 Originally built as the New Training College (1911–14) off Holyrood Road by architect Alan K Robertson and designed to be a teacher-training centre for 800 students.In 1994/5 the building was renamed Paterson's Land in memory of Dr Maurice Paterson who was Rector of Moray House from 1864 -1907.Simon Laurie House one of the original buildings, bordering the Canongate

The present St John's Land was erected sometime between 1766 and 1768 by John, the second Earl of Hopetoun.