Physical distancing measures in the William Robertson Wing
Information on physical distancing measures in the William Robertson Wing.
The health and safety of students, staff and visitors is the primary concern of everyone at the University of Edinburgh. To ensure that the School can reopen its building and facilities safely, and in line with Scottish Government guidance, it has been necessary to make changes to how the William Robertson Wing operates.
Visiting the William Robertson Wing
At the beginning of the academic year 20/21 physical distancing is still in place, in line with Scottish Government and public health advice on preventing the spread of Covid-19. Please note that entry to the William Robertson Wing for staff and students is therefore by prior arrangement only.
Students should access our local Student Support service and Graduate School Office by email in the first instance:
Undergraduate: hca-sso@ed.ac.uk Postgraduate: GradSchool.HCA@ed.ac.uk
- Video: HCA Building Reopening video
- This video show how to enter and navigate the William Robertson Wing.
One way system
One-way systems are in place on all floors with clearly marked routes and physical distancing markers. Please follow the arrows to find the room you are visiting, or to exit the floor and or the building. Further information of the floor-by-floor entrances and exits can be found at the bottom of this page.
How to access and exit areas in the William Robertson Wing
Enter through Doorway 3. Follow the one-way system on the ground floor, through the doubl doors to the Littlejohn Suite, up the stairs on the right and through to the William Robertson Wing. To exit, follow the one-way system along this corridor and turn left, going into the Chrystal Macmillan Building and following the signs there to leave the building.
Unfortunately, there is no direct disabled access to these offices at this time, but alternatives venues can be arranged with academics.
Enter through Doorway 4 and take the spiral staircase beside the lift to Floor 1. Turn left and go down the stairs to the labs. To exit, turn right out of the labs and go into the Chrystal Macmillan Building, following the signs there to leave the building. If you are unable to use stairs enter through Floor 1 of the Chrystal Macmillan Building, exiting the same way.
Enter through Doorway 4 and take the spiral staircase beside the lift if you are able, keeping the lift free for anyone who cannot use the stairs. Join the one-way system in operation to reach the room you require. To exit take the square staircase - doors to which are beside rooms 1.22, 01M.19, 2.26 and 3.07 - to the Ground floor maintaining physical distancing. We ask that no one lingers in School areas unnecessarily, such as corridors, doorways and stairwells.
Enter through Doorway 4 and take the spiral staircase beside the lift if you are able, keeping the lift free for anyone who cannot use the stairs. Join the one-way system in operation to reach the room you require. To exit take the stairs at the end of the open area, beyond academic offices, down to Floor 2 and join the one-way system there, following it to the square staircase beside room 2.26. Follow these stairs to to the Ground floor maintaining physical distancing. We ask that no one lingers in School areas unnecessarily, such as corridors, doorways and stairwells.
Lifts
We ask that you use the stairs if you are able, leaving the lift free for those who cannot. All disabled lifts within the building will be operational in the flow of the one-way systems.
Hygiene
The level and frequency of cleaning has been increased across the University, but we would ask you to use the hand sanitiser available at Doorways 3 and 4 and to wash your hands often.
Face coverings
Wearing a face covering is intended to help protect others and reduce transmission in the community, particularly where – as advised by the Scottish Government – physical distancing is more difficult. The University has implemented guidance from the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland to manage and reduce the risk from Covid-19.
Read the University's guidance on face coverings

Toilets
All toilets within the School are available, operating on a ‘one in, one out’ system. Indicators on the door will show whether they are in use and physical distancing markers are on the floor at the entrance.
Teaching rooms
Teaching rooms marked with a red cross are not in use to maintain physical distancing and should not be entered. There will be very limited group teaching taking place within the building during semester 1. We ask students to come into the building only for pre-arranged appointments.
Study and social spaces
Study spaces within the School of History, Classics and Archaeology are temporarily closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. We will provide an update on this when the situation changes.
Academic Offices
Meeting with academics will only be available by pre-arranged appointment.
Student Support Office
Our student support team are working 9-5, Monday to Friday as normal. They also have dedicated time throughout the week to set up an appointment with you if your query cannot be resolved by email. In order to resolve your query quickly appointments will be online, unless there is a particular need to hold them on campus. Online appointments will be arranged via Microsoft Teams.
Email: hca-sso@ed.ac.uk
Student Support contact information
Graduate School Office
Our Graduate School Office staff are working 9-5, Monday to Friday as normal. If your query cannot be resolved by email they will set up an online appointment with you. Online appointments will be arranged via Microsoft Teams. The Graduate School Team also have dedicated time throughout the week to set up an in-person appointment with you on campus if your query cannot be resolved by email or via an online meeting.
Email: GradSchool.HCA@ed.ac.uk
School Reception
Reception is open on a ‘one in, one out’ basis with physical distancing indicators on the floor and a protective screen in place.
Fire exits
In the event of a fire alarm please follow the green fire exit signs to leave the building immediately by the nearest fire exit, ignoring the one-way system.
Concerns
We have taken all reasonable measures to ensure the health and safety of the occupants of all our buildings. However, if you have any concerns email covid19@ed.ac.uk. Staff should speak totheir line manager or supervisor.