COMMENT

Unrealised visions for the Scottish capital by one of its most celebrated architects are to take centre stage in a major new exhibition devoted to his work.

William Henry Playfair’s rejected plans for a monument to honour Sir Walter Scott and an underground shopping centre in Princes Street Gardens will see the light of day in the show.

Alternative plans for the Scottish National Gallery building on The Mound which would have seen it divided by a main road - will be on display in the City Art Centre exhibition.

It will also recall Playfair’s unrealised visions to extend the New Town to the bottom of Leith Walk, a grand terrace on the slopes of Calton Hill and his proposed national monument on Calton Hill, which was notoriously never completed when funding ran out.

Architectural drawings and sketches by Playfair are accompanied by a number of paintings of 19th century Edinburgh

“His contribution to the architecture of early 19th century Edinburgh is found throughout the city”

KIRSTEN MCKEE