27 September 2025 (10:00 - 14:00)
Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust’s mission is to provide affordable and appropriate spaces, resources, projects and opportunities for the residents of Edinburgh.
Since 2004 Out of the Blue’s headquarters have been the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, a building of considerable historical and architectural significance to the Leith community. The Drill Hall was built in 1901 for the Royal Scots Regiment, designed by the renowned architect Sir Rowand Anderson, who also designed the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the McEwan Hall at Edinburgh University.
Following Out of the Blue’s 2015 ‘Gretna 100’ project, which marked the centenary of the Gretna rail disaster, and the impact it had on the Leith community, the Out of the Blue Drill Hall was reclassified from ‘B’ to ‘A’ listed.
Careful, sustainable restoration and regeneration has transformed this former military building into a participatory and inclusive arts and cultural centre, exhibition space and a well-reviewed cafe.
The Out of the Blue Drill Hall is a vibrant, fun and inclusive place where people can experience all kinds of innovative contemporary arts, enjoy the creative atmosphere, meet, discuss, eat, relax and learn.

Activities
Guided tours: free tours of the building (typically around 30 mins). This will also include the opportunity to see inside some of our working studio and offices. Sign-up sheets will be made available in the venue on the day.
September Flea Market: monthly flea market with over 45 stalls selling a variety of pre-loved goods (jewellery, clothes etc). The market will be on from 10am - 3pm.

2025 Doors Open Days Theme - Architectural Heritage: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future
Our tours will specifically talk about the architectural and historical significance of the Drill Hall.
The Drill Hall was built in 1901 for the Royal Scots Regiment, designed by the renowned architect Sir Rowand Anderson, who also designed the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the McEwan Hall at Edinburgh University.
The hall played a leading role during the aftermath of the Gretna Rail Disaster in 1915 which saw over 200 soldiers from the Leith Battallion killed. The Drill Hall was where many of the families congregated to find out news about their loved ones.

Address
36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG