WesT REGISTER HOUSE

This beautiful domed building situated at the east end of Charlotte Square faces the wide boulevard of George Street. 1971 the former St. George's Church was converted into West Register House to accommodate the city's growing number and variety of records.

Robert Adam, architect of General Register House, in the east of Pinces Street, designed the frontages of the houses in Charlotte Square and had included a church in his plans drawn in 1791. However Adam's church was never built.

Robert Reid drew up new plans in 1810 and in May 1811 the foundation stone was laid and the church was opened for worship to the public in 1814.

In 1959 dry rot was discovered and the church, unable to afford the growing costs of repair it was forced to close in 1961. Seven years later work began to convert the church into a branch of the Scottish Records Office.

The exterior was left untouched but the entire interior was removed to accommodate five floors of offices and record storage.