Located on the south side of George Square in S Central Edinburgh, next to the University Main Library, the Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre represents the University of Edinburgh's largest purpose-built lecture theatre - with a capacity of 481 - while also providing an entertainment venue, especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Originally known as the George Square Theatre, it was renamed in 2018 after the motor-neurone disease campaigner Gordon Aikman, a graduate of the university who died at the age of only 31.
The theatre is modest in size compared to the adjacent blocks. Designed by Robert Matthew Johnson-Marshall and Partners and built by Cruden, the building opened in 1970. Modernist in style, it comprises a large overhanging block containing the raked lecture theatre balanced on a much smaller entrance foyer with a basement descending to Buccleuch Place behind. Inside is a wide stage, but with modest back stage facilities. The Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre was B-listed in 2006 and refurbished the following year, with later seating adjustments.