Duddingston, an Outstanding Conservation Area village nestling below the slopes of Arthur’s Seat, is unique in terms of its historical, physical and aesthetic qualities. The village is also notable for the local Conservation Society, who work towards ensuring the conservation of the villages character and the retention and promotion of the villages extensive heritage and history.
h + m were appointed to advise the Society on the most appropriate and flexible use of a central plot of land and buildings. A comprehensive community consultation process identified an extensive wish list, from which a series of strategic scenarios were prepared. These centred around the use of a former byre as a community resource building with associated amphitheatre for informal events, a flexible open space for various organised games activities and community occasions such as the Village Bonfire, a toddlers play area maximising the southerly aspect and a plant nursery and willow garden.