27 September 2025 (09:30 - 11:00)
ln 1620 George Foulis, Master of the Mint, purchased the estate of Ravelston, and built a mansion there between 1622 and 1624. He died in 1633 and is commemorated, together with his wife Janet Bannatyne, by a handsome monument in Greyfriars Churchyard. His house was later destroyed by fire, but some fragments of it survived and these are still discernible today.
In 1726 the property was sold to Alexander Keith, whose son, also Alexander, built the present mansion shortly before his death in 1792. This house was extended by a kinsman, who purchased the place in 1872; and in 1915-6 the extension was raised in height and the mansion itself was remodelled internally.
By 1966 the house and land had been transformed into the Mary Erskine School with the main house being used for classrooms and the principals’ offices. The extensive grounds and gardens are still accessible today and provide a perfect back drop to the hustle and bustle of the school life. 2025 / 2026 will be a special year as we prepare for the merger of Mary Erskine School with Stewart’s Melville College and the departure of the senior school for the Queensferry Road Campus.

The visit will consist of a guided tour of the school and Ravelston House looking at the heritage of the site and the history of our schools. Guided tour of the house and grounds will be scheduled for every half hour over the course of the morning.
Booking Required - please book your place via this link https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FDVB

2025 Theme - Architectural Heritage: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future
Ravelston House is now hidden amidst the 1960’s school complex. It stands aloof, looking down on the hustle and bustle of school life that plays out in the grounds around it. Once the most ‘stately’ of homes, now appropriately the backdrop to the school’s music department, it today stands proud in a manner reflective the school’s motto – Mitis et Fortis – ‘Gentle and Strong’ – the matriarch of our school.

Access to Ravelston and the Main School building is limited for wheelchair uses.

Address
ESMS - Mary Erskine School and Ravelston House, Ravelston, Edinburgh, EH4 3NT