the grandeur of the original building and its setting on waterloo place is indicative of the civic aspiration and the scale of the scottish enlightenment.  the west façade overlooks calton road as it reaches the imposing void beneath waterloo bridge, and looks over the wide expanse of waverley station towards the old town and the castle.  on the opposite side, the eastern view is over the quiet monumentality of calton cemetery, while to the south, terrific views of arthur’s seat and the lower old town await.