New life for home of famed legal chief
A HISTORIC building that was once home to the lawyer who prosecuted in the case of the notorious body snatchers Burke and Hare, is set to be turned into offices as part of a major redevelopment.
The B-listed Balmwell bar-restaurant, in Liberton, would be converted into offices and a sizeable area of derelict land beside it used to build more than 150 homes under the plans.
Restoration work would also be carried out on the grounds, which include the historic well that is believed to date back to the 15th century.
Developer Edenlaw has lodged plans with the city council after agreeing a deal with the local authority to buy the derelict land that lies alongside the grounds of The Balmwell.
The original mansion house was part of the Convent of St Katherine, and was later turned into the home of Sir William Rae, who was Lord Advocate at the time William Burke and William Hare were carrying out their serial killings in the Old Town. Among those to visit the mansion, which was built in 1806, were the writer Sir Walter Scott, in 1825.
Graeme Blackwood, director of Timber Bush Associates, the planning agents for Morningside-based Edenlaw, said: “The land where the housing is planned to go is basically derelict at the moment, and is next to the grounds of The Balmwell.
“The actual mansion house has become a bit tired-looking over the years, and various extensions have been added to it. The plan is very much to restore it to its former glory and provide 159 new homes alongside the new offices, with a quarter of the flats designated as affordable housing.
“The plans have just gone in to the council, and all going well I would hope that work would be underway within the next year.”
Irish labourer Burke was put on trial after Sir William persuaded sidekick Hare to turn “king’s evidence” and cooperate with the authorities in return for immunity from prosecution. After his testimony had helped convict Burke, Hare was allowed to flee Edinburgh to escape the hate mobs trying to find him.
The high-profile trial made the already well-known and respected lawyer Sir William one of the best-known public figures of 19th century Edinburgh.
The building where he lived takes its name from the activities of the nuns who were based at the convent, who were said to source natural oils there to treat lepers.
The building has previously served as a children’s home and a care home for elderly people. In recent years, however, it has been well known in the area as first a hotel and then a bar-restaurant.
Ian Murray, Labour councillor for the area, said: “The Balmwell is pretty well known in the area and is fairly well used. I was there myself recently.
“I haven’t heard anything about this particular development, although I do know that there is a pressing need for new housing in the area.
“I have to say 159 new homes does sound like a large number, but on the other hand it is a sizeable piece of land adjacent to the building.”
