After many months of campaigning its shame to see the building has been sold to Edinburgh University.

The Evening News story is here:

http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/museum-of-fire-sold-to-university-1-4245148

And this is the text of Edinburgh University press release:

Friday, 30 September

University of Edinburgh to buy former fire service headquarters

The University of Edinburgh has been confirmed as the preferred bidder for the former Scottish Fire and Rescue Service headquarters at Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. 

The University secured the building following an open market sale process. Upon completion of contracts it is anticipated that the University will take possession at the beginning of 2017.

The building will undergo a sympathetic refurbishment, sensitive to its past use and heritage, before forming part of the Edinburgh College of Art’s ambitious plans to transform the area into a hub for arts and culture.

The acquisition of the important heritage site will extend further the College of Art’s presence in the locality which extends back over a century.

The Edinburgh Museum of Fire, currently located at Lauriston, will subsequently move to a new purpose-built location within the City of Edinburgh.  The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has committed to funding the restoration and curation of the artefacts in preparation for the move to their new home.

Stuart Bennett, Acting Principal of Edinburgh College of Art, said: “We are very pleased to have been selected as the preferred bidder and look forward to breathing new life into this iconic building. We will now begin the process of planning for a sympathetic refurbishment that can fulfil its potential as part of a world class College of Art, of which the City of Edinburgh can be justifiably proud”

Sarah O’Donnell, director of finance and contractual services for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are delighted that this important building will transfer to the care of the University of Edinburgh. They share our understanding of the building’s past and will ensure it remains an important part of Edinburgh’s heritage long into the future. We will shortly announce plans for an exciting new home for the Museum of Fire that will underline our commitment to the continued promotion of Edinburgh’s pivotal role in the history of fire and rescue.” 

ENDS