Tron Kirk

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The Tron Kirk is a former church in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a well-known landmark on the Royal Mile and now serves as a tourist information centre. It was the traditional focus of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations.

[edit] History

The Tron (as it is commonly called) was built between 1636 and 1647 to a design by John Mylne, mixing Palladian and Gothic styles of architecture. It was shortened in 1785 to accommodate the construction of Hunter Square and the South Bridge. In 1828 a new spire was constructed to replace the original that was destroyed in a fire of 1824. In 1952 it closed as a church and was acquired by the local council, the congregation moving to a new church in the Moredun area of the city. Excavations under the church in 1974 revealed the remains of the 16th Century buildings of Marlins Wynd, which are now on permanent display. The Tron's position as the centre for Edinburgh's Hogmanay has been reduced in recent years due to the expansion of the celebrations throughout the city centre.