Thomson's Tower
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The History
Thomson’s Tower is an octagonal building on the shore of Duddingston Loch. It was designed in 1825 by William Henry Playfair (1789-1857) for the Duddingston Curling Society so that curling stones could be stored close to the Loch edge, and to provide a meeting space for members in the upper room.
The Rev. John Thomson (1778-1840) was the minister of Duddingston Kirk from 1805 until his death. He was a well known landscape painter, and when the Upper Room of the Tower was not required by the curlers, Thomson used it as a painting studio where he could work undisturbed. He entertained a wide circle of friends in the manse at Duddingston including fellow artists JMW Turner and Henry Raeburn. It was Raeburn who painted the famous "Rev. Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch" which can be seen in the National Gallery of Scotland.
In 1853 Duddingston Curling Society ceased playing on Duddingston Loch, and the curlers moved to Coates, to the north west of Princes Street. A revived Duddingston Curling Club was formed in the 1890s and still exists today, though their curling now takes place at Murrayfield Ice Rink.
The Tower was completely derelict but during 2008-09, Dr Neil’s Garden Trust restored the Tower with grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland. More restoration is taking place in 2023 funded by the FCC Communities Foundation.
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Hiring the Tower
The Upper Room has been transformed into a unique exhibition and space and gatherings, with varied activities throughout the year.
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Thomson's Tower has played host to a wide range of exhibitions, including painting, jewellery, ceramics, photography, prints and mosaics.
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The Tower has also hosted birthday and other special celebrations.​​
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