Friday October 23rd 2026
St Margaret's House on London Rd, Edinburgh
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Nicholas Malizia
Councillors will next week vote on whether to push for an extension to the eviction of over 200 local art studios.
Imperilled tenants at St Margaret’s House received notice in late September that they must leave the hub by January 24, 2027.
The centre in Meadowbank has rented out space to artists for nearly 20 years through charity Scot-ART. Recognisable from its large “ART” signage, the centre was known for providing affordable studio space to artists and charities – including one of Scotland’s only exotic animal shelters.
The Caledonian Trust, who lease the building to Scot-ART, has said the building has been on the market for “some time” and they are in discussions with a “preferred party” for sale.
Multiple councillors are set to raise the issue at Full Council on Thursday, October 29, to support the affected artists and potentially delay their eviction.
Councillor Finlay McFarlane (SNP) has filed a motion to request an extension for tenants’ displacement. He proposed Council Leader Jane Meagher appeal to the Chair of the Caledonian Trust requesting an extension “or at the least for the minimum notice period contained within tenant organisations leases to be respected.”
The City Centre ward councillor will also push for more assistance supporting relocation efforts in addition to finding ways for the city to support “sustainable and equitable” studio space for creatives.
He will call for a review of council assets which could accommodate such a space, according to the motion.
Cllr McFarlane cited fears that a similar fate may await hundreds of small creative enterprises at Summerhall following proposals submitted by Developers. He also referenced “the potential future displacement of tech-startups from within CodeBase at Argyle House”.
A similar motion was put forward by Councillor Jack Caldwell (Lib Dems). He too will urge councillors to engage with Scot-ART and offer support for next steps.
Cllr Caldwell acknowledged the issue is a civic matter between private organisations regarding private land but that it will “affect over 200 tenants, including third-sector organisations who receive City of Edinburgh Council grant funding.”
The plans follow similar closures such as Beaverhall Studios – which housed over 20 artists and faced demolition earlier this year – and WASP Studios Dalry.
MP Chris Murray posted on social media: “It is desperately disappointing that St Margaret’s House will be closing to the hundreds of community organisations and creatives who call the building home.
“Its closure will be felt by communities across Edinburgh and beyond. I am in touch with Scot-ART and the landlord to see what can be done, and ensure that support is provided to all those impacted.”
A spokesperson for Caledonian Trust has said: “We have fully communicated that St Margaret’s House has been on the market for some time. We’re in discussions with a preferred party, but the process isn’t finished and it would be inappropriate to provide any more detail.
“St Margaret’s House has been an important home for independent artists and freelancers in Edinburgh and we have been proud to support them. However, the building is decades old and no longer meets the standards needed for its long-term future.
“Scot-ART has held the lease on the building for many years, on very generous terms, and is now serving notice to its sub-tenants. Vacant possession is targeted for January 2027, with plenty of time for people to plan ahead.”
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