The Hub

The Hub stands at the top of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Its Gothic spire rises above the surrounding rooftops and is the highest point in central Edinburgh. The building was once Highland Tolbooth St John’s Church, designed by J Gillespie Graham and Augustus Pugin in the 19th century. It served as a meeting place for the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly until 1929. After years as a church, it closed in the 1980s and stood unused for over a decade. The building’s history reflects Edinburgh’s role as a centre of Scottish culture and religion. The General Assembly met here before moving to a new hall on The Mound. After its conversion in 1999, it became the headquarters of the Edinburgh International Festival. The project preserved the original Gothic exterior while creating modern spaces inside. Queen Elizabeth opened the newly named Hub in 1999. Visitors find a mix of heritage and contemporary use. The main hall has a rib-vaulted ceiling and carved wood panelling by Pugin and Graham. A café, box office, and performance space share the building with smaller rooms for events. The spire and clock tower overlook the Lawnmarket, offering views toward the Castle. The Hub remains a working venue for festivals, conferences, and weddings.