The Supreme Courts of Scotland, 2-11 Parliament Square, Edinburgh

Robert Reid, 1803-10 and 1827-38 additions and alterations; further alteration, mainly internal, including William Burn, 1827-29, William Nixon, 1844, William Thomas Oldrieve, 1906-07 and later 20th century extensions (see below). Imposing, 3-storey, 31-bay, symmetrical, wide approximately U-plan, Classical complex of justiciary buildings with large central advanced 5-bay pedimented hexastyle portico. Situated on sloping site and falling to 8 storeys to south (Cowgate). (Extensions onto Cowgate at southeast of site not considered of special interest in listing terms). Ashlar with chamfered, rusticated round-arched continuous covered arcade to ground floor, coursed rubble to rear. Base course, impost course, band course, cill courses. Deep cornice and balustraded parapet with by decorative panels inset, some surmounted by stone sphinxes. 1st floor windows with moulded architraves and consoled cornices; some pedimented; plain 2nd floor windows

Predominantly 12-pane glazing in timber sash and case windows to north elevation. Various roof shapes, some piended, some flat. Grey slates.

The interiors of this building (apart from Parliament Hall – see separate listing) date mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries, although the courtrooms are all largely 19th and early 20th century. High quality well-detailed timberwork and plasterwork are evident throughout. The interiors of the early 19th century courtrooms are classical in style; courtroom 9 (the Oak Court) and adjacent library, dating from the early 20th century, are Renaissance Revival in style.