In 1934 this building
was condemned and scheduled for demolition.
Now thanks to the National Trust for Scotland it is rare jewel that receives the
appreciation it deserves. Both inside
and outside this building shows superb 17th Century features. The name Gladstone's
Land comes
from Thomas Gledstanes who once owned the building. Thomas Gledstanes is recorded as a merchant
and he is known to have lived in this 6 storey building whilst also renting sections
out to another merchant, a minister, a knight, and a guild officer. The arcade frontage still protects shoppers
from inclement conditions.
The hawk catching a mouse is a relatively new
addition. It holds a symbolic link to Thomas
Gledstanes as, "Gled," is the
Scots word for a hawk. The sculpture is
fashioned from gilt-copper. The building was once
designed to capture attention and to hold on to customers. The beauty of the restored features and the
bright gold of the hawk and mouse are still catching eyes and stopping feet as
tourist pause to enjoy this beautiful building that was so nearly demolished in
1934 and is now so greatly appreciated.
These pictures were taken on Thursday 11 October 2012 in
Edinburgh on an excursion with The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group
for further details of the group please see the links below.
The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group
Facebook - The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group
Twitter
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