St Paul's Church (Former), 9, Lorne Street, Leith

Early Decorated church, oriented N-S of coursed sandstone rubble with ashlar dressings. Aisleless 3-bay nave with stairhall projections of differing design, lancet windows in N bay, that on W intended as base of tower, transepts and sanctuary on S deepened in 1903; halls sited transversely to rear at S end. The foundation stone was laid on 19th July 1884. (Historic Scotland)

June 1993: Demolition consent is sought. SCT objects, citing a lack of supporting documentation. 12 December 1993: The Edinburgh Evening News reports that a survey has concluded that repairs to the church would cost £250,000. The congregation now wish to demolish it and replace it with a smaller new church. The Lorne Housing Association has expressed interest in co-operating with the plans and constructing 50 flats above the proposed new church. 11 January 2000: The Scotsman carries notice that the church is being marketed by the Church of Scotland. February 2000: Local planners report that the congregation is to amalgamate with that of an adjacent church. March 2001: The Church of Scotland reports that the church is now under offer following lengthy negotiations. April 2001: The church is sold. December 2003: Local planners report that the church is now a christian centre and maintenance is ongoing, moved to Saved.

November 2011: External inspection finds the former church in a generally sound state but appears vacant - the associated halls to the rear are in use. Leaks from gutters are causing excessive levels of dampness, with attendant plant growths on flat surfaces. Moved back to At Risk.

17 February 2015: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. Posters are attached to the property advertising a recycling facility, it is unclear whether part of the building is now in related use.

12 November 2019: A member of the public notes the building is now being used by the Freedom Centre. It is unclear the extent of use the building is now in, nor repair works carried out.

16 October 2020: External inspection finds this building in much the same condition as seen previously however condition is considered to be Fair rather than Poor. Unclear whether building is now in use. Some slipped slates and vegetation growths visible on roof. Some signs of damp on external walls. Green biological growth below windows and at masonry by downpipes. There are some broken panes of stained glass at front and east elevations. Boundary gates are padlocked. Lack of maintenance of rainwater goods remains main cause for concern with many blocked gutters and substantial biological growths at masonry. Condition changed from Poor to Fair. Remains At Risk if vacant.