The Tollcross Theatre’s First Act
First opened in 1906, the King’s Theatre has been an integral part of Scotland’s historic theatre infrastructure for 120 years. From its first pantomime performances to becoming a major Edinburgh Festival venue every summer, the Scottish capital’s populace has flocked to the King’s Theatre to enjoy all manner of entertainment.
Designed by Coatbridge architect James Davidson, the symmetrical facade has been an iconic feature of Tollcross for over a century. Since 2022, the Category A listed building has been undergoing a four-year refurbishment scheme to ensure its longevity for generations to come. Now, in 2026, this process has culminated with the installation of a brand new tailor-made canopy suspended over the theatre entrance.
Scottish Engineering Excellence
Gray & Dick designed, fabricated, and supplied the canopy’s steel frame, working with fellow Scottish construction companies to bring this project to fruition. The mammoth structure began life at Gray & Dick’s HQ in Yoker, Glasgow, where it was designed and fabricated to the client’s specification. The construction of this impressive feat of architectural design used the largest bolt ever used by Gray & Dick on a project - an M64.
From there, the frame was transported to fellow Glaswegian firm Scottish Galvanizers to be treated and protected from corrosion, before it travelled to Lanark – in the home shire of its designer – where paint specialists Jerwin Coatings finished the piece with a custom colour.
This collaboration between local businesses kept the manufacture of this integral part of the landmark building’s renovations within Scotland’s borders, and serves as a prime example of Scottish engineering excellence.
With its preparation complete, the frame could then be sent on its way to its final destination at the King’s Theatre in the heart of Edinburgh. With such a large structure to manoeuvre through the Scottish capital, it was important that the delivery was scheduled to cause the least amount of disruption to city centre commuters.
Thanks to a police escort and some careful scheduling, the frame made it safely to the end of its journey, ready to be installed at the entrance of the building.
Honouring the Past, Looking to the Future
While this multi-million pound transformation has brought many new features to this iconic structure, it still pays homage to its heritage. The addition of a glass canopy harks back to the building’s original 1906 design, which featured such a structure extending out over the pavements.
The design has been carefully tailored to complement the existing architecture, eliminating excess alterations to accommodate the new canopy and fitting seamlessly with the 120-year-old building.
The new glazed canopy has enhanced the façade of the King’s Theatre, adding a contemporary touch to the Edwardian architecture. It will be the first impression for visitors to the revamped theatre, welcoming guests old and new back to the King’s Theatre for cultural experiences in the Scottish capital.
The new glazed canopy has enhanced the façade of the King’s Theatre, adding a contemporary touch to the Edwardian architecture. It will be the first impression for visitors to the revamped theatre, welcoming guests old and new back to the King’s Theatre for cultural experiences in the Scottish capital.
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