A frieze cill course with a stone balustrade adorns the window aprons, while deep corniced eaves and a blocking course complete the design. The pedimented centerpiece features a frieze with triglyphs, metopes, and guttae, and a semi-abstract carved figure of Justice is positioned in the triangular pediment. Multi-pane timber windows are present throughout the building.

The interior underwent significant remodeling around 1992 to 1994 when it was converted from a Sheriff Court to a High Court. This remodeling included the addition of a new principal stair leading to the upper courtroom lobby and an extensive barrel-vaulted T-plan roof above. The main central courtrooms were also remodeled, and smaller courtrooms were created from former office spaces. However, the original 1930s monumental neo-Classical features of the secondary side entrances and the lobby to the principal courtrooms remain intact, including key-blocked polished stone architraves and polished stone seating. The basement contains holding cells and archive storage.