Архивы Шотландии покажут в документальном фильме BBC историю дома на Калтон-Хилл

Scotland's vast archive of historic architectural drawings and records is set to feature in a popular BBC documentary as it explores the history of one of Edinburgh's most recognisable streets. A House Through Time, presented by historian Professor David Olusoga, will shine a spotlight on the Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Archives and Library in tonight's episode as it traces the story of 20-22 Calton Hill. The fourth episode of the BBC Two series sees Professor Olusoga delve into the history of the Category B-listed building in the heart of the capital, using documents and drawings held by HES to uncover how the area has evolved over the decades. Among the material examined were elevations and sketches from the Sir Basil Spence Archive, which reveal plans drawn up during a major regeneration proposal for Edinburgh in the early 1960s. Spence was a consultant to Russell Diplock Associates when plans were put forward to redevelop St James Square, Leith Street and Broughton Street. The archive records show one proposal that would have seen houses on Calton Hill demolished and replaced with a bowling alley, although the plans were never carried out. The HES Archives and Library contains more than two million items documenting Scotland's built heritage, including architectural and archaeological drawings, maps, photographs, books and journals. Members of the public can access the collections free of charge, allowing them to research local history, investigate historic buildings or browse aerial photography dating back to the 1920s. Fran Baseby, deputy head of archives and library at HES, said it had been a pleasure to support the programme's research. She said: "It's always exciting to welcome a film crew to our archive and be able to showcase everything we have to offer. "Professor Olusoga and his team were great to work with, and we were delighted to support their research into 20-22 Calton Hill. "From records on the Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae to the rise of tenement housing across Scotland, we can help anyone who is interested in learning more about the built heritage around us here in Scotland, whether you are making a TV series or pursuing a local curiosity. "Visits to our Archive Search Room and Library are free, and we welcome everyone to come along to John Sinclair House and see any of the records we hold." Read More: - HES appoints interim CEO with 'immediate effect' after Katerina Brown's resignation - Trade union boss delivers damning response to resignation of HES CEO - With Katerina Brown's exit, what now for Historic Environment Scotland - more drama? A House Through Time is currently airing its sixth series, this time focusing on Edinburgh after previous seasons examined cities including Liverpool, Newcastle upon Tyne and Bristol. The programme uses the history of individual homes and their residents to tell the wider story of the communities and cities around them. Earlier in the series, Professor Olusoga also visited Edinburgh Castle, another site cared for by HES, where he recounted the story of two French prisoners who escaped from the castle's dungeons before making their way back to France via a ship from Leith. The HES Search Room and Library is based at John Sinclair House on Bernard Terrace in Edinburgh and is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Friday. Historic Environment Scotland's collections can also be explored online through Trove.scot, which brings together resources from Canmore, SCRAN, the Historic Environment Portal and Property in Care Collections.