Restoration Yard sits within Dalkeith Country Park and occupies a restored 18th century stableyard known as the Restoration Yard. Once home to the horses and grooms of visiting royalty and dignitaries, the site has been carefully reimagined as a retail destination, restaurant, coffee bar and wellbeing space. A Tuscan-inspired courtyard now forms the heart of the development, just 20 minutes from Edinburgh.

Mode Lighting supplied an eDIN+ lighting control system to support the wide range of uses across the site. From the outset, the control strategy balanced modern operational needs with the sensitivity required for a listed historic environment. As a result, the lighting supports daily activity while respecting the character of the buildings.

Supporting multiple uses within a heritage setting

Today, Restoration Yard brings together several distinct spaces, each with its own lighting demands. These include retail areas for fashion, homeware and gifts, The Kitchen restaurant overlooking the Orangerie and River Esk, a busy Coffee Bar and Foodhall, and a dedicated wellbeing studio.

Because these spaces operate differently throughout the day, the lighting needed to adapt smoothly. For example, softer scenes support morning coffee service, while brighter levels suit retail trading. Later in the day, warmer scenes create a relaxed atmosphere for dining and events. Throughout, the lighting changes quietly and predictably.

Lighting control strategy

The eDIN+ system provides centralised but flexible lighting control across the development. The system combines leading edge dimming with DALI broadcast control to suit the varied lighting loads installed throughout the site. This approach ensures consistent performance while keeping the system straightforward to operate.

Scene setting plays a key role in day-to-day operation. Staff can recall pre-set lighting scenes quickly, which helps maintain the intended ambience without technical intervention. As a result, the lighting remains consistent across different areas and times of day

Respecting listed architecture

As a category A-listed site, the former William Adam stables required a careful and considered approach. The eDIN+ system allowed the control infrastructure to be installed discreetly, which helped preserve original architectural features. Importantly, this approach avoided visual clutter and respected the historic fabric of the buildings.

Because of its modular design, the system integrated easily within the constraints of the existing structure. This ensured modern lighting control could be introduced without compromising the character of the space.

A calm, consistent experience

Since opening in July 2016, Restoration Yard has become a popular destination for shopping, dining and wellbeing within Dalkeith Country Park. Throughout the site, the lighting control system supports a calm and welcoming environment.

By combining heritage awareness with a flexible control strategy, the project shows how modern lighting control can enhance listed environments. At the same time, it demonstrates how technology can remain discreet while supporting memorable visitor experiences.