Pollock Halls of Residence

Pollock Halls of Residence stands near the foot of Arthur’s Seat in St Leonard’s, on the edge of Holyrood Park. The complex covers more than two hectares two kilometres southeast of Edinburgh’s city centre. Some buildings date from the 19th century, but most were built in the 1960s and early 2000s. Sir Donald Pollock gave the site to the university after the Second World War. The halls have housed athletes for major events such as the 1970 British Commonwealth Games. The halls are named after former principals and benefactors of the university. Holland House and Fraser House were designed by Sir William Kininmonth in the late 1950s. Chancellor’s Court replaced older blocks in the early 2000s after protests over the Ilisu dam project. Gordon Brown lived in Lee House during his first year as a student. Masson House now serves as a hotel for business travellers and conference guests. Visitors find modern study bedrooms in Chancellor’s Court and Masson House. The older tower blocks such as Ewing House and Turner House still house students in single rooms. Holland House offers self-catering flats for postgraduates and mature students. The complex sits beside Holyrood Park, with views of Arthur’s Seat from many windows.