Phase 1 of the hall refurbishment, which took place throughout December 2017, entailed:

  • Installation of toilets with disabled facilities.
  • Building a partition wall to create the organ chamber (see the potted history!).
  • Refurbishment of the kitchen.
  • Rewiring to include light and sound capabilities.

Phase 2 included:

  • Continuation of the decorating.
  • Installation of new windows and fire doors on the north side of the hall.
  • Installation of bleacher seating for 110 people with additional seating for another 50.

Phase 3 will be the installation of the Astoria Cinema organ which is currently planned for late 2018.  September update – installation of the organ will be late January 2019.

Phase 4 included:

  • Installation of an overhead projector (for silent films and presentations)
  • Speakers
  • Amplifier
  • Wash lights

which have all been used in anger!

March 2022 We made it! After two years of lockdowns, working in isolation and social distancing, the organ is finally ready to be heard and enjoyed once again.

The smallest theatre organ in the UK and the last remaining one of its kind in the world has been reborn.
August 2020 The final push! The bells and whistles (and drums, tambourine, cymbal, etc) are on the toy counter, the glockenspiel and xylophones are on their frames and the final wind pipes are being put in place. We’re nearly there!!!
Early 2020 Refurbishment continues … bells, whistles and remaining pipes to be installed.
Dec 2019 We’re nearly there! As part of Edinburgh’s Christmas – 24 Days of Advent the Ingram organ was played in public for the first time in 45 years.
Nov 2019 Continuation of installation at The Astoria Centre
Aug 2019 Continuation of installation at The Astoria Centre
Mar 2019 Continuation of installation at The Astoria Centre.
Jan 2019 IT’S HERE!  It’s in bits but it’s here!  Delivery of boxes, bits of wood, tools and lots of other strange objects was taken on Monday 21 January at The Astoria Centre.  Work started in earnest on Tuesday 22 January.  The following link will take you to some pictures – https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b6urppse6q7gxfb/AABoo6I-_QflOzkUJa-gYBKya?dl=0.  Enjoy.
2019 *** PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY ***

Monday 21 January

The rebuild of the Ingram organ is due to start today!!!
2018 November update – blower has been inspected and will be taken to Keighley for refurbishment in January 2019

First site visit from organ restorer to take measurements of organ chamber
2018 September update – delivery of blower taken at the Astoria Centre.
2018 July update – console disassembled for restoration. Keyboards being restored. Stop units removed for testing and restoration.
2017 The Corstorphine Trust take over the Kirk Loan Hall from the Old Parish Church and the refurbishment work starts in December.  See work phases below.
2016 The organ console is moved from storage in St Albans and taken to Yorkshire.
2015 The Corstorphine Astoria 2/4 Ingram Organ parts are transferred to an organ workshop in Yorkshire for assessment with a view to rebuilding.
2014 The Corstorphine Astoria 2/4 Ingram organ parts are bought by The Corstorphine Trust and stored in a lock up in Corstorphine.
1980s The Corstorphine Astoria 2/4 Ingram Organ parts are bought by Charles Davidson and stored in East Lothian.
1970s The Corstorphine Astoria 2/4 Ingram Organ parts are bought by an antique dealer and stored in outbuildings at Balquidder Farm.
1976 The Corstorphine Astoria is demolished.
1975 The Corstorphine Astoria 2/4 Ingram Organ is bought by Mr Robert Gallo and removed to his car showroom in Gilmour Place.
1974 The Corstorphine Astoria closes.
1970 The Corstorphine Astoria 2/4 Ingram Organ is renovated.
1930 The Corstorphine Astoria opens on 1 January 1930.
1929 The idea of a cinema in Corstorphine is born.