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The School of Biological Sciences is located at the King's Buildings campus and is part of the College of Science and Engineering, one of the largest groupings of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Teaching, research and administration activity is situated throughout the School over several building complexes:
| Darwin Building | School Offices, Biology Teaching Organisation | access via Gate 4 on Mayfield Road |
|---|---|---|
| Ashworth Laboratories | Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research | access via Gate 2 on West Mains Road or Gate 3 on Mayfield Road |
| Darwin/Michael Swann/Daniel Rutherford/C H Waddington building complex | Institute of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology | access via Gate 4 on Mayfield Road |
| Roger Land Building | Institute for Stem Cell Research | access via Gate 1 on West Mains Road |
The King’s Buildings is approximately two miles south of the city centre. There are a number of transport options available to this location.
Travelling to King’s Buildings
On foot or by bicycle
From the city centre/University central area, head south along Buccleuch Street and Causewayside to Mayfield Road, which brings you to the northeastern corner of the campus at the junction with West Mains Road (pedestrian/bicycle access to campus).
Bike parking is available here and at many other locations around the campus.
By taxi
From the city centre, journey time is approximately 15 minutes and will cost £6 - £8 depending on the time of day. Please advise your driver to enter campus via the gate nearest to the building you require.
Black hackney cabs can be hailed on street or alternatively at any ranks situated throughout the city centre, Waverley Railway Station and St Andrews Square Bus Station.
By car
Parking on campus is restricted to permit holders only. Visitors may request a day parking permit from the Institute Secretary. Failure to display a University parking permit will result in a costly fine.
There is limited on-street parking around the edge of campus. Restrictions apply at certain times of the day.
By bus
Edinburgh has an excellent local bus service with Lothian Buses service numbers 24, 38, 41, 42 and 67 all passing the campus. A one-way ticket costs £1.20 (exact fare only) or alternatively you can purchase a Day Ticket, £3.00 (exact fare only) direct from the driver. Services run regularly throughout the day, however there is a restricted service in the late evening and at weekends.
Alternatively, the 3, 7, 8, 29, 31, 37, 47 and X47 Lothian Buses services run close by to Craigmillar Park/Lady Road junction. King’s Buildings is then a five minute walk away.
Internal Shuttle Bus
During semester time only a regular shuttle service runs between the King’s Buildings campus and the Central area throughout the week. This service is available to both students and members of staff. The pick up/drop off point at the King's Building is outside the Roger Land Building.
Tram works
Princes Street is currently closed for major roadworks and buses are being diverted via George Street.
By air
King’s Buildings is approximately 12 miles from Edinburgh Airport. Travel to campus can be made either by taxi (£20 - £25 per journey), by Airlink Bus (£6 return - route ends in the city centre) or by car.
If travelling from the airport by car, the simplest route is to exit the airport and follow signs for the city bypass A720 (south). Exit at Straiton Junction and follow the signs for the city centre.
At the junction of Liberton Road and Mayfield Road, take the left hand road (downhill) and King’s Buildings is approximately 0.25 miles ahead on the left
By train
The main railway station in Edinburgh is Waverley Station. There are a number of taxi ranks in and around the station. You can also catch a number of buses to King’s Buildings from North Bridge or Market Street.
Access for disabled people
University maps showing general access features, gradients and transport links that have been developed by the Disability Office.
Please do not hesitate to contact us in advance of your visit if you have any queries about access.
This article was published on Mar 4, 2011