Where is the centre?

Maggie's Edinburgh is a converted stable block that is located behind ward one, the chemotherapy suite of the Western General Hospital. Up until 1995 it was used as a store by the hospital. It was during her own treatment that Maggie Keswick Jencks spotted the building as an ideal location for a cancer information and support centre.

Who was the architect?

Richard Murphy, the Edinburgh based architect known for his creative use of space and light was appointed to convert the building. It originally had a kitchen, a small sitting room, a library, a relaxation room and a small office.

For more information about Richard Murphy's work on Maggie's Edinburgh please visit Richard Murphy Architects.

When was it extended?

Very quickly it was realised that more space was needed and in 1999 an appeal was launched to raise the £250,000 required to extend the building. Again, Richard Murphy developed the design creating a larger kitchen, a small room for one-to-one advice and a large sitting room.

About the centre

The feeling within the Centre is a welcoming openess full of warmth and light. The rooms have sliding doors allowing the space to be flexible so that the building can be adapted to meet the needs of Maggie's Programme and most importantly be enjoyed and be beneficial to those who visit the centre.

About the garden

The purpose of the garden is to extend the feeling of the Centre to the grounds outside. It was designed by Emma Keswick and in the summer months becomes an extension of the kitchen where people sit out and meet others or take a few quiet moments as they look out onto water features and a sculpture by George Rickey.