The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is relocating to Little France, a greenfield site on the outskirts of Edinburgh, between 2001 and 2003. This presents a major opportunity for the University of Edinburgh to develop plans for a new Medical School that is appropriate for the 21st Century. The University has a long and proud tradition of combining its teaching of future doctors in an environment of world-class medical research with the delivery of a first class clinical service. This is undertaken in conjunction with the Lothian NHS Trusts, working for the people of the Lothian region. As it moves into the new century the Faculty of Medicine of the University will consolidate its activities around the new 869-bed hospital that will itself provide some of the most up-to-date health care facilities in Europe.