June 18 2008

A £20.5m award-winning building at Edinburgh's College of Art, Evolution House -designed by College alumnus Neil Gillespie, of Reiach and Hall- will be opened tomorrow (Thursday) by the First Minister Alex Salmond.

The new building includes design studios, digital media amenities, and unifies several libraries previously on different sites.

"The new development consolidates all our activities on the Lauriston Place campus and is a huge move forward for the College providing students and staff with some of the best resources in Europe,” said college Principal Ian Howard.

Speaking ahead of the opening of the new building the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MP MSP said that Scotland is experiencing a cultural renaissance which is helping to drive the economy, modernise Scotland's international reputation and inspire new ideas.

"Evolution House will be a valuable addition to our cultural assets, helping to grow Edinburgh College of Art’s reputation as one of the most successful independent art colleges in the world. With a new library and design studios, the building will be a centre of learning and innovation – attracting students from around the world to come and contribute to Scotland’s artistic identity," he added. 

“The degree show on display showcases the talents already growing in Edinburgh College of Art. It exhibits some of the great strengths of our modern culture – it is diverse, international, and expresses different views. The graduates involved join a proud line of gifted artists to have passed through ECA and I hope they go on to make equally impressive contributions to the social, cultural and economic life of Scotland and beyond.”

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