Out of the Blue Drill Hall
Edinburgh
History
Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust’s mission is to provide affordable and appropriate spaces, resources, projects and opportunities for the residents of Edinburgh to be creative in multiple locations.
Since 2004 Out of the Blue’s headquarters has been the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, a building of considerable historical and cultural significance to the Leith community. The Drill Hall was built in 1901 for the Royal Scots Regiment, designed by the renowned architect Sir Rowand Anderson, who also designed the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the McEwan Hall at Edinburgh University. Following Out of the Blue’s 2015 ‘Gretna 100’ project, which marked the centenary of the Gretna rail tragedy, and the impact it had on the Leith community, the Out of the Blue Drill Hall was regraded from ‘B’ to ‘A’ listed.
Careful, sustainable restoration and regeneration has transformed this former military building into a participatory and inclusive arts and cultural centre, with multiple artists’ studios, rehearsal, workshop and classes, and performance and areas, exhibition spaces. The Drill Hall also has a and a well-reviewed café which is ‘the beating heart’ of the building and Leith!.
The Out of the Blue Drill Hall is a vibrant, fun, and inclusive place, where people can experience all kinds of innovative contemporary arts, enjoy the creative atmosphere, meet, discuss, eat, relaxand, learn.
Guided Tours
The Out of the Blue team will be running free guided tours on the hour from 11am until 1pm. There will be sign-up sheets available at the main entrance to the venue from 10am. Each tour will last around 30 minutes and will include a guided tour of the building, including visits to some of our artists and their studios. Details of working artists and makers taking part will be announced shortly on the Out of the Blue website.
The monthly Flea Market will also be taking place in the Main Hall and the Drill Hall Cafe will be open serving teas, coffees and delicious hot and cold snacks,
Facilities
Key Information
Hourly tours running from 11am to 1pm (each lasting approximately 30 mins).
Where to find us
Address
- 36 Dalmeny Street
- Edinburgh
- EH6 8RG