Edinburgh Napier University is a leading public institution located in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. Founded in 1964 as Napier Technical College, the university was named in honor of the renowned 16th-century Scottish mathematician and philosopher, John Napier. Known for his groundbreaking inventions of logarithms and the decimal point, Napier was born in 1550 at Merchiston Castle—the current home of the University's Merchiston campus, where his statue stands proudly today.

The institution began its journey with an opening ceremony on 23 February 1965, and by 1966, it was renamed Napier College of Science and Technology. In 1974, it merged with the Edinburgh College of Commerce to form Napier College of Commerce and Technology, later becoming a Central Institution in 1985.

In 1986, the college adopted the name Napier Polytechnic and acquired the historic Craiglockhart campus, further solidifying its educational offerings. In 1992, Napier Polytechnic officially became Napier University, celebrated at a ceremony attended by over 700 staff and students. The university's new identity was marked by the unveiling of its sign at the Merchiston campus by Lord James Douglas Hamilton and Principal William Turmeau.

The university continued to grow with the acquisition of the Craighouse Campus in 1994. Four years later, the establishment of the Faculty of Health Studies, through the merger with Scottish Borders College of Nursing and Lothian College of Health Studies, expanded its academic footprint.

In February 2009, the institution was renamed Edinburgh Napier University, reflecting its evolving reputation as a dynamic center for higher learning.

Edinburgh Napier University has earned two prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prizes for its exceptional work. The most recent award came in 2015 for its pioneering contributions in timber engineering, sustainable construction, and wood science. Previously, in 2009, the university was recognized for its innovative housing construction projects through the Building Performance Centre, which has made significant advancements in sound insulation and environmental sustainability, enhancing quality of life in communities.

Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University

Campus Gallery

Campus Location