George Street, Edinburgh

George Street is the main road in the First New Town of Edinburgh, a part of the city planned in the 18th century by James Craig. The street is named after King George III and connects St Andrew Square in the east with Charlotte Square in the west. It sits on the north side of the Old Town of Edinburgh, above Princes Street and below Queen Street, running straight along the top of a ridge.

At first, George Street was built as a place for people to live. But later, the homes changed into shops, banks, small stores, and hotels. Some of the big and beautiful buildings were designed by a well-known architect named David Bryce, who even lived on the street himself.

Today, George Street still looks much like it did a long time ago, but many of the shops and buildings are now used for restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and fancy clothing stores. It remains a busy and important part of Edinburgh.

Notable buildings, listed by address

North side

• 13 - St Andrew's and St George's West Church, built in 1784.
• 15-17-19 - A building designed by David Bryce in 1839-1840, later part of a hotel.
• 19-21 - The Principal, a hotel opened in 1881.
• 25 - Home of writer Susan Ferrier from 1784 to around 1830.
• 65 - A building made of pink sandstone, built in 1907-1908.
• 71 - Site of the US Consulate from 1915 to 1950.
• 89 - A shop built in 1902, once a famous hardware store until 2010.
• 95, 95A - An old insurance building from 1840.
• 101-103 - An old bank built in 1882-1883.
• 117-121 - Headquarters of the Church of Scotland, built between 1909 and 1911.
• 131 - Former home of architect David Bryce, rebuilt in 1883.

South side

• 14 - The Dome, built in 1847 as a bank.
• 22-24-26 - Home of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.
• 44 - An optician's shop restored in 1985.
• 54 - Assembly Rooms, opened in 1787.
• 62-64-66 - An old bank building from 1876.
• 78-80 - A department store built between 1903 and 1907.
• 96 - Freemasons' Hall, built from 1911 to 1912.
• 100-104 - A modern-style building from 1924-1925.
• 120 - A traditional building that is home to TSB Bank.
• 130 - Former studio of artist Mabel Dawson.

Statues

Statues along George Street show important people. They include Thomas Chalmers, a famous church leader, at Castle Street. There is also a statue of William Pitt the Younger, a British prime minister, at Frederick Street. Near Hanover Street, you’ll see King George IV, whose visit to Scotland in 1822 the statue remembers. At the eastern end of George Street, close to St Andrew Square, a statue of the scientist James Clerk Maxwell was placed in 2008.

Recent history

When they built the Edinburgh Trams in 2011 and 2012, George Street became a busy place because Princes Street was closed. In April 2012, many more people walked on George Street than before.

In October 2012, the City of Edinburgh Council agreed to try new ideas for George Street starting in June 2014. They made it a one-way street for cars and added special paths for bikes. They also gave more space outside for restaurants and bars. At the end of the test, they planned to ask people what they thought before making any big changes.

Future plans

In 2018, Edinburgh began working on new designs for George Street and the First New Town. They asked people for ideas at meetings and events. The aim was to make the area friendly and safe for everyone, especially walkers and cyclists.

In 2021, new plans were announced to change most of George Street into a place just for pedestrians.

During the Edinburgh Festival

In 2013, George Street became an important place for the Edinburgh Festival. They made more space for people to walk and less for cars.

In August 2016, a fun event called WestFest took place on the western part of George Street. Cars were not allowed between Castle Street and Charlotte Square. The event had a special whisky area, a mobile cinema, a small golf course, and a temporary cafe and bar. Many restaurants on George Street also set up extra seating outside during the event.