A new, state-of-the-art hospital is always welcome, particularly when it replaces a crumbling Victorian building that had huge, open wards connected off a long, central corridor.

Ordinary buildings can be flattened, but what should be done with architecturally special, listed hospitals built with such a singular purpose?

This is a question the people of Edinburgh have been exercised by ever since the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh moved from its location in the old town to a new PFI hospital on the edge of the city in 2003.

The abandoned building is a fine example of Scottish baronial architecture, resplendent with a multitude of circular towers topped by conical roofs, gable ends and an imposing clock tower complete with spire. Unsurprisingly, it is category A listed.