Thursday March 5th 2026
Students' Association President Ash Scholz, University Associate Principal and Deputy Secretary, Students, Lucy Evans and Student Trustees reopen Teviot.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Edinburgh University’s Teviot, the world’s oldest purpose-built student union, has officially reopened its door following a two-and-a-half year refurbishment.
The extensive renovation has ‘transformed Edinburgh’s iconic student home while honouring the building’s heritage’, providing essential and well-needed upgrades to improve accessibility, service and facilities.
The project also focused on upgrading the building while preserving its unique character.
The reopening marks a major milestone for the University as students and visitors return to Teviot in a phased reopening, with the majority of spaces within the building open from yesterday.
The redevelopment has offered reimagined spaces for students to enjoy, including a new lounge, group workspace, a gallery studio and a new bar.
The gallery studio aims to host a programme supporting student creativity and wellbeing, with events and workshops focused on meditation, yoga and crafting.
The new bar and restaurant, named Union Social, was created from the former sports and underground bars and has transformed the rear of the building.
New social spaces include bar and cafe Union Social, which is also open to the public and accessible from a new entrance on Charles Street Lane.
This large, contemporary bar offers a daily food and drink service and serves as a ‘go to’ entertainment space.
It will have programming five nights per week featuring live music, DJs, a Sunday-night pub quiz and show major sporting events year-round.
Events are planned at Union Social throughout March and beyond to welcome Teviot back to life on campus. Six Nations Rugby will be shown live on the big screens this weekend.
Edinburgh locals and visitors are welcome to enjoy this new space, and rest of the building, alongside students.
A new cafe is also now open, serving locally roasted coffee and lunches.
[photo-sc cap=”The interior of the refurbished Lounge, now a space for students to relax and recharge in.”]
First opened in 1889, the building was designed by architects Sydney Mitchell and Ralph Scott and, in what is widely thought to be a global first, created specifically as a place for students to gather.
In the 136 years since, Teviot has remained an iconic feature of student life, establishing itself as a year-round events host and much-loved venue during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Managed by Edinburgh University Students’ Association in collaboration with architects Page\Park, with funding from the University to invest in and improve the building, project work began in September 2023.
Extensive upgrades have improved accessibility and increased energy efficiency, while modernising amenities including toilet provision.
It has been explained that a major focus of the renovation was to preserve the atmosphere and architecture that ‘generations of students and visitors have loved’.
Favourite spaces, including the Library Bar and Debating Hall, remain reassuringly familiar, with subtle renovations enhancing interiors and restoring heritage features where needed.
The Students’ Association worked closely with independent businesses, skilled craftspeople and apprentices across Scotland to restore original features, creating valuable training opportunities for young people entering the heritage and construction sectors.
As part of the reopening, a new exhibition and audio guide celebrating the rich history of Teviot, its restoration and the Students’ Association, will be available for all visitors to explore.
At this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Students’ Association will welcome Gilded Balloon back to Teviot, marking the return of one of the city’s flagship performance partnerships to its home venue.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, explained:
“This renovation was driven by the need to carry out essential repairs and upgrades to an iconic building on our campus. We have significantly improved accessibility, facilities and sustainability, while carefully preserving its heritage and character for students today and for generations to come. It is fantastic to see Teviot so thoughtfully reimagined and ready to welcome visitors once again.”
The University’s Student Association President, Ash Scholz, added:
“Teviot has always been at the heart of student life in Edinburgh, so reopening it now, while campus is still buzzing and before exams begin, feels incredibly important. We wanted students to have as much time as possible to enjoy the space before the end of term and the summer break. Teviot is somewhere to connect, celebrate and take a breather during one of the busiest points in the year. We’re proud to be bringing it back as an inclusive, welcoming space, and we can’t wait to see it full of life again for this final stretch of the academic year.”
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