Grassmarket attractions Guide has all the history and attractions in the Gassmarket. Murders, Hangings, Riots, famous people, pubs, restaurants, shops, hotels apartments and cafes. Also included is the West Port, West Bow and King's Stable Road. Grassmarket Attractions Edinburgh The Grassmarket Area was where people from all over brought their livestock to sell at market. Cattle, horses, sheep and goats. There were many market stalls which would sell homemade and Homegrown goods. The Grassmarket is the oldest market area recorded in British history and has been written about since circa 1370. It was James the 3rd who first gave charter to a weekly market in 1477. This Grassmarket area was first paved in 1543 from the West Port to the Upper Bow. Today there is a weekly Saturday Market with all kinds of goods. From early morning to late afternoon there is a hive of activity. The Grassmarket has one road that runs through for traffic and the rest of the area is pedestrianised with outside drinking and eating areas for all the family. The Grassmarket was built on what was part of the south loch which was drained in the early 14th century. It became a cattle market shortly after and was officially one on Edinburgh's main markets under the ordinance of James III in 1477. There were many taverns and Inns to satisfy the thirst of the cattle traders and farm hands who brought their animals to market. In 1560 the Corn Market was moved from the corner of Marlin’s Wynd to the east end of the Grassmarket. The Gallows stood at the foot of the West Bow from 1660, near to where the Corn Market was situated. This became the main gallows for executions in Edinburgh until the last hanging on the 4th February 1874. when the gallows moved back to the High Street. The animal market took place here up to 1911. Two of the taverns still remain The Last Drop where it was said the person to be hanged would get his last drink. The other is Maggie Dickson’s a famous story of how the law was changed from the sentence being ‘to be hanged’ to ‘to be hanged till dead’ As Maggie was hung and didn’t die. North Side of the Grassmarket 1830 -2019 Grassmarket 500th Anniversary Plaque This plaque was unveiled |on the 3rd of October 1977 by the | Rt. Hon. Kenneth Borthwick. | Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh | To commemorate the 500th anniversary | of a reorganisation of Edinburgh markets. | Authorised by King James III. | on the 3rd of October 1477. | The Cattle Market was situated at | the western end of the Grassmarket | and in King’s Stables Road | this are was then just outside the Burgh. The White Hart Inn Grassmarket Edinburgh The White Hart Inn Edinburgh was established in 1516, The White Hart Inn is one of the oldest and most historic pubs in Edinburgh. Past visitors have included the poets Robert Burns and William Wordsworth. The murderers Burke and Hare also were regulars in the pub in the late 1820s, as this is where they were to lure their victims back to their nearby lodgings, where they were murdered and their bodies sold to Dr Knox for medical research and study by students of the University medical school. During the First World War, on 2 April 1916, a German Zeppelin bombing raid was mounted over Edinburgh. During the bombing, a bomb exploded on the pavement outside a Public House, injuring four, one of whom died of shrapnel injuries. Zeppelin Airship Paving Slab Grassmarket Edinburgh This Stone marks the site of a bomb dropped from Zeppelin Airship L14 on the night of 2nd April 1916 on that night 2 Zeppelin Airships dropped bomb on Leith and Edinburgh. Some of the places they were dropped in Edinburgh were; 39 Lauriston Place, 183 Causewayside, Marchmont Crescent, Belford Place, Lothian Road, the Castle Rock near the king’s Bridge, 16 Marshall Street, Nicolson Street, 69 St Leonards Hill, Royal Infirmary at Lauriston and Coltbridge Gardens. There were a number of deaths and injured plus substantial damage to property. Grassmarket Mission Grassmarket Edinburgh The Grassmarket Mission was founded by James Fairbairn in 1886. In 1930, the Mission purchased the building next door (at 96 Grassmarket) and constructed a new Mission Hall Alexander Barrie, was appointed Superintendent in 1916, Mission became known colloquially as “The Barries”. The Mission was there to help the poor and needy of the Grassmarket in 1989 the decision was made to sell the Mission Halls. The Grassmarket Community Project was incorporated and funded by The Grassmarket Mission in 2010 and is still going strong. The Plaque reads; Grassmarket Mission | Undenominational | Erected in Memory of | James Fairbairn | Founder and First Superintendent | Of This Mission | Died 3rd ay 1894 | “His works Do Follow Him “. The Grassmarket Gallows Grassmarket Edinburgh The Grassmarket Edinburgh 1477 to 1911 was one of Edinburgh’s main markets for horse and cattle. The Grassmarket was also a setting for public executions. under Scots Law at that time, as she had served her punishment, she was free to go. Only later the words “until dead” were added to the sentence of hanging. You can find the pub named after her just a few yards from where she was hanged. The shadow of a gibbet is marked on the paving stones where the former gallows were. The inscription around the stone reads; On this Spot many Martyrs and Covenanters died for the Protestant Faith Margaret Dickson ‘Half hang it Maggie Dickson’ One famous execution in 1724 was of a Margaret Dickson of Inveresk a young women separated from her husband. (She was to be known as ‘Half hang it Maggie Dickson’). Her crime was concealment of pregnancy in the case of a dead child. (Not to be her husbands). She was said to have killed and disposed of the child’s body. Her execution was carried out by the hangman, after hanging for the prescribed time she was put into a coffin which the lid was nailed firmly closed. A fight broke out between the friends of Maggie and ae surgeon’s apprentices who wanted the body for investigation a regular thing in these times. Her friends were successful and took the coffin on a wheelbarrow but the uneven roads caused shaking and banging of the coffin and at Peffermill her friends herd banging on the coffin and found Maggie to be alive. By the time they arrived in Musselburgh she walked the final distance to her home at Inveresk. Maggie had served her sentence of hanging and lived a long life and had several children. When Maggie went out people would look at her and shout out to her “half hang it Maggie” when she walked past them in the street. Last Man Executed in Grassmarket Inscription on the pavement reads; The last person to be hanged from the Grassmarket gallows was James Andrews on the 4th February 1784. the names and dates of others hanged are on the steel boards. The Grassmarket Cross THIS CROSS (ORIGINALLY A CRUCIFIX) WAS AT ONE TIME IMPOSED UPON THE WALL OF THE HOUSE WHICH STOOD IMMEDIATELY OPPOSITE THE SITE OF THE GALLOWS IN THE GRASSMARKET USED FOR PUBLIC EXECUTIONS. IT WAS THE LAST OBJECT TO BE SEEN BY THE SUFFERERS BEFORE DEATH. AMONG OTHERS WHO WERE EXECUTED AT THE SPOT WERE MANY WHO SUFFERED FOR CONSCIENCE SAKE. NOT IMPROBABLY SOME MEMBERS OF THIS CONGREGATION. IT IS NOT UNTRUE THEREFORE TO DESCRIBE IT AS A MARTYR’S CROSS AND NOT UNFITTING THAT IT SHOULD FIND PLACE HERE. WHEN THE HOUSE WAS DEMOLISHED THE CROSS WAS GIVEN TO ROBERT FARQUHAR SHAW STEWART WHOSE FAMILY PRESENTED IT TO OLD SAINT PAUL’S. Grassmarket Cross Captain John Porteous Lynching Grassmarket Edinburgh Captain John Porteous Lynching in 1736 after 10 years being Captain of the City Guard John Porteous was lynched on 7 September 1736. Three smugglers/robbers were caught and imprisoned for carrying out a robbery. William Hall, George Robertson and Andrew Wilson. At their trial William Hall was sentenced to transportation to the colonies for life, but Andrew Wilson and George Robertson were sentenced to hang and were imprisoned in the Tolbooth in Edinburgh’s High Street awaiting execution. George Robertson escaped and made his way out of Britain. However, Andrew Wilson was publicly hanged in the Grassmarket in April of 1736. As events unfolded a riot started and the City guard was called out, led by Captain John Porteous. Due to the rioting Captain John Porteous instructed his men to fire above the heads of the crowd this made the riot even more heated, the shots had killed onlookers who were at their windows of their houses. With the crowd getting even more violent, Captain Porteous gave the order to shoot into the crowd and more were killed. Later that day Captain John Porteous was arrested and charged with murder. At his trial on 5 July 1736, he was convicted by a unanimous decision and found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. The execution took place in the Grassmarket on 8 Sept. 1736. Door Lintel Grassmarket Edinburgh 71 Grassmarket The Lintel above the door Inscription: 1889 VITAM (LIFE) DIRIGAT (DIRECT) Prior to this building there were housing for the Knights Templar. Old Grassmarket Dwelling This is one of the oldest inscriptions in the Grassmarket dated 1634. The tenement originally owned in 1634 and inscribed 'Blessed be God for all his Giftis' between initials IL and GK, standing for James Lightbodie and his wife Geillis Kniblo. A Scottish custom for the newlyweds to inscribe their initials above the door of their house and the date they married or moved in. The Beehive Inn Grassmarket Edinburgh Death Cell Door Calton Jail Edinburgh The actual door of the death cell that was in the Calton Jail in Regent Road can be found on the first floor of the Beehive Inn. The Flodden Wall Grassmarket Edinburgh From Granny Green Steps across to The Vennel in the west end of the Grassmarket is where the Flodden Wall stood as a protection against invading armies. The Flodden Wall is the name given to the defensive wall which was built to surround the City of Edinburgh in 1513. The pictures below show the Flodden Wall as it is today. The first part of the wall visible is in The Vennel and the final part still standing is in The Pleasance. It was in 1513 that the Scots waged a disastrous attack on the English at Flodden Field. James IV was killed in the action, along with 10,000 other Scots. The Flodden Wall was built to defend Edinburgh from English attacks. Many parts of the wall survive to this day. The wall starts at the Castle goes down Granny Green Steps to the Grassmarket across the Grassmarket to the Vennel Steps where you can find the ‘Flodden Tower’ where the Flodden wall joins the Telfer Wall. This extension was to protect the Heriot Hospital, now Heriot’s School. John Taillefer was the master mason who built and named the Telfer Wall (1628 – 1636). At the corner of Lauriston Place and Heriot Place turn left and follow Heriot’s School wall until you reach a further part of the Telfer Wall. Continue round into Forrest Road where there is a plaque on the wall. This is where the wall would have crossed to the Bristo Gate on your right. Continue on and you will come to Greyfriar’s Kirkyard where there are many interesting things to see including parts of the Telfer Wall and where it joins with The Flodden Wall. Click on title in blue to get the Flodden Wall Old Edinburgh Flodden Wall New Greyfriars Mission Buildings Grassmarket Edinburgh The Greyfriars Mission building was built in 1884 as a part of the Robertson Memorial Mission Buildings. The three buildings were a church a shop and housing. The wall tablet Inscription reads New Greyfriars Mission Buildings to the glory of God and in loving memory of the Rev. William Robertson DD, for nearly 40 years minister of this Parish. AD 1884. The Church building is now a bar restaurant and brewery. Castle Wynd South Castle Wynd South is a path and steps that gives access to Johnston Terrace from the Grassmarket. The Steps are named after Patrick Geddes (biologist, sociologist, geographer, and philanthropist) Best known as a town planner. A further set of steps Castle Wynd North gives access to Castlehill and the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. Heriot Bridge Grassmarket Edinburgh Heriot Bridge in the Grassmarket was an access road to Heriot Hospital (school) when it opened in 1628. The Heriot Bridge has long since been block by other school buildings. Heriot’s when built had its main entrance facing the Castle and then the Old Town of Edinburgh as Heriots School stood outside the city walls. Grassmarket Regulars The infamous Burke and Hare who lured women from the pubs of the Grassmarket to murder them and sell their bodies to Dr Knox of the Medical School for use in autopsies for the students. Link to West Port Murders Next - Cowgate

National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh has more than paintings, there ar many sculptures, statues and busts of the famous people of Scotland through the ages. See who the statues are on the outside of this magnificent building. I have identified all the statues here. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Inside the Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Queen Street Edinburgh Scottish National Portrait Gallery was built in the 1890. All the portraits are from Scottish history, painted by a range of major European and American masters. The gallery also displays sculptures, miniatures and photographs. Unique visual history of Scotland told through the portraits of those who shaped it, from the 16th century to the present. They include Mary Queen of Scots, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Sean Connery. It also houses the National Photography Collection. Before entering the Gallery look at the carved statues that stand around the building all are named below. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Founder John Ritchie Findlay founder of the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland and donor of the building it stands in. He was born at Arbroath 21 October 1824 and educated in Edinburgh. Became the owner of the Scotsman Newspaper which his great uncle had founded. Championed his workers living conditions by building houses in the Dean Village for their use (Well Court, Hawthorn Buildings and Dean Path Buildings), also was active in achieving the admission of women to the University of Edinburgh Medical School. He lived in 3 Rothesay Terrace in the west end of Edinburgh in a house that he had built for his family. On his death he was buried beside his great uncle John Findlay in Dean Cemetery. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Library The Scottish National Portrait Gallery Library or Scottish biographical and portraiture library on the first floor has many interesting things to see. There are many reference books and catalogues which cover a wide category. Marble bust of the famous and life and death masks of the infamous and famous. Many miniatures that will keep you amazed at the skills Burke and Hare Death Masks The death masks of two of the most infamous of Edinburgh’s historic residents William Burke and William Hare the murderous duo of the West Port. Robert the Bruce Death Masks In addition the death masks of Robert the Bruce (King Robert I) hero or Villain Scottish National Portrait Gallery Robert Burns Statue The large statue of Robert Burns as you enter. This Statue originally was on the Burns Monument that stands in Regent Road opposite the Royal High School on Calton Hill. Scottish National Portrait Gallery There are many busts all around the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Certainly the place to see what the famous residents and icons of Scotland looked like. With famous portraits, landscapes and modern art, a great place to spend a few hours with free entry. Statues Outside Scottish National Portrait Gallery Go to Queen Street for all the statues on the outside of the building and who they are. 1st Viscount Duncan, Saint Margaret, George Buchanan, Cardinal David Beaton, 2nd Duke of Argyll, Sir Ralph Abercrombie, David Hume, Adam Smith, Sir Henry Raeburn, 1st Viscount Stair, Gavin Douglas, King James VI and I, King James I, King Alexander III, Sir James Douglas, King James V, Sir David Lindsay, James Hutton, John Hunter, John Knox, John Napier, William Maitland, John Lesley, Kleio Daughter of Zeus, King Malcolm III, Earl of Moray, William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce Edinburgh New Town North Index

Queen Street was the last buildings in the original New Town of Edinburgh with gardens on the north side of the street. The National Portrait Gallery was built in Queen Street by the founder aand owner of the Sctsman newspaper Sr R Queen Street Edinburgh Attractions Queen Street Edinburgh the last street in the planned New Town Edinburgh named after Queen Charlotte wife of George III. Thing to see and do in Queen Street. Home of James Young Simpson, Royal College of Physicians and Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Queen Street Scottish National Portrait Gallery The Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Queen Street houses many of the Scottish Masters and has many statues, busts, sculptures, art works modern and contemporary. With a cafe and many exhibits its a great place to spend a wet day. Scottish National Portrait Gallery The Plaque on the west of the entrance reads; Dedicated to the | illustration of Scottish | history. This edifice the | gift to his native country | of John Ritchie Findlay | was erected anno domini 1890 | by the honourable the board | of trustees for manufactures | R Rowan Anderson LLD architect Scottish National Portrait Gallery Statues Queen Street Edinburgh Scottish National Portrait Gallery was built in the 1880. All the portraits are from Scottish history, painted by a range of major European and American masters. The gallery also displays sculptures, miniatures and photographs. Unique visual history of Scotland told through the portraits of those who shaped it, from the 16th century to the present. They include Mary Queen of Scots, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Sean Connery. It also houses the National Photography Collection. Ist Viscount Duncan John Hunter George Buchanan Cardinal Beaton 2nd Duke of Argyll John Knox Sir Ralph Abercrombie David Hume Adam Smith Sir Henry Raeburn Ist Viscount Stair Gavin Douglas Sir David Lesley William Dunbar King James VI & I King Malcolm III King James I King Alexander III James Douglas King James V Earl of Moray Saint Margaret John Napier William Maitland John Lesley Kleio Daughter of Zeus William Wallace Mary Queen of Scots Robert the Bruce Bishop Gavin Douglas James Hutton Link to Inside the Portrait Gallery James Young Simpson (7 June 1811 – 6 May 1870) James Young Simpson discovered the unaesthetic power of chloroform and introduced anesthesia to childbirth. Simpson was elected a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1863. On 4th November, 1847 Simpson first used chloroform. It was first used as an anaesthetic to help ease the pain during childbirth. Queen Victoria used chloroform during the delivery of Prince Leopold in 1853. Simpson was the first man to be knighted by the Scottish Court of the Lord Lyon for services to medicine. "Victo Dolore" (pain conquered) is the inscription on Simpson’s coat of arms. Simpson died at his home in Edinburgh at the age of fifty-eight. A burial spot in Westminster Abbey was offered to his family, but they declined and instead buried Simpson closer to home in Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh. On the day of Simpson's funeral, a Scottish holiday was declared, including the banks and stock markets, with over 100,000 citizens lining the funeral cortege on its way to the cemetery, while over 1,700 colleagues and business leaders took part in the procession itself. James Young Simpson Lived in 52 Queen Street Edinburgh for over 25 years. Royal College of Physicians Queen Street Edinburgh The Royal College of Physicians was given its Royal status in 1681 by Charles II and their first meeting hall was in Fountain Close in 1704. The present building was completed in 1844 and previous to that the first building on the same site was started in 1775. The three statues are of Hygeia (daughter of Asclepius and Goddess of good health), Asclepius (Greek God of medicine and son of Apollo), Hippocrates (ancient Greek physician). Two panels’ right and left of Hygeia show the winged lions at the lyre of Apollo. THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS QUEEN STREET EDINBURGH WINGED LIONS AT THE LYRE OF APOLLO. Asclepius (Greek God of medicine) (Son of Apollo) Hippocrates (ancient Greek physician). Asclepius was a Greek god, healer and one of the Argonauts and his downfall was when he resurrected two mortals, Zeus was unhappy with his actions and slew Asclepius with a thunderbolt. Hippocrates Lived on the island of Kos, He was a Greek physician and is believed to be one of the most important figures in the history of medicine. Known as the "Father of Western Medicine" The Hippocratic Oath that doctors take is named after him. Hygeia (Daughter of Asclepius) (Goddess of good health) Hygiene Greek goddess of good health was a daughter and helper of the god of medicine Asclepius,and a friend to the goddess Aphrodite. Mary Erskine School Plaque Mary Erskine donated a sum of money from her husbands estate to the Company of Merchants of Edinburgh, to have a school built to educate the poor children of Edinburgh Merchant families. The School (Hospital as they were called) named Merchant Maiden Hospital first opened in the Cowgate in 1694. It then moved to new premises on the corner of Bristo Street (now Bristo Place) and Lothian Street in 1706. As it grew it moved again to new premises in 1818 at the Lauriston area at the foot of Archibald Place. In 1870 moving once more to larger premises in the New town and changing its name to Edinburgh Educational Institution for Young Ladies. It was renamed in 1889 to The Edinburgh Ladies’ College. In honour of Mary Erskine the school changes its name in 1944 to The Mary Erskine School and a final move to its present home at Ravelston in 1966. Inside Portrait Gallery Queen Street

Robert Luois Stevenson Story in Writers' Museum with artifacts, busts, statues and manuscripts pictures, and personal Visit Edinburgh at All About Edinburgh. Robert Louis Stevenson (RLS) Stevenson Family Edinburgh Born 8 Howard Place Inverleith. The Stevenson family moved in 1857 to 17 Heriot Row Edinburgh where he lived from the age of 7 for the next 23 years the Stevenson family home. Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Stone and trees can be found close to the Norwegian boulder in west Princes Street Gardens. In the Writers' Museum in the Lawnmarket is many artefacts and his life's story. There is also slab in Makars' Court Royal Mile in honour to Robert Louis Stevenson. Robert Louis Stevenson University of Edinburgh. The plaque in George Square Edinburgh reads; In honour of Robert Louis Stevenson 1850-1894 Poet, author of Treasure Island, Kidnapped, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, alumnus of the University. Robert attended the University at 17 years to study law. Which he gave up for writing. Robert Louis Stevenson 1850 – 1894. A statue of Robert Louis Stevenson as a boy sits outside Colinton Parish Church where he attended Sunday worship with his family. The inscription on the slab in Makars' Court reads; There are no stars as lovely, as Edinburgh street lamps, Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850 - 1894. The School House where Robert Louis Stevenson attended pictured below. WRITINGS RLS Robert Louis Stevenson “There is scarce a deep sea light from Isle of Man To North Berwick, but one of my blood designed it. The Bell Rock stands monument for my Grandfather, The Skerry Vhor for my Uncle Alan, And when the lights come out along the shores of Scotland I am proud to think that they burn brightly for The genius of my Father.” Robert Louis Stevenson spent a great deal of time in North Berwick where his uncle would rent a house for the summer. In the High Street of North Berwick there is a lane of the High Street and on the walls you can find drawings and newspaper articles about Robert Louis Stevenson and his family. The Yew Tree that Robert Louis Stevenson would swing on at Colinton Parish Church. This inspired him to write The Swing. The Long Steps, A walk with Robert Louis Stevenson, Looking Glass River. The statue pictured is of Thomas Balfour and Alan Breck Stewart departing from Corstorphine Hill Edinburgh. They were the characters in the novel Kidnapped, which was about the Jacobite uprising and the true story of the two main characters. A noval by Robert Louis Stevenson and also a Film. Writers' Museum Robert Stevenson A case where a famous grandfather had an even more famous grandson. Robert Stevenson was a Scottish civil engineer and a specialist in lighthouse design. During his career he designed and oversaw construction of 18 lighthouses. His sons David and Thomas were also designers of Lighthouses Fidra Lighthouse and the Bass Rock Lighthouse were both designed by the Stevenson's. Robert Stevenson's bust in 1 Baxter Place Edinburgh where he lived in Edinburgh. An apt tribute to a great man, 'thanks to Courtyard by Marriott for the tribute'. The Regent Bridge Waterloo Place Edinburgh Building started in 1815 and opened on the 18th August 1819 Robert Stevenson also built the Regent Bridge in Waterloo Place which was completed to give access from Leith to Princes Street and the New Town. The bridge spanned what was Leith Wynd a road from the Canongate to Leith. This was the original route the Coaches to London would take before the bridge was built. Robert Stevenson Lighthouses by the Stevenson Family Pentland Skerries Lighthouse. Bell Rock Lighthouse Lighthouse, (off of the east coast of Scotland near Dundee) Isle of May Lighthouse, (Firth of Forth Island) Corsewall Lighthouse (Dumfries) Point of Ayre Lighthouse (Isle of Man) Calf of Man Lighthouse (Isle of Man) Sumburgh Head Lighthouse (Shetland Islands) Rinns of Islay Lighthouse (Orsay, Inner Hebrides) Buchan Ness Lighthouse (Boddam Peterhead) Cape Wrath Lighthouse (Sutherland) Tarbat Ness Lighthouse (Portmahomack Burghead) Mull of Galloway Lighthouse (Wigtownshire) Dunnet Head Lighthouse (Caithness) Girdle Ness Lighthouse (Aberdeen) Barra Head Lighthouse (Isle Berneray Outer Hebrides) Lismore Lighthouse on the islet of (Eielan Musdile) Edinburgh Walking Tours

Edinburgh Southside Direct access by the South Bridge opened in 1788. Lady Nicolson gave here lands, built a new road a continuation of the South Bridge. That opened up the south for building a bigger Edinburgh. University of Edinburgh has a great presen Edinburgh Southside Attractions Edinburgh Southside Attractions There are many things to see on the southside of Edinburgh many of them are included in other sections as the southside had many connections with the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh's city wall. This page shows all the other historic sites and things to see. Click on the button for more about the City Wall, University of Edinburgh and George Square and Gardens. Edinburgh's City Wall University of Edinburgh South Bridge The Southside of Edinburgh was only accessible after the South Bridge had been built. The foundation stone of the South Bridge was laid 1 August 1785 by Lord Haddo who was the Grand Master Mason of Scotland. The South Bridge opened in 1788 to pedestrians and traffic to give direct access to the south of Edinburgh. To make way for the South Bridge many houses and closes were demolished. The Tower at Portobello which still stands was built in 1785 by Mr James Cunningham from stones window sills and lintels from properties that were knocked down to allow the South Bridge to be built. The South Bridge is visible from the Cowgate where it passes over the street. Nicolson Square was built on Nicolson Park circa 1750 on land owned by Lady Elizabeth Nicolson at the same time as she built a new road which was later named Lady Nicolson Street and now shortened to Nicolson Street a continuation of the South Bridge linking the South with the Old Town of Edinburgh. There is a square of Nicholson Street with a garden. In the Garden is a Brass Pillar and Iron Fountain. Charles Darwin attended the Medical School for 2 years but did not complete the course due to its degree of difficulty. However, he went on to write “The Origin of Species” later in his life. If you walk past the bollards you will see on the wall a plaque to Charles Darwin that reads; Darwin | On this site | Charles Darwin (1809- 1882) | author of The Origin of Species | lodged at 11 Lothian Street | whilst studying medicine at the | University of Edinburgh | 1825-1827. West College Street Edinburgh West College Street which runs down to Chamber Street is where the Kirk O Field Port stood later to be called Potterrow Port. The image is an old map before the National Museum was built. William Topaz McGonagall South College Street Edinburgh William McGonagall was born in March 1825 and died in September 1902 he was a Scottish weaver, poet and actor and was regarded as the worst Poet in the English Language to put pen to paper. Writing over 200 poems of which the worst by far was “The Tay Bridge Disaster”. His turn of verse has been made known by the Goons, Monty Python, Spike Mulligan, and Peter Sellers. The name of the character Minerva McGonagall in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series was named after William McGonagall. Go down to the Poetry Library in the Canongate Edinburgh to read his works and judge for yourself. Inscription on the plaque above the door of 5 South College Street red; William McGonagall | Poet and Tragedian | Died Here | 29th September 1902. Now go back under the Potterrow Port and continue to see the sites. Agnes McLehose "CLARINDA" Agnes McLehose (1759-1841) was known as Nancy. Nancy first came to Edinburgh to live in Potterrow near the corner with Marshall Street after her husband left her to make his fortune in Jamaica. Robert Burns first meet with Nancy on the 4th December 1787 at afternoon tea and the assignation started. Mishap and misfortune stopped them from meeting for some time but they wrote to each other regularly. The love affair was to last until their death but their last meeting was in December of 1791 when Nancy left for Jamaica to be with her now wealthy husband. Read the famous letters written with code names Nancy being (Clarinda), Rabbie being (Sylvander) and not to forget the love song to Nancy `Ae Fond Kiss'. James Finlayson Nicolson Square Edinburgh James Finlayson born in Penicuik a few miles from Edinburgh in 1772. He became a textile mill engineer in 1820 he moved to Finland and seeing the opportunity in the fast flowing river of Tammerkoski, he open a company which manufactured machinery for the textile industry which became the largest industry in the Nordic countries in the late 19th and early 20th century. He was the person who made Tampere the second city of Finland. He also opened an orphanage for the children in Tampere. In 1838 he moved back to Scotland and moved to 8 Nicolson Square were he died at the age of 80. Brass Iron Founders’ Pillar Nicolson Square Garden Edinburgh The Brass Iron Founders’ Pillar features the biblical character, Tubal Cain the legendary founder of brass and iron making skills. The designer of The Brass Founders’ column was James Gowans the Lord Dean of Guild, commissioned by the Edinburgh and Leith Brass Founders for the 1886 International Exhibition of Science Art and Industry held in the Meadows where it won a gold medal. It was later shown at the Scottish National Exhibition in Saughton Park in 1908. It was then gifted to the City of Edinburgh. The pillar can be found in Nicolson Square Garden across from The Surgeons Hall Museum. Iron Fountain Nicolson Square Gardens The cast iron fountain was made at the Sun Foundry in Glasgow by George Smith & Co circa 1866 and was shown at the International Exhibition on the meadows in 1886. The granite plaque next to the fountain in Nicolson Square Garden gives a brief description of the pillar and fountain. King Fahd Mosque Islamic Centre of Edinburgh There is a community of over 12,000 Muslims in Edinburgh the first families arriving in the early 1950s. The Central Edinburgh Mosque has capabilities to hold over 1000 worshippers. The present Central Edinburgh Mosque is located on land that was purchased in the 1980s with a condition that the mansion house that is on the land would remain. The mansion house is still standing and is used for an exhibition and at Ramadan. The Mosque was opened in 1998 (1419) by the son of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia who donated 90% of the cost to build the centre. George Square George Square Gardens George Square in Edinburgh is in the centre of the University of Edinburgh Central Campus. In the centre of the square is a garden and around the square are buildings for learning. The Square and gardens were first laid in 1766. On a number of the walls are plaques of famous students. There are also a number of famous ex-residents who lived in the square. In the garden there are many benches to site and take time to contemplate the world and read a book. There are Standing Stones. One of which has been carved with a figure as if the stone had been split down the middle and the figure was revealed. George Square is also the centre of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe every year in August. George Square + George Square Gardens Mrs Alison Cockburn Mrs Alison Cockburn was born in 1710 and died in 1794. She was a Scottish poet and socialite always in the company of the names of the Edinburgh enlightenment. Names she could call friends Robert Burns, Walter Scott and David Hume. The plaque reads; Mrs Cockburn 1710 -1794 Who wrote “The flowers O the forest ” lies buried near here. Buccleuch Parish Church (Chapel of Ease) The Church that stands in Chapel Street at the junction of the Cross Causeway was originally called the Chapel of Ease as St Cuthbert’s in Lothian Road had become too small for its congregation. The congregation of St Cuthbert’s Church had the Chapel of Ease built in 1754 and it opened its door in 1756. The most significant factor is the graveyard as there are a number of important people of the period buried in the graveyard here due to the over crowding of St Cuthbert's graveyard in Lothian Road Edinburgh. Dr Andrew Duncan (Pioneer of mental health) Dr Andrew Duncan a pioneer in mental Health was born in St Andrews on 17th October 1744. In May 1770 he was admitted a licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians. In 1776 he founded the Edinburgh Dispensary. a great man of medicine who died in may 1832. For over 50 years he would climb to the top of Arthur Seat on the 1st of May to celebrate the Queen of the May which he did up to his death. Charles Darwin (1758–1778) Charles Darwin’s Uncle of the same name, (1758–1778), died at the age of 20 why studying at the University of Edinburgh Medical School. He is buried in the Duncan family vault in the Chapel of Ease. The Plaque to is nephew Charles Darwin Author (The Origin of Species) is on the wall in Lothian Street where he lived while at the University Medical School. Unlike his Uncle Charles Darwin was a brilliant student but his life was cut short. The words on his headstone read; Charles Darwin | was born at Lichfield | September 3rd 1758 | and died at Edinburgh | May 15th 1778 | Possessed of uncommon abilities and activity | He had acquired knowledge in every department | of medical and philosophical science much beyond | his years. He gained the first medal offeredby | the aesculapian Society for a criterion | to distinguish | MATTER FROM MUCUS; | and had prepared a thesis for his graduation | on the Retrograde Motions of the | Lymphatic Vessels in some diseases. | He cultivated with success the friendship of ingenious men, and was buried by favour of | Dr A Duncan in his family vault.| ” Fame’s boastful chessel fortune’s silver plume | mark but the mouldering urn, or deck the tomb! ” William (Deacon) Brodie's Grave William Deacon Brodie, (master craftsman and robber), William Deacon Brodie's grave is in the north west corner of the graveyard but due to time and the weather the writing on the stone has worn away. Read about William Brodie and who he was Brodie’s Close Lawnmarket Royal Mile Edinburgh https://www.allaboutedinburgh.co.uk/lawnmarket-royal-mil e Dr Thomas Blacklock (The Blind Poet) Dr Thomas Blacklock a Minister in a Borders town church was better known as “The Blind Poet”. Due to illness as a baby he lost his sight before he turned 1 year. He lived on the corner of Chapel Street and West Nicholson Street now a public house named (The Pear Tree) where on the walls can be seen many poems, written by Dr Thomas Blacklock, the blind poet. He was the person that invited Robert Burns to come to Edinburgh, where he introduced Burns to the high society of Edinburgh. Royal Company of Archers Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh The Royal Company of Archers has had its base in Edinburgh at Archers' Hall Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh since 1777. The Royal Company of Archers is a ceremonial unit that serves as the Sovereign's Bodyguard in Scotland, a role it has performed since 1822. The Archer’s would have tournaments in the Meadows where they would regularly practice. In 1424 by the act of the Scottish Parliament the game of football was prohibited for the more necessary science of archery. The Greek Orthodox Community of St Andrew Edinburgh St. Andrew's is a pan-orthodox Church based in Edinburgh. We are a parish of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain. For more about the area around Melville Drive, Meadows and Bruntsfield Links follow this link Historic Railings Edinburgh Historic railings at Leven Terrace, Lonsdale Terrace, Marchmont Road and Hope Park Crescent were restored by the friends of The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council 2007. The restoration works were grant aided by funding from waste recycling group limited, distributed by WREN. The railings were cast at the Beaverbank foundry by Charles Laing & Sons Ltd. Robert Burns Meets Sir Walter Scott 1786 The one and only time Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott met was in the house of Professor Adam Ferguson in Sciennes House Place, also present were Adam Smith, Dugald Stewart and Joseph Black. This was a meeting place of the hierarchy of Edinburgh society. Inscription reads; This tablet commemorates | The meeting | of Robert Burns and | Sir Walter Scott | which took place here | In the winter of 1786-87. Edinburgh Synagogue Hebrew Community Centre The Synagogue in Edinburgh was opened in 1932 and 1500 people attended the first service. The Synagogue in Salisbury Road is the only Synagogue in Edinburgh and has been since 1932. The first Synagogue in Edinburgh was in North Richmond Street in 1817. There has been a large Jewish community in Edinburgh for nearly 200 years. The Salisbury Road building was the initiative of Dr Salis Daiches, who served for 27 years as the Rabbi. Piershill Cemetery is now the main Jewish Cemetery for Edinburgh. Royal Commonwealth Pool Dalkeith Road Edinburgh The Royal Commonwealth Pool opened in January 1970 for the Commonwealth Games which were being held in Edinburgh. The Royal Commonwealth Pool was also used for the 1986 Commonwealth Games which were also held in Edinburgh. It was also used in the 2012 Olympic Games and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The pool is open daily to the public for swimming. The Innocent Railway The building of the Innocent railway was first started in 1826 to transport coal from the pits in Dalkeith Midlothian to Edinburgh. The carriages were horse-drawn and a great success. In 1831 further lines were added, connecting Leith and Musselburgh. This railway has the oldest rail tunnel inn Britain. The train became popular with passengers as it took them to the beaches at the coast. The route Starts at the tunnel under Holyrood Park Road. The Rail goods and coal yard were once situated where the houses in East Parkside stand now. The rail line is now a walkway and cycle path. The Innocent Railway Route East Parkside Innocent Railway Tunnel EH16 5BQ - Southside of Duddingston Loch, crossing Duddingston Road West, - Portobello, South Leith or Duddingston – Niddrie, Millerhill, Dalkeith. The walking and Cycle Path is now part of the national cycle route. The route is signposted - St Leonards – between Prestonfield Golf Course and Duddingston Loch – South of Duddingston Golf Club – Bingham – Magdalene – Brunstane – Newcraighall – Stoneybank – Monktonhall – whitecraig – Woodburn Dalkeith and beyond. The Innocent railway was purchased by the national rail in 1945. Waterloo Memorial Edinburgh This monument to the memory of the Battle at Waterloo 1815, in a square neglected, stands outside Hermits Termits House built by William Clifton 1734 and where the Scots Poet William Bell Scott was born in 1811. Hermits Termits House Hermits Termits House was built by William Clifton a solicitor of Excise, another resident of note was William Bell Scott (1811–90) was a Scottish poet, painter, art critic, was born in Hermits Termits St Leonard’s Edinburgh. The initials on the crest C under the crown for Clifton W for William and the M for Mary and 1734 was when the house was built. William Clifton was a descendent of Sir Gervase Clifton “the Gentle” who was at Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. Holyrood Distillery The Holyrood Distillery and Visitor Centre is based on the southside of Edinburgh beside Arthur Seat at St Leonard’s Hill. This is the first Edinburgh city centre distillery to produce in over 200 years when Edinburgh was a hive of distilleries and breweries. The Holyrood Distillery is house in the old railway building built circa 1830. “The Innocent Railway” Edinburgh’s first railway. This will be the first distillery to produce a single malt whisky in circa 100 years. The Holyrood Distillery has a high quality experienced team with decades of distilling behind them. Jeanie Deans Tryst Jeanie Deans is a fictional character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Heart of Midlothian. The Cottage is now gone but a plaque is on the wall near to the site of where the cottage once stood. The cottage overlooked Arthur Seat. The wall is what remains of the world's first Academy for the Deaf and Dumb . The academy was founded by Thomas Braidwood in 1760. He would teach sign language and lip reading. In 1783 he moved to the outskirts of London where he opened another school. His three daughters and grandson all became teachers of the deaf. The wall and plaque can be found on the path Infirmary Street Edinburgh Royal College of Surgeons Surgeon's Hall Museum Edinburgh Nicolson Street Edinburgh is where you will find The Royal College of Surgeons. The Incorporation of Surgeons and Barbers were founded in Edinburgh in 1505 and in 1722 the surgeons broke away from the barbers. The Surgeons first met in Dickson's Close Royal Mle, then moved to Drummond Street in 1697. Then in 1778 King George III granted a new charter giving the surgeons the title The Royal College of Surgeons of the City of Edinburgh. The present Royal College Building opened in 1832 and in 1851 Queen Victoria granted a charter giving its present title The Royal College of Surgeons. Royal College of Surgeons’ Museum Edinburgh The Surgeon’s Hall Museum collection grew from 1699. In the 1800’s the Museum had expanded to include remarkable collections donated by famous people and inventors. There are three sections to the museum and many exhibitions held throughout the year. The Royal College of Surgeons Quin-centenary 2005 Bronze Plaque at the entrance to the College and Museum and the gardens and bronze sculpture at the entrance to the Royal College of Surgeons building. HINC SANITAS | FROM HERE HEALTH The Sculpture is of two hands holding a scalpel. The inscription on the plaque reads; HINC SANITAS | FROM HERE HEALTH | THIS SCULPTURE BY | MR DENYS MITCHELL | WAS UNVEILED BY | THE RIGHT HONOURABLE | NORMAN IRONS | LORD PROVOST OF EDINBURGH | ON 6 DECEMBER 1994 J.K.Rowling Harry Potter Story Edinburgh J.K Rowling or Joanne Rowling was born on 31st July 1965 in a town called Yate in Gloucestershire. Joanne Rowling and her daughter moved to Edinburgh in 1994. She wrote seven Harry Potter books which have been made into movies for the big screen. J.K. Rowling is still a resident in Edinburgh. Robert Louis Stevenson Plaque In memory of Robert Louis Stevenson 1850 – 1894, son and student of Edinburgh. “and when I remember all that I hope and feared as I pickled about Rutherford’s in the rain and the east wind; how I feared I should never have a friend far less a wife, and yet timidly hoped I might; how I hoped (if I did not take a drink) I should possibly write one little book. And then now-what a change. ! I feel somehow as if I should like the incident set upon a brass plate at the corner of the dreary thoroughfare, for all students to read, poor devils, when their hearts are down. From the south seas September 1888. Presented on behalf of all Stevenson lovers……………September 1995 George Davie Plaque Drummond Street Edinburgh George Davie (1912-2007) philosopher and author of ‘The Democratic Intellect’, introduced to each other HUGH MCDIARMID (1892-1978). Author of the Scots poem ‘A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle’, and SORLEY MACLEAN (1911-1996), author of the Gaelic poems ‘Ddin do Eimldr’, in what was Rutherford’s in 1984. Royal Infirmary Edinburgh Original Royal Infirmary Gates The ornamental gates carved stone gateposts of the infirmary of High School Yards were saved and are now preserved at the entrance to the University Geography building in the adjacent Drummond Street. Drummond Street is also where a part of the Flodden Wall built in 1513 still stands. Royal Infirmary Edinburgh Charles Glover Barkla Born in Widnes, Lancashire, in 1877, Nobel Prize winner Physics in 1917, Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh in 1913 till his death in 1944 in Edinburgh Mungo Park Born 1771, near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. He Studied at the University of Edinburgh both medicine and botany. A surgeon and explorer of Africa, also and author of a book, Travels into the Interior of Africa (1797). Symposium Hall Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh Symposium Hall was originally built in 1847 as the Roxburgh Free Church. It then was converted into St Michael's Episcopal Church in 1888 and in 1965 amalgamated with All Saints’ Church in Brougham Street Tollcross. After being empty for some years The Royal College of Surgeons acquired it. Receiving donations from two main benefactors the hall was opened as The King Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Symposium Hall in 1982. Lady Glenorchy Parish Church The Lady Glenorchy Chapel opened 1774 and was at Leith Wynd which was demolished in 1845 to make way for the building of the Waverley rail station. Lady Glenorchy purchased an old Chapel in Roxburgh Place in 1856 which became the Lady Glenorchy Parish Church. The Chapel was demolished and rebuilt and opened in 1913 and became one of the most popular churches of it time in Edinburgh. It was sold in 1969 and has been used as various purposes. Edinburgh Festival Theatre Empire Ballroom The Edinburgh Festival Theatre has an audience capacity of almost 2000 and stages live shows of all kinds (Pantomime, ballet, opera, musicals, vaudeville and the Edinburgh International Festival). There has been a theatre on this site since 1830 staging acts from around the world including the Circus and The Great Lafayette. It was in 1892 it first opened as the Empire Palace Theatre. The first of several Moss Empires opened around Britain by Sir Edward Moss who purchase his first site in Edinburgh of Newsome’s Circus in Nicolson Street Edinburgh in 1891. Moss owned the Gaiety Variety Theatre which was in Chambers Street Edinburgh and it was so popular he required a bigger venue which he did. A fire in 1911 destroyed the stage area and a number of people were killed, The Great Lafayette one of the greatest illusionist of the time a comment made by Houdini himself. The Great Lafayette is buried in Edinburgh with his dog a gift from Houdini. After a major rebuild the theatre reopened in 1928 s the Empire Theatre and continues to entertain the public to this day. La Scala Theatre The La Scala Electric Theatre opened in 1912 for silent movies and live theatre acts. . The site had previously been used as a live theatre opening circa 1860 as the New Royal Alhambra and after a change of name closure came in 1886 as the Royal Princess Theatre. The La Scala later became a cinema changing its name in the early part of 1970’s. It finally close as cinema becoming a bingo hall and now a slot casino. Next - Bruntsfield Links & Meadows

This gives you information on the Edinburgh Rugby, Murrayfield , Corstorphine Murrayfield Edinburgh area retail, food and drink, history, tours . Corstorphine Edinburgh Corstorphine Edinburgh Corstorphine Edinburgh or Crosstorphyn was once a small village between hills Corstorphine hill and the Pentland Hills a famous site mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped, where the two main characters stopped for a rest on the way to Killiecrankie (“The rest and be thankful”). Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 -1894) Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh on the 13 November 1850 to a wealthy family of Engineers. His grandfather Robert built the Regent Bridge in Waterloo Place Edinburgh to connect the main road to London with Princes Street in the new town bypassing the dirty streets of Leith. Robert Louis Stevenson never kept good health and spent his summers in North Berwick at the sea side where his Grandfather had a summer residence. The statue pictured is of Thomas Balfour and Alan Breck Stewart departing from Corstorphine Hill Edinburgh. They were the characters in the novel Kidnapped, which was about the Jacobite uprising and the true story of the two main characters. Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson to give his full name was an author of many famous books e.g. Treasure Island, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Kidnapped. Corstorphine Hill Edinburgh Corstorphine Hill is Edinburgh’s largest public park and nature reserve. The hill at 531 feet (161m) is a great place for a day out and ramble, there is a variety of wildlife on Corstorphine Hill including great spotted woodpecker, tawny owl, badger, kestrel, and sparrow hawk. Corstorphine Hill Tower Edinburgh At the summit of the Corstorphine Hill is the Clermiston Tower also known as the Scott Tower or the Corstorphine Hill Tower. It is a memorial to Edinburgh’s romantic novelist Sir Walter Scott. The tower was built by William Mackie in 1871 on the centenary of Sir Walter Scott's birth. From the parapet at the top the views of the surrounding area are stunning. This was a place Sir Walter Scott would visit and contemplate his scriptures. Corstorphine Hill Tower Plaque The inscription on the plaque reads; CORSTORPHINE HILL TOWER SIR WALTER SCOTT 1771 - 1832 ERECTED IN 1871 BY W MACFIE OF CLERMISTON PRESENTED IN 1932 TO THE CITY BY W.G. WALKER C.A F.S.A SCOT Corstorphine Hill Walled Garden The Corstorphine Hill walled garden has been restored by a local volunteer group. They have created a quiet space to sit and relax or read a book. Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh Zoo is in the west of Edinburgh, on the main route from the airport. Edinburgh Zoo was opened to the public on 22 July 1913. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland was founded in 1909 probably best known throughout the world for their Penguins. The Penguins were first brought to Edinburgh by the whaling ships that would call in at Leith. The association with these amazing birds began in January 1903. There are over 180 different animal species in the zoo the most popular are a pair of giant pandas from China. Edinburh Zoo Rugby Murrayfield Rugby Stadium Home of Scottish Rugby (For contact details of rugby clubs and teams click on box above) The home of Scottish Rugby Union is a 64000 all seated stadium, where Scotland play their home international Rugby matches. Murrayfield Stadium was first opened in 1925 and was renovated in 1994, when it became all seated. Other events that have been held here in the past include the 2000 Rugby league challenge cup final, music concerts such as (The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Oasis) and NFL American football. The War memorial Arch and Clock are prominent features of the Stadium’s history. Opening from 9 am daily for a free walk around where information boards are present for your help or you can book a guided tour of the stadium. Murrayfield Ice Rink Murrayfield Ice Rink opened to the public in 1952. It is the largest Rink in Scotland. Events that have been held at the ice rink include Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, Boxing and Basketball. In 1980 a separate curling rink was opened. In 1958, 1963 and 1993 Murrayfield Ice Rink was the venue for The Harlem Globetrotters basketball exhibitions. The ice rink is open to the public and ice skates are available for hire. There is also a curling rink next door. You can also see National League Ice Hockey on a Sunday Evening. (Check with rink for game dates). Memorial Arch Murrayfield Stadium The Rugby memorial arch in Murrayfield Stadium in memory of the Rugby players who died in the First World War. Coltbridge House Murrayfield Edinburgh In accordance with the will of George Pape of Coltbridge house these cottages were built for use of three poor widows in all time coming A.D. 1894 Colt Bridge Murrayfield Edinburgh On 16th September 1745 the Coltbridge Canter commenced near here, when the Hanoverian cavalry fled from the Jacobite army the only escape was across a wooden bridge which was replaced in 1766 with the present bridge which is now only for pedestrians. Water of Leith New Bridge Murrayfield Edinburgh The new bridge over the water of leith part of the main access road from west to east and the new town was built in 1841 and was later widened in 1930 due to the motorised transport. Next - Saughton - Gorgie Edinburgh

The Fountainbridge Area Edinburgh the start of the Union Canal 007 Sean Connery's birthplace, EICC, Retail, food, drink, accommodation all near the City Centre Fountainbridge Area Edinburgh Attractions Edinburgh Quay Fountainbridge Edinburgh Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh has been going through a redevelopment over the last few years and is now a modern business area with a leisure area that has a multiplex cinema, bowling alley, casino, children’s soft play centre, restaurants, pubs and the canal basin with barges which can be hired, or go for a slow cruise and have dinner. When Sean Connery returned to unveil a plaque dedicated to where he was born he was amazed at the changes that had been made to the area. The Edinburgh International Conference Centre is also nearby and has events all year around. There are hotels, self-catering and serviced apartments nearby and it is all a short walk to the city centre and Haymarket Rail Station. Edinburgh Quay Attractions Edinburgh Edinburgh Quay is where the Union canal basin (end) is located. You can follow the canal to where it joins the Forth and Clyde canal at the world famous Falkirk Wheel opened in 2002 it re-joins the 2 canals for the first time since the 1930s. Take a barge trip or sit by the shore and have lunch and drinks at the shore side bars and restaurants. Union Canal Barge Centre Union Canal Barge Centre Edinburgh Attractions Edinburgh Union Canal Barge Centre is close to the Leamington Lift Bridge where you start the trip on a Barge. Take a barge trip on a slow moving barge have lunch High tea or drinks and see the sites as you cruise along. THE FALKIRK WHEEL The Falkirk Wheel is the first barge lift in the world which replaces the loch system. Opened in 2002 it is an engineering break through to connect the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. The Falkirk Wheel can carry eight or more boats at a time. You can enjoy a return trip which take around 1 hour. THE KELPIES The Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures in the world. The heads are called Duke and Baron, Duke on the left is 26.3m and Baron on the right is 30m. There are tours of both which you can go on. Take the barge that goes on the wheel and you can go inside the horse’s heads. Both sites mark where the canal system connects the east and the west of Scotland. The Kelpies are mythical beasts that lured Victims to their deaths by drowning. SIR THOMAS SEAN CONNERY Born 25 August 1930 and live at 176 Fountainbridge in Edinburgh. Sean Connery is probably the most famous and well known Scottish actor. He is best known for his role as James Bond between 1962 and 1983. His first job however was delivering milk in Edinburgh local people from the local base at Grove Street. The plaque has been place at the location where he was born which is now a new build and street called Melvin Walk. Edinburgh International Conference Centre Morrison Street Edinburgh Edinburgh Meat Market Arch Fountainbridge Next - Craigentinny - Restalrig

Real Mary King's Close in the High Street Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh's most visited Attractions, where you can walk the streets of the 17th century see houses and ghosts of the past plague riden streets. The Real Mary King's Close 2 Warriston's Close, High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1PG Mary King Mary King’s Close named after the daughter of the owner Alexander King the owner of the Close circa 1600. Alexander King was a wealthy merchant (Burgess of Edinburgh) he owned many properties in Edinburgh. Previous to him was Touris (Towris) Close after George Touris of Inverleith. Mary King’s Close is under the Royal Exchange now City Chambers. The Close is a place where the plague of 1645 killed thousands and left buildings with no residents. There are many Ghosts and many stories of evil lurking in the close. The Close also burned by a great fire in 1750. The Real Mary King's Close Now Mary King's Close is one of the most visited sites when in Edinburgh. The Tour takes you back to the times of no electric (Gas light was first introduced to the High Street in 1820) and no sanitation where they would through the waste from their windows. Next - High Street Lower Southside

Edinburgh Castle not to be missed when visiting Edinburgh. A fortress in the centre of Edinburgh over 1500 years inhabited. See its history, museums, Royal Palace, Great Hall an St Margaret's Chapel the oldest building in Edinburgh still in use for its original purpose. Edinburgh Castle Attractions All About Edinburgh Castle History Edinburgh Castle History Edinburgh Castle Rock was formed over 300 million years ago by volcanic eruptions. Probably, the first evidence of inhabitants on the rock was in the Bronze Age circa 900 BC. This was due to evidence of an Iron Age fort being unearthed dated circa 900 BC. Edinburgh Castle First Fortress The first writings probably were about a fortress on Edinburgh Castle Rock circa 600 AD in a poem Gododdin. This tells of Gododdin a race of warriors who lived in the south-east of Scotland and north-east England. Gododdin left the fortress of Din Eiden (Edinburgh) to battle with the Angles of Northumbria. Consequently, The Gododdin were wiped out and the Angles of Northumbria took control of the area. Scottish Borders King Malcolm II took over control of the area in 1016 at the Battle of Carham. He also changed the border of Scotland to the River Tweed as Northumbria once extended as far as the River Forth. Edinburgh Castle Occupation Edinburgh Castle was originally built of wood by Malcolm III circa 1070. It was then built of stone by King David I circa 1130. Also including the building of a small Chapel for his mother Margaret. (St Margaret’s Chapel) the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh Castle. The occupation of Edinburgh Castle in 1296 by Edward I of England lasted until early 1314. Consequently the Scots led by Thomas Randolph – First earl of Moray recaptured Edinburgh Castle for the Scots. Similarly in 1335 the English under Edward III also lost control in 1341 when William Douglas regained it for the Scots. In 1361 David II strengthened the fortifications of Edinburgh Castle and built a tower. David’s Tower probably over 80 foot high which unfortunately was destroyed in the Lang Siege 1573. Unfortunately there are only underground remnants still visible. David II died in Edinburgh Castle 1371. Last Royal Occupation Edinburgh Castle Finally, the last King to reside in Edinburgh Castle was Charles I in 1633 before his coronation. In 1650 Edinburgh Castle was once again under attack by the English led by Oliver Cromwell. After several months of siege, Edinburgh Castle was surrendered to Oliver Cromwell and the English forces. When Charles II was restored as King. He set up an army garrison in Edinburgh Castle that remained until the 1920’s. Edinburgh Castle became a tourist attraction and was open to visitors circa 1833. It is now one of the world’s most visited attractions in the UK. All the Attractions of Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle Gates Originally there were two gates that protected Edinburgh Castle. Firstly the gate from the Esplanade over the drawbridge and then the inner barrier gate. Later a further gate was built, the Portcullis Gate. The Castle Gates plaque reads; For a period of at least 2000 years, this fortress was defended by the outer gate at the head of the esplanade. Edinburgh Castle Drawbridge Edinburgh Castle Gatehouse Gatehouse Plaque Sir William Kirkcaldy Edinburgh Castle Fortress Firstly look up high on the rock left before the Portcullis Gate. Where there is a memorial plaque to Sir William Kirkcaldy. The inscription reads: In memory of Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange. Justly reputed to be one of the best soldiers and most accomplished cavaliers of his time. He held this castle for Queen Mary from May 1568 to May 1573. And after its honourable surrenders, suffered death for his devotion to Her cause on 3 August 1573. Sir William Kirkcaldy Tablet Thomas Randolph Earl of Moray Edinburgh Castle Fortress Further into the castle on the wall after the Portcullis Gate and the Lang Stairs a further plaque can be seen and reads; To commemorate Thomas Randolph Earl of Moray. A distinguished soldier and diplomatist. Who recovered this castle in 1313 after it had been for 20 years in the hands of the English. Thomas Randolph Earl of Murray Tablet Edinburgh Castle Argyle Tower Edinburgh Castle Fortress The Argyle Tower was built on to the top of the portcullis gate in 1867 and entrance is at the top of the Lang Stairs the original access to Edinburgh Castle. Named after the the 9th Earl of Argyle (Archibald Campbell) 1663-85. Imprisoned in the room above the Portcullis Gate before his execution June 1685. He was executed when found guilty of treason 19 Dec 1681. Because he lead a rebellion against the Roman Catholic Church and James VII of Scotland. Old Guardhouse Inner Barrier Edinburgh Castle Fortress The Old Guard house was built in 1853. Detention cells were added in 1866 and also later used as the Quartermaster stores. The present Guardhouse pictured above replaced the Old Guardhouse in 1887. The Inner Barrier posts where a large wooden gate would have hung, stand at each side of the road. Almost beside the door to the old guardhouse. Edinburgh Castle Old Guardhouse & Inner Barrier Edinburgh Castle Old Guardhouse & Inner Barrier Portcullis Gate Edinburgh Castle Fortress The first gateway after a short walk uphill gets you to the Portcullis Gate. Also Built after the Lang Siege in 1573 on the site of the Constable’s Tower. The large spikes of the Portcullis are only open for visitors and closed to stop any unwanted invasion. The upper section of the gates were added circa 1887. The Portcullis Gate plaque reads; 1574 -77 Built after the long siege of 1571-3. As the main gateway into the castle. It stands on the site of the medieval Constable’s Tower. The top storey was added in 1887. Edinburgh Castle Portcullis Gate Edinburgh Castle Portcullis Gate Edinburgh Castle Portcullis Gate Plaque Lang Stairs Edinburgh Castle Fortress First of all when through the portcullis gate on entering Edinburgh Castle to the left are the Lang Stairs. This is the most direct route to the highest point of the Castle Rock. The Lang Stairs was the main access to the summit of the castle rock in the middle ages.Furthermore on the right near the top of the Lang Stairs is the Argyle Tower. This was the original entrance under Constable’s Tower. Constables Tower was also destroyed in the Lang Siege of 1573. The easy way up is by the hill with setts creating a road that winds up the slope. Installed to make it easier to get the cannon to the battlements. The Water Tank Foog’s Gate Edinburgh Castle Fortress The circular building on the way to Foog’s Gate is an old iron water tank which stored the water for Edinburgh Castle. The water was supplied from St Margaret's well at the foot of the rock which in turn supplied the Fore Well. Foog’s Gate E dinburgh Castle Fortress Foog’s Gate built after the Lang Siege circa 1580 was a further gate to stop invaders. No one knows the background to the name. Maybe it is to do with fog or low cloud that often settles on Edinburgh Castle. Foog’s Gate gives entry to the Upper Ward, the highest part of Edinburgh Castle. The Gate is attached to the building that houses a great water tank made of iron (not in use) that was a store of water for Edinburgh Castle. Foog’s Gate plaque reads; The main entrance to the citadel by the 17th century. The perimeter wall looped for both cannon and musketry, was builtin King Charles II’s reign (1660- 85). Edinburgh Castle Mons Meg Cannon Mons Meg is a Belgian cannon given to James II as a gift in 1457. Named after where it was tested in Mons in Belgium. Mons Meg was a super gun that could shoot a cannonball up to 2 miles. Mons Meg was last used in battle circa 1554 and was last fired circa 1680, when the barrel burst. It spent many years in England. Mons Meg was finally returned to the Castle in 1829 and has been on the battlements ever since. One o’clock Gun Edinburgh Castle Fortress . A 105 mm field gun is fired from Mills Mount in Edinburgh Castle Monday – Saturday at 13.00 hours. Sundays it does not fire as no seamen work on the Sabbath. Good Friday and Christmas Day are also days it is not fired. A gun has been fired here since 1861 as an audio time signal to shipping in the Firth of Forth. The original signal was the Time Ball which was on the mast of Nelson Monument on Calton Hill. The Time Ball The Time Ball on the mast of Nelson’s monument was originally a visual aid for the sailors in the Leith port and the Firth of Forth to set their chronometers by. Due to the weather being overcast in Edinburgh often, an audio aid was introduced (The One O’clock Gun) in 1861, in addition to the Time Ball. David’s Tower Edinburgh Castle Fortress David’s Tower probably built by David II, circa 1368 once stood almost 80 feet (25 mtrs) high consequently giving a view of 360 degrees for an early warning of invaders by sea or land. The remains of the tower are below ground as the tower was bombarded by cannon during the Lang Siege of 1571 – 1573 and all but destroyed. As a result The Half Moon Battery was built to replace it after the Lang Siege in 1573. Most noteworthy In 1941 the Scottish crown jewels were taken from the crown room where they are on display today. They were buried below in the depths of David’s Tower. For the reason that if the Germans invaded they would not find the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels). Consequently the Germans did not invade they were brought back out from their hiding place and returned to the crown room. Half Moon Battery Edinburgh Castle Fortress . David II built David’s Tower circa 1361 and it was destroyed in the Lang Siege in May 1573. Rebuilding took place immediately with the Half Moon Battery where David’s Tower had stood. A Great Half Bastion Round built by Lord Chancellor of Scotland Regent Morton which you can see today. The Fore Well Edinburgh Castle Fortress The Fore Well, circa 115 feet (34 mtrs) deep, was the Castle’s main water supply mentioned when Robert the Bruce blocked it in 1314 attack as the Scots retained the Castle. The Water could also have been the source of Saint Margaret’s Well at the foot of the castle rock in West Princes Street Gardens. Circa 1080. Still in use circa 1840. Access to Saint Margaret’s Well is over the foot bridge at the rear of the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens Forewall Battery Edinburgh Castle Fortress The Forewall Battery with 5 cannon pointing over what was the Nor Loch to the north the battery first built circa 1545 and rebuilt and extended 1573. The iron basket on the wall was light to warn the people of Edinburgh the expected invasion. Royal Scots Regiment of Scotland Museum Edinburgh Castle The Royal Scots museum tells the stories from over 350 years of campaigning, most noteworthy are the six Victoria Crosses on display and the stories of heroic deeds behind them. The Royal Scots were the oldest serving infantry regiment in the British Army. Founded in 1633 when Sir John Hepburn raised a body of men in Scotland for service in France in the Thirty Years’ War. Under a Royal Warrant granted by King Charles I known as ‘Pontius Pilate’s Bodyguard’. Also now known 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, abbreviated to 1 SCOTS. Royal Scots Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum Edinburgh Castle The Regimental Museum tells the history of the Scottish regiments, their heroes and unique artefacts from battles. The most important artefact being the flag taken by Ensign Ewart from the French at the Battle of Waterloo. Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are the senior Scottish regiment in the British Army. In the museum can be seen the French Eagle and Standard captured at the Battle of Waterloo by Ensign Ewart. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are a light cavalry regiment famous for its iconic victory at the Battle of Waterloo 1815. Also were part of the charge of the Light brigade. Read the story of Ensign Ewart and how they adopted the Eagle as their emblem. Ensign Ewart’s memorial stone stands on the Castle Esplanade with his grave stone behind it. Read the hole story “Taking of the Flag” Dragoon Guards Dury’s Battery Edinburgh Castle Fortress The Dury Battery was named after Captain Theodore Dury who built the battery after the 1708 Jacobite rising. Captain Dury was the military engineer for Scotland. In 1757 the guns were removed and the battery was converted into an exercise yard for prisoners of war. Furthermore, the Military Prison and the War Prisoners Prison are also located in this yard. The Scottish National War Memorial Edinburgh Castle The Scottish National War Memorial Edinburgh Castle tells the story of Scotland at war with many items from the past that tell great stories of battles won and to many that were lost. The National war memorial commemorates all who have fallen in wars from 1914 to this day. A display of the rolls of honour, is of all in Scottish services and civilians who were casualties of wars. The Scottish National War Memorial is a building in Crown Square which is at the height of Edinburgh Castle rock on which Edinburgh Castle stands. The Building was opened in 1927. The Memorial is open to the public, free of charge on application to the Castle Ticket Office. Governor’s House Edinburgh Castle The Governor’s House was built as accommodation in 1742 for the Governor of Edinburgh Castle and are still used for the same purpose. Edinburgh Castle St Margaret’s Chapel St Margaret’s Chapel Edinburgh Castle was built by David I circa 1130 for his mother Queen Margaret. The Chapel was renamed in 1250 when Margaret was canonised, therefore St Margaret’s Chapel. The Oldest building n Edinburgh Castle is St Margaret’s Chapel Probably also in Edinburgh. Which is still in use today. Stone of Destiny Now in Perth Museum In 1292 John Balliol was most certainly the last king to use the Stone of Destiny. He became king in 1292 until 1296. In 1296 the Stone of Destiny was captured by Edward I of England and taken to Westminster Abbey in London. The Stone of Destiny was finally returned to Scotland on St Andrews Day 1996 the first time in 700 years. There are also many stories of the Stone of Destiny’s origins from Syria to Egypt, from Spain. Before arriving in Ireland and then Scotland. The Stone of destiny is beside the Scottish Crown Jewels (Honours of Scotland) in the Crown Room of Edinburgh Castle. I have to images of the Crown Jewels as they are in a special glass case restricting photographs. There is a monument of Robert the Bruce having himself crowned as King of Scotland at Scone in 1306. Edinburgh Castle The Scottish Crown Jewels (The Honours of Scotland) The Scottish Crown Jewels have been in continuous occupation of Edinburgh Castle since 1660. Most noteworthy the Honours of Scotland were forgotten about as they had been abolished in 1707 and locked away. Subsequently they were found locked in a chest in the crown room by Sir Walter Scott in 1818. As a result they have been on display in the Crown Room ever since. The Crown jewels consist of a crown, sceptre and sword of state. Firstly used in a group for the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543. The Sceptre is thought to have been a gift from the Pope Alexander VI in 1494. The Crown was a design for King James V in 1540 and the Sword gifted to King James IV in 1507 by Pope Julius II. The Scottish Crown Jewels (Honours of Scotland) are the oldest Crown Jewels in the British Isles. The images below are replicas in an outer room of the crown room. Edinburgh Castle Dog Cemetery Royal Palace Edinburgh Castle Royal Palace Edinburgh Castle was were Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James in 1566. He was later to become James VI. Mary of Guise was French (Marie de Guise) born on 22 November 1515 was the wife of James V and Queen of Scots from 1538 to 1542. She gave birth to Mary later to be Mary Queen of Scots. Also served as Regent of Scotland in her daughter’s name from 1554 to 1560. Mary de Guise died in Edinburgh Castle in 1560. For security she had a Palace and Chapel built at the foot of Castlehill. Only the facade remains as the University of Edinburgh demolished it to build the New College in 1846. James VI returned To Edinburgh Castle in 1617 for the Jubilee celebrations. Finally the last royal to stay in Edinburgh Castle being Charles I in 1633. The Royal Palace Plaque reads; The residence of the Stewart Kings and Queens in the 15th & 16th centuries. The birthplace of King James VI in 1566 and the home of The Scottish Crown Jewels. Edinburgh Castle Birth Room James VI Antechamber Laich Hall The Laich (low) Hall is in the Royal Palace in Crown Square of Edinburgh Castle. This is where many Royal banquets and dances took place. Also can be found there is the antechamber and birth room. Where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James. Who was to become James the VI of Scotland and James the 1st of England. King James VI was the last King of Scotland and after the Union of the Crowns in 1603 also became King James I of England. The Great Hall Edinburgh Castle Great Hall, Edinburgh Castle, Crown Square. Built by King James IV circa 1480 and completed in circa 1510 and restored in 1888. This hall is a magnificent architectural sight, with its the original hammer-beam (wooden) ceiling. Certainly the best preserved in any of the Castles of Great Britain. Also the painting of Ensign Ewart is on the end wall with weapons and armour. Finally do not miss the key to Edinburgh Castle also in the Great Hall. Used now by the Royals for State and Royal functions. Edinburgh Castle Prisons Thomas III de Grey First Prisoner Edinburgh Castle The first prisoners of war known, date back to at least 1355. Maybe, the first being Thomas III de Grey an English knight captured in 1355. While captive he began to write the “Scalacronica” the history of England from 1272 – 1362 furthermore he used the Castle library for reference. Another was Brigadier William Mackintosh, Laird of Borlum Inverness (Mackintosh of Borlum) one of the leaders in the Jacobite uprising of 1715 who spent his last 20 plus years a prisoner in Edinburgh Castle. Foreign Prisoners French prisoners were held in Edinburgh Castle in 1757 from the 7 years war and soldiers of America, Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands and Poland were held prisoner here circa 1760. Many of the prisoners scratched their names into the doors and walls of the vaults. Finally in 18811 when 49 prisoners escaped from Edinburgh Castle Prison it was deemed unsuitable and no further prisoners were placed in Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle Military Prison Edinburgh Castle Military Prison first of all opened 1842 and finally closed 1923. This small Victorian prison was built as a result of offending soldiers from the castle garrison and those of visiting regiments. Queen Anne Building Crown Square Edinburgh Castle The Queen Anne building was built circa 1710 after the Jacobite uprising of 1708. The main function was barracks for officers and Castle gunners. Also this site previously was where the royal gun house stood and furthermore the position where Mons Meg first stood. Field Marshal Earl Douglas Haig First of all, Douglas Haig was born a son of famous whisky distiller's in Edinburgh on 19th June 1861. He finally died in 1928 and was buried at Dryburgh Abbey. His grave stone stands beside the family grave of Sir Walter Scott. Finally he founded the Haig Fund (who make the Poppies) and the Royal British Legion. Douglas Haig Military Career Firstly, in his military career he was enrolled in the Royal Military College at Sandhurst in 1884. In June 1899 Haig went to South Africa to serve in the Boer War. Douglas Haig became major-general, certainly the youngest officer to hold the rank in the British Army. He also was responsible for training the Indian Cavalry. Furthermore in 1909 Haig was appointed as chief of staff in India. Most noteworthy In 1910, Douglas Haig took command of the 1st Army Corps of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) based in Aldershot. Consequently Haig and the (BEF) went to France in August 1914. He became commander in chief of the (BEF). Finally, General Haig after a long and bloody battle over several months (July –December) brought an end to the Somme Offensive. As a result in that time, it is estimated, the British army suffered over 400,000 casualties, the French 200,000 and Germans circa 500,000 casualties. Because of his actions Haig was nicknamed “The Butcher of the Somme”. He used human life with no regards to consequences. Douglas Haig Honours He was finally knighted (Knight of the Order of the Thistle) in July 1917 and consequently became Sir Douglas Haig. Furthermore, in 1919 he was made Earl Haig then finally in 1921 Baron Haig of Bemersyde. The statue of of Douglas Haig is in the square outside the Hospital in Edinburgh Castle. Plaque Finally the plaque on the statue in Edinburgh Castle reads; This statue was present to the City of Edinburgh by Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji of Bombay. In admiration of the service rendered to the British Empire by the Field Marshal. Also the engraved stone on the house in Charlotte Square Edinburgh reads; In this house Douglas Haig was born 19th June 1861. Douglas Haig’s grave stone in Dryburgh Abbey have the words; Douglas Haig born in Edinburgh June 19th 1861. Departed out of this world Sunday Jan 29th 1928. Edinburgh Castle Hospital The Edinburgh Castle hospital buildings in Hospital Square were built in 1753 as two ordnance storehouse for arms and military equipment. They were converted into the Garrison Hospital in 1897. Ordnance Storehouse National War Museum and Hospital The Ordnance store house was one of two warehouses for arms and military equipment. Built to a design by General William Skinner chief engineer in north Britain in 1753. He was also the creator of Fort George the Garrison fortress of the Scottish Highlands. This ordnance store house now houses the Military Museum. Previously was converted from a 60-bed hospital that cared for German Prisoners of war during the First World War. War Museum Edinburgh Castle Key to the Door The Edinburgh Castle Key with tags of the keeper of the key click to magnify and read the tags. Next - Castle Esplanade

Saughton Rose Gardens open all year round with glass house and bandstand, sundial, statues, walled garden, topiary, Picnic area, Skateboard park, adventure play area open spaces for ball games and an athletics track this is a place to have hours of fun or become a horticulturalist. Saughton Rose Garden Winter Garden Edinburgh In the glasshouse you can see the bust of Gandhi, a statue the Universal Mother (Sakthi) and tropical plants. The gardens are a tranquil place to sit and contemplate. With award winning Rose Gardens, paths, walled gardens and ornamental flowers, Bandstand, picnic area, statues and not forgetting the glass houses where the winter garden gives the area flowers all year round. Saughton Gardens are a horticulturists dream. Saughton Rose Gardens Not just rose gardens but all types of plants bushes trees flowers hedges and Topiary. Saughton Park Bandstand This Bandstand is the original which was restored in 2018. The bandstand is one of five that are left worldwide. The bandstand was made in the Lion Foundry in Kirkintilloch Scotland in 1909. It had to be removed from its oroginal position in the park in 1987 due to its condition. Now restored it has been returned to the park from where it first was used to give many local people hours a music. Saughton Park Sundial The sundial in Saughton Gardens dates from the 17th century, and was restored in 1899. The inscriptions read; Inscriptions : Around second step from ground: BLESS | YE | THE | LORD | PRAISE | HIM | AND | MAGNIFY | HIM | FOR | EVER | O | YE | LIGHT | AND | DARKNESS On the four sides of the base the inscription reads: ALAS | HOW FLEETING | WHILE THOU | LOOKEST I FLY | GO ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. 1899 MARK BUT | THE HOURS OF | SUNSHINE | GOD IS LIGHT HOW QUICKLY | THE PLEASANT DAYS | HAVE PASSED AWAY | TO DIE IS TO LIVE AS A SHADOW | SO DOTH LIFE | PASS | TAK TENT O TIME ERE TIME BE TINT Saughton Park Statues Mahatma Ghandi Bust Inscription reads : Mahatma Ghandi 1869-1948 Apostle of Non Violence This Statue was unveiled by His Excellency Inder Kumar Gujral Prime Minister of India in the presence of The Right Honourable Eric Milligan / Lord Provost of Edinburgh on 25 October 1997. Saughton Park Statues The Goddess Sakthi The plaque in front of statue reads: Presentation to the City of Edinburgh by Professor and Mrs N Rangabashyam goddess Sakthi or Ammam who may be regarded as the universal mother, and who in Hindu mythology is Parvathi, wife of lord Shiva Saughton Park Statues 'Dreamer of Peace' Statue by Kaivalya Torpy inspired by Sri Chinmoy Poet, Philosopher and Man of Peace. Founder of the 'Oneness Home Peace Run' There is also a mile long track in the Meadows Edinburgh Saughton Rose Gardens Picnic Area Saughton Rose Gardens Simba Memorial Garden and Tree Saughton Park & Skateboarding Area Saughton Park at one time had a 9 hole golf course, paddling pool and playing fields. In 1908 the Scottish National Exhibition was held in the park and in 1984 the Winter Garden was opened. In 2010 the largest outdoor skateboard park in Scotland was opened and later a children’s play area. There are also football pitches and a sports stadium with a running track. Don’t miss the shoe tree where the boarders hang their shoes for luck. Colinton Area

South Queensferry links with Queen Margaret in the 11th century. Cromwell in the 17th and a 13th century church, the oldest steel built Rail Bridge in the world, Hopetoun House, Tour the island attractions and see the Loch Ness monster sculpture. South Queensferry Area Attractions The Crossing of the Forth by Queen Margaret in the Late 11th Century created Queensferry Where the Forth Rail Bridge stands today over the Firth of Forth was first known for a crossing in the 11th century by Queen Margaret, as she made frequent trips to Dunfermline and St Andrews. Queen Margaret founded a ferry service to help transport religious pilgrims across the river. The crossing was so well used that small communities emerged on the south and north banks of the river, the ports were both called Queensferry and later changed to South Queensferry and North Queensferry as they are today. The ferry service was used as a passenger ferry for over eight hundred years. There are 2 established Bridges over the Firth of Forth The oldest Steel constructed cantilever rail bridge in the world and the Forth Road Bridge built in 1964. The latest bridge is the Queensferry Crossing opened 30 /08/2017. seen not yet completed pictured below still under construction (01 / 11 / 2015). The Queensferry Crossing will be the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. South Queensferry Attractions Forth Rail Bridge The Forth Rail Bridge is a cantilever railway bridge over the Firth of Forth. It was opened on 4 March 1890. For over seventy years the Forth Bridge was the only connection across the Firth of Forth without a boat. "Painting the Forth Bridge” is a local expression for a never-ending task, as soon as the painting of the bridge was finished the work would have to start again. The Forth Rail Bridge is the oldest steel constructed cantilever railway bridge in the world. The bridge was designed by Benjamin Baker who was knighted for the work he carried out on the Forth Rail Bridge. He also was involved with the construction of the Aswan Dam. Forth Bridges Forth Road Bridge The first plans for a road crossing were made in the 1740s and were finally completed over 200 years later. The Forth Road Bridge was opened in 04 / 09/ 1964. The Forth Road Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Firth of Forth from the Lothians to Fife. The bridge replaced the old ferry service that was the only way to cross the river without having to travel up to the only other crossing at Kincardine. The bridge was designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson and Freeman Fox and Partners. Queensferry Crossing The latest bridge is the Queensferry Crossing not yet completed pictured below still under construction (14 / 05 / 2017). The Queensferry Crossing will be the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. Tolbooth South Queensferry The Tolbooth in South Queensferry is located on the High Street, have been in place around 1630 with the present clock-tower built in 1720. There are two bells in the tower dated 1694 and 1723. The bell dated 1694 was donated by the seamen of South Queensferry. The Priory Church of St Mary is the oldest recorded building in Queensferry dating from 1441. Tolbooth Sth Queensferry Rosebery Fountain The wall fountain shows the coat of arms of Queensferry a blue cross and golden birds. With the arms of Rosebery a half-length Red Lion rampant holding a golden Rose dated 1817. The inscription BY THE MAGISTRATES & TOWN COUNCIL IN GRATITUDE FOR THE LIBERALITY AND KINDNESS OF ARCHIBALD JOHN EARL OF ROSEBERY PROVOST OF THIS BURGH TO WHOM THE INHABITANTS ARE INDEBTED FOR A BLEACHING GREEN & THIS SUPPLY OF WATER 1817 PASSAGIA REGINA (Passing Queen) FIDE ET FIDUCIA (by faith and confidence) Priory Church of St Mary's St Mary’s was originally the Carmelite Friary. The Carmelites were invited to Queensferry by George Dundas of Dundas in 1330. Dundas Castle stands just outside South Queensferry, presently a private residence. riory Church St Mary Plewland House Plewland House was built in 1641 for Samuel Wilson on his marriage to Anna Ponton. The stone engraving above the door translates to “Christ is my hope” and the letters below are the initials of the betrothed with their marriage date S.W. Samuel Wilson AP Anna Ponton 1641. This was a tradition when moving into your family home, a marriage stone would be inscribed on the wall of their house for all to see. There is an example on the wall in Ramsay Lane Edinburgh up from the New Library. The Black Castle The House coloured black on the High Street built in 1626 is the oldest surviving house in South Queensferry. When the original owner William Lawrie a sea-captain was lost at sea with his ship and crew, his house maid was accused of paying a beggar-woman to cast a spell to sink the ship, both were tried as witches and found guilty and were burnt at the stake. The Black Castle was also where in the 18th century smugglers would bring in through tunnels from the shore, barrels of contraband brandy. Inchgarvie Island (The Island Fortress) The history of the Island that supports the leg of the Forth Rail Bridge goes back to 832 A.D. when Angus / Oengus mac Fergus (II) King of the Picts killed Athelstan the Anglian King in a battle in 832 AD at Athelstaneford and to warn intended invaders he put his head on a spike for all to see. A very mixed up legend as King Athelstan was born circa 895 and died at 30 years in circa 925, but as a Scot, I believe the English could not have a Pictish King kill the most popular king at the height of his reign. Its easy to change dates when very few records were written. The Facts The facts we do know are that there is a site of a castle built by King James IV in 1491. The island of Inchgarvie was of strategic importance as with no bridges the island was between South and North Queensferry and was also near the Roman forts at Cramond and Bo’ness at the end of the Antonine Wall. In 1497, the island was (along with Inchkeith, a few miles away) used as an isolated refuge for victims of the contagious disease (syphilis). Between 1519 and 1671, the island was the site of a prison within the castle. In 1580, Inchgarvie and Inchkeith, was made a place of exile for the plague-stricken of Edinburgh. The leg of the Forth Rail Bridge uses it as a foundation. Hawes Inn The Hawes Inn dates back from the 17th century and stands across from Hawes Pier and the Rail Bridge in South Queensferry. It features in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Kidnapped during the Jacobite uprisings. Hawes Pier Hawes Pier is directly under the Forth Rail Bridge and is the point for boats to pick up and drop off passengers from the cruise ships and the boarding point for the Island tours. RNLI has its base here to cover the Forth Estuary. RNLI Hawes Pier South Queensferry Hawes Pier is also the base for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Founded in 1824 with one aim to save peoples lives at sea. The Loony Dooks The name is a combination of lunatic and dunk. An event held every year on the first day of the year (January 1st) Any one can join in as all you have to do is dive into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth on New Year's Day in whatever clothing takes your fancy. Fancy dress, swim wear or a three piece suit, your choice. The event takes place from 9 a.m. on the beach at South Queensferry pictured left. Forth Bridge Memorial Thousands of Briggers have worked building, maintaining and restoring the bridge over its 100 plus years of history. A 7 foot high bronze memorial stands at each end of the Rail Bridge in memory of the men who died constructing the bridge, and also to celebrate all that were involved in its completion. You can also see a replica Loch Ness Monster hiding in the Bushes nea rto the shore. South Queensferry Museum This is where the story of the construction of the Forth Bridges can be seen. There are also displays relating to the ferry passage started in the 1100s, fascinating objects and photographs and the history of the town. The Burry Man, Distilleries The Black Castle. All to be seen in the Museum at 53 High Street South Queensferry. South Queensferry Museum The Burry Man Queensferry Museum The Burry Man is a local man covered from head-to-toe in sticky burrs covering his entire body, leaving only the shoes, hands and two eye holes exposed. He walks around the town collecting money for charity. It is a great honour to be picked as the Burry Man as it has been a tradition for over 300 years. The event takes place once a year at the Ferry Fair. Stand face-to-face with the Burry Man in the Queensferry Museum. Hopetoun House Lady Margaret Hamilton had the original House built in 1699 for her son Charles Hope who became the 1st Earl of Hopetoun in 1703. Hopetoun House took almost 8 years to complete and became the home of the Hope family from that day to this. In 1721 the house was refurbished and extended to what can be seen today, a magnificent ancestral home. Hopetoun House is well worth a visit for its superb interiors and 6500 acres to explore. Hopetoun House Dundas Castle 1818 Dundas Castle, in Kirkliston on the outskirts of South Queensferry on Dundas Hill was built in 1424 after the 1st Duke of Albany Robert Stewart Regent of Scotland, who ruled Scotland from 1402 to 1420 due to James I being imprisoned in London granted a license to build a Keep in 1416. The original Dundas Castle or Tower is a massive 15th century keep of four floors and a flat roof. This was extended in 1436. The present Dundas Castle was extended again in 1818 as it stands now with the original Keep still standing in the left corner. Dundas Castle also served as the headquarters for protecting the Forth Bridge. Inchgarvie Island was a gift from James IV to the Dundas family which gave them the rights to build a fortification(Castle) on the Island to protect the sea ways from invaders. The Castle was also visited by both Oliver Cromwell during the period after the battle of Dunbar and the occupation of Edinburgh Castle December 1650 and the Battle of Inverkeithing, July 1651. When Cromwell became ill and his troops were based around Queensferry. Charles I visited Dundas Castle during his visit to Edinburgh in 1461 when James Dundas was Knighted by Charles I. The Left front view of Dundas Castle with the original Keep 1424 with the flag flying on the roof. Dundas Tower (rear with Flag) GLENFORTH DISTILLERY SOUTH QUEENSFERRY Glenforth Distillery 1828 South Queensferry has been linked with whisky distilling for over 170 years the first distillery was built in 1828 near the harbour, to allow the ships to load and unload their cargo without a further journey to the distillery by road. Another famous name from South Queensferry is VAT 69 first bottled in 1882 by William Sanderson and Sons Leith. Next - Dean Village & Ravelston

The extention of New town north was a success and the new town was also spreading east and West. with Haymarket rail station and the glasgow road many people set up home in the western area. This page concentrats on the attractions of the west of Edinburgh new town from the west end to Haymarket. Edinburgh New Town West Attractions Palmerston Place Edinburgh New Town West Attractions St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral The actual name is The Cathedral Church of St Mary in Edinburgh. St Mary’s is Scotland’s Largest Cathedral and has been since 1879. St Mary’s is easily spotted on Edinburgh’s skyline due to being the only church with three spires. The Cathedral is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. The highest tower is 90 meters in height and the other 2 are both 60 meters high. The Cathedral is open every day to all who wish to visit. If you continue past St Mary’s Cathedral down the hill you will come to the Belford Bridge and an entrance to the water of Leith walkway, over the bridge and round the corner are the Modern Art Galleries One and Two Palmerston Place Old Coates House Old Coates House was built between circa 1613 by John Byres and was restored in 1830 by Sir Patrick Walker. When Mary Walker died in 1870 she gifted the property to the Scottish Episcopal Church of Scotland which enabled a Cathedral to be built. In 1874 the foundation stone for the New St Mary’s Cathedral was laid by the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, and the Cathedral was consecrated on 30th October 1879. The Chapter House and western spires were added in 1890.The Old Coates House was the home of the Cathedral Choir School, which became St Mary’s Music School in 1971. The Music School moved in 1995. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre was formed to provide for the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of society and community needs in Edinburgh. This is a spiritual centre and you are able to get psychic and spiritual readings. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a great believer of the afterlife and he wrote circa 20 books on the subject of spiritualism and the afterlife. For any believers in Spiritualism, psychic phenomena, paranormal research or ghosts take a read of Conan Doyle’s books as he truly believed. Take a break in the Arthur Conan Doyle tearoom at 25 Palmerston Place Edinburgh and feel the spirits. Chester Street Edinburgh New Town West Walpole Hall The Right Reverend George Henry Somerset Walpole was elected Bishop of Edinburgh in 1910 and remained in his post till his death in 1929. The Walpole hall was built in 1932 in memory of George Walpole DD Bishop of Edinburgh and is attached to the Song school. George Walpole was the Bishop of Edinburgh. Chester Street Melville Crescent Edinburgh New Town West Attractions Robert Dundas 2nd Viscount Melville The Statue of Robert Viscount Melville 1771 -1851 was erected in 1857 in Melville Crescent Edinburgh. Robert Dundas 2nd Viscount Melville, son of Henry Dundas (1st Viscount Melville), was born in Edinburgh and educated at Gottingen University Germany and the University of Edinburgh. He was a Member of Parliament, 1st Lord of the Admiralty, and Governor of the Bank of Scotland as his father before him. Robert Dundas was awarded the Knight of the Thistle in 1821. His home was Melville Castle where he died in 1851. Pictured is the Dundas family crest above outside the door of Melville Castle below. Melville Crescent Joseph Bell M.D The Real Sherlock Holmes Joseph Bell pioneer in forensic science was born in Edinburgh in 1837, great-grandson of Benjamin Bell, a forensic surgeon and detective. Joseph became a surgeon and in 1859 and went on to become a lecturer at Edinburgh University one of his students being Arthur Conan Doyle. To be Doyle’s inspiration for the character Sherlock Holmes. He purchased 2 Melville Crescent in 1883 where he lived till his death in 1911. This is also the site of the Japanese Sherlock Holmes Club. Melville Street Melville Street Edinburgh New Town West Attractions Sir Robert Lorimer Robert Lorimer lived at 21 Hill Street Edinburgh with his parents he was educated at Edinburgh Academy before going to the University of Edinburgh. In 1893 he formed his own Architectural practice. His family home was 54 Melville Street Edinburgh in the west new town of Edinburgh Robert Lorimer designed the new chapel for the Knights of the Thistle in St Giles Cathedral in 1911. The Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle in 1919. He was knighted for his work in 1927 and died in 1929. Gladstone Memorial Coates Crescent Gardens Edinburgh New Town West Attractions Gladstone's Memorial Gladstone's Memorial stands in Coates Crescent of Shandwick Place at the west end of Princes Street at the tram stop. The memorial shows William Gladstone surrounded by women. The monument was constructed in 1917 and originally stood in St Andrew Square and was moved to Coates Crescent Gardens in 1955. Gladstone was a very important public figure in Britain. Born in 1809 Gladstone served as Prime Minister for four terms, being appointed to the post on 1868, 1880, 1886, and 1892. Gladstone founded a church foundation to help women prostitutes. He was affectionately known as the 'Grand Old Man' by his many supporters and as 'God's Only Mistake' by his enemies, especially Benjamin Disraeli, the then leader of the Conservative Party. West Coates West Coates Edinburgh New Town West Donaldson's (Hospital) School Donaldson's School was designed by William Playfair for James Donaldson in (1851), a wealth bookseller and printer that lived in Edinburgh in 1830. James Donaldson on his death left his fortune to build and maintain a building for the deaf and dumb of Edinburgh. The students in the school were both hearing and non hearing and this lead to the hearing students learning sign language and these students went on to teach sign language around the world. The School moved from Edinburgh to its present location in Linlithgow in 2007. Haymarket Haymarket Edinburgh New Town West Heart of Midlothian Memorial Clock The clock is in honoured memory of the players and members of the Heart of Midlothian football Club who lost their lives in the world wars and it was first unveiled in 1922 to commemorate the men that fell in the first world war. On the front panel of the memorial; ERECTED BY THE HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN FOOTBALL CLUB TO THE MEMORY OF THEIR PLAYERS AND MEMBERS WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1919 On the back panel of the memorial; IN HONOURED MEMORY OF THE PLAYERS AND MEMBERS OF THE HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN FOOTBALL CLUB WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939-1945 Haymarket Railway Station Haymarket the main Junction on the way out of Edinburgh to the west and Edinburgh International Airport. Under a mile from Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. Haymarket Rail Station opened in 1842 as the main station to join Edinburgh and Glasgow. The rail line was then extended to join Canal Street Station now Waverley Station in 1846. The line went under ground before emerging at the side of the Edinburgh Castle Rock and what is now Princes Street Gardens Atholl Crescent Edinburgh New Town West Edinburgh School of Cookery Louisa Stevenson with Christian Guthrie Wright founded the Edinburgh School of Cookery in 1875 in Atholl Crescent Edinburgh. This school developed into The Queen Margaret University. The plaque reads; The Edinburgh College of domestic science founded in 1875 as the Edinburgh school of cookery and domestic economy. Moved to No.3 Atholl crescent in 1891. By 1970, when the college moved to Clermiston it occupied Nos. 1-8. No. 12 Nos 15-17 and was known around the world as “Atholl Crescent”. Atholl Crescent Rothesay Terrace Edinburgh New Town West Sir John Ritchie Findlay Rothesay Terrace (No3) is a Building of architectural renown, was owned by Sir John Ritchie Findlay (1st Baronet) owner of the Scotsman Newspaper. The House from the rear overlooks Well House on the water of Leith in Dean Village, which he had built for his staff. Rothesay Terrace Rothesay House School Rothesay Terrace (No1) was a private school (Rothesay House School) that occupied the premises from 1985 - 1957 Rothesay Place Edinburgh Dame Margaret Sinclair Rothesay Place Kinnear and Peddie, Terrace housing comprising unified façade of 3-storey and basement townhouses. At No. 16 Rothesay Place was where Dame Margaret Sinclair of Dunbeath lived. A true Jacobite lady of Scotland. Born in St John’s Street in the Canongate (a street of the wealthy) in 1794. Returning from a Ball her sedan chair bearers hats blew of and they chased after their hats leaving Margaret alone. Two gentlemen passing (The Duke of Argyll and Sir John Clerk of Penicuik) picked up the chair and took Margaret home. The days of chivalry long gone from Edinburgh. She married in 1821 to Sir John Sinclair of Barrock who became Sir John Sinclair Bart of Dunbeath (7th Baronet) in 1842 and lived with him in Caithness till his death in 1873, and then moved back to Edinburgh. When she died she was interned in the Chapel Royal at Holyrood in 1879. The last lady to be interned there. Rothesay Place Edinburgh Walker Street Walker Street Edinburgh New Town West Attractions Elsie Maud Inglis Elsie Inglis Graduated from Edinburgh University in 1899 after Sophia Jex-Blake who she had an ongoing rivalry with, as Sophia Jex Blake had been the leader of the Edinburgh group to get entry for women to Edinburgh medical School. Elsie Inglis Had a medical practice in the High Street Edinburgh and at 8 Walker Street. She founded the second woman’s Hospital in Edinburgh. She help found the Scottish Women’s Hospitals for Foreign Services in 1914 and took part in aiding soldiers in Serbia and Russia. She was returning home from war in 1917 when she died of cancer which she had known she had before the start of the war. Rutland Street Rutland Street Edinburgh New Town West Dr John Brown John Brown FRSE FRCPE born in Biggar in 1810 and he died at home in 1882 in Rutland Street Edinburgh. He was a renowned Scottish physician and essayist he was known for his essays and papers on art, medical history and biography. Lord Lister Lord Joseph Lister Charlotte Square Lord Lister lived with his father- in- law James Syme at No. 9 Charlotte Square for 7 years 1870-1877, Lord Lister also lived at 11 Rutland Street Edinburgh from 1856 -1860 Born in Upton Essex he introduced carbolic acid to sterilise surgical instruments. Carbolic Acid is now known as Phenol. Sir Walter Scott Sir Walter Scott's Last Main residence in Edinburgh was number 6 Shandwick Place the main house is by way of No.8 where he lived from 1828 -1830 prior to his moved to Abbotsford House in The Scottish Borders Lieutenant General Frances Dundas Francis Dundas died 15/1/1824 at 11 Shandwick Place Edinburgh Mary Dunlop Street Entertainer Mary Dunlop A character of Edinburgh. A street entertainer over 3 decades 1940s, 50s, and 1960s Never to be missed her white pony named Smokey, pulling a cart with a mechanical barrel organ around the streets. Of the West End, Rutland Square with her capuchin monkey on the organ. Nicknamed by the Edinburgh children "Monkey Mary" She had special place she was always seen on a Saturday morning outside St Giles. Everyone new she was around due to her unique mechanical jingles. On her Death in 1966 the Organ was put on display in the Museum of Childhood. Horse and Rider Sculpture by E Bridge The Horse and Rider Sculpture stands on a bridge in Edinburgh George IV Bridge Edinburgh

Restalrig and Craigentinny were at one time open field with a catle and Loch and two further large houses thith the estate spreding from Portobello to Leith. William Millar and his family lived here and the family Tomb can be seen with the Craigentinny Marbles attached set in open land with views Restalrig Craigentinny Edinburgh Lochend | Restalrig Edinburgh In 1128 the De Lestalric’s were owners of the lands we know from Leith to Portobello as Restalrig. De Lestalric’s Built a castle above, and at the end of the Loch which gave security from all approaching invaders. The De Lestalric family occupied the castle for circa 200 years and on the death of Sir John circa 1380, Sir Robert Logan married Katherine De Lestalric. Robert died in 1439 and was buried at Restalrig church. The Loch that gives its name to the area Lochend. The Loch from 1754 was the main source of water for the residents of Leith which was put through the pump house before going through pipes. This is where the water that was drained from the Nor Loch went. The Do’cot was a larder for the castle that gave fresh meat (pigeon). Do’cot could be seen near many large houses and castles of the wealthy. SAINT TRIDUANA Saint Triduana was born in the Greece and was believed to have journeyed with Rule a holy man from the area of Patras in Greece in the 4th century AD. Rule deciding to stop the Romans from seizing the bones of Saint Andrew and took as many bones as he could and travelled as far from Greece as possible ending his journey in Scotland. Triduana settled in Scotland and due to her great beauty attracted the attentions of many men. One in particular was Nectan King of the Picts. Triduana to stop the King’s attention she is said to have torn out her own eyes and gave them to the King. As Saint Triduana aged she settled in an area outside an area known as Eidyn later to be known as Edinburgh. Many people made pilgrimages to see her as she was believed to have the power to make the blind see. On her death in Restalrig a shrine was built in her honour and was intact until the reformation in the 1500. There are many stories of the blind praying to Saint Triduana and regaining their sight. St Margaret’s well previously known as St Triduana’s Well before the well was moved to its present position. Deanery Walls Restalrig The Deanery Walls of Restalrig stand across from the church where St Triduana was said to cure the blind and a shrine is next to the church. The Deanery wall may have been a protection to the house that many took refuge in. James III in 1487 had the church restore and it was completed by James V as the collegiate church of the Deanery of Restalrig. The Wall that remains could be a small part of a large wall that encircled the church and house of the Dean of Lestalric which was the land owners of the area. Edinburgh Police Box The Police Box was basically a small Police Station for the Police Officers that were on the beat (walking the area they Police In the Police Box was a telephone connected to the local station, an incident book to keep note of any suspicious activities in the area, a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit in case of emergencies. The Police officers could take meal breaks and a toilet was also in the box. It was also used to keep prisoners until a vehicle arrived to take the prisoner to the main Police Station. Each Police Box had an outside telephone that was available to the public and was connected to the Local Police Station. They were painted blue and first used circa 1890 but were in common use by the 1930s. Edinburgh designed their own boxes to fit the architecture of the city. The Boxes were designed by architects, MacRae, Rollo and Tweedie. The box pictured is one of the last remaining still in its original colours as when the boxes were sold the new owners had to repaint the boxes a different colour. The Police Boxes are no longer used by the police PIERSHILL GRAVEYARD The Graveyard opened in 1887 with a large Jewish burial section, including a memorial dedicated "to the memory of the Jewish soldiers of Edinburgh who gave their lives in the 1st World War. The cemetery was also the first in Scotland to permit an officially designated animal burial section. THE GREAT LAFAYETTE Sigmund Neuberger, was born on 25 February 1871 in Munich, Germany and died on 9 May 1911 and is buried in Edinburgh’s Piershill Graveyard. He was a famous illusionist and was the highest paid magician of his time. He became one of the highest-paid performers in Vaudeville. The Great Lafayette's affection was his dog Beauty a terrier given to him as a pup by fellow conjurer and admirer Harry Houdini. His dog is also buried in the graveyard. Craigentinny Castle Edinburgh Craigentinny (Craigantinnie House) Castle stands in Loaning Road in Restalrig was built circa 1590. The land owners the Nisbets were in occupancy till 1765 when purchased by William Millar and his heirs lived here til 1859. The Craigentinny Tomb (with the Craigentinny Marbles). WILLIAM HENRY MILLER MAUSOLEUM was born in Craigentinny, an area between Edinburgh and Portobello in 1789. He became a Member of Parliament at the age of 40 for Newcastle-under-Lyme. William Miller was a book collector and opened a library in Britwell Court, near Burnham, Buckinghamshire. The library was said to be one of the most important private collections in Britain. The library and collection, on his death was passed down through the family until 1919, at that time there were no family members left and the collection was broken up and sold. On his death he made a provision in his will to have a mausoleum built on the family estate in Craigentinny Edinburgh. The mausoleum is the the most impressive I have seen and stands over 50 feet (30 meters) in height and goes under ground 40 feet as he had a fear that grave robbers would steal his body. The Mausoleum is decorated with two bas-reliefs based on a Roman Mausoleum. The William Henry Miller Mausoleum was completed in 1856 and stood in a meadow with no other buildings nearby. It stood just near to the Portobello Road on the way to Edinburgh. He left instruction for the bas-reliefs to depict the Overthrow of Pharaoh in the Red Sea and The Song of Moses and Miriam. These were completed and attached to the mausoleum in 1868 and became known as the Craigentinny Marbles. Also within the mausoleum are his parents William Miller and Martha Rawson or Miller, Sarah Marsh and Ellen Marsh all of Craigentinny and Britwell Buckinghamshire 'THE SONG OF MOSES AND MIRIAM' THE OVERTHROW OF PHARAOH IN THE RED SEA THE MONUMENT WAS ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM HENRY MILLER AND HIS PARENTS WILLIAM MILLER AND MARTHA RAWSON OR MILLER HERE ARE INTERRED MARTHA MILLER DIED 11th JANUARY 1827 WILLIAM HENRY MILLER MP FOR NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME BORN 13th FEBRUARY 1789 DIED 31st OCTOBER 1848 SARAH MARSH BORN 20th APRIL 1832 DIED AUGUST 6th AUGUST 1880 ELLEN MARSH BORN 29th AUGUST 1801 DIED 4th NOVEMDER 1861 ALL OF CRAIGENTINNY AND BRITWELL BUCKINGHAMSHIRE THE SITE WAS CONSECRATED ON 13th SEPTEMBER 1860 THE SCULPTURES WERE ADDED IN 1868 HISTORIC TRIVIA James Tytler - First UK Manned Balloon Flight James Tytler 1745 – 1804 James Tytler was the first to pilot a hot air balloon in Britain 27 August 1874. After a number of attempts, he finally floated almost 1/2 a mile which has confirmed his place in the history of flight. The journey began at an area close to the foot of Arthur Seat. There are streets now named after him. The world’s first man balloon flight was the Montgolfier brothers in France in 1783 Alexandra Mary Chalmers Watson Alexandra Mary Geddes Hibernian Football Stadium Hibernian was founded by Irish football enthusiasts in 1875 and the name came from the Roman for Ireland (Hibernian). The East Meadows hosted the first Edinburgh Derby with Heart of Midlothian on Christmas day 1875. The present home of Hibernian opened in 1893. In 1955 Hibernian were the first British side to play in European competition. Hibernian won the Scottish Cup in 1902 and 2015. The Celtic football Club was also formed as a west of Scotland Hibernian but the name was changed as to stop any confusion when playing against each other. Meadowbank Commonwealth Sports Stadium Edinburgh The Meadowbank Stadium was built for the Commonwealth Games in 1970 and was the first venue to hold the Commonwealth games on two occasions. The second games in 1986 were unsuccessful due to the British Governments support of apartheid in South Africa as many countries boycotted the games. There are many varied events held in Meadowbank Stadium throughout the year antiques fares, international competition and local club sports teams still make good use of the stadium. The Stadium was also used for football and the greatest track cyclist of all time, multiple Olympic gold medal winner Sir Chris Hoy started his cycling career here. At this time 30 January 2018 the stadium and Velodrome are closed for complete structural renovations. Portobello Edinburgh

Cramond Edinburgh with many attractions. A Roman settlement from 140 A.D., Heritage museum, Almond River estuary, Cramond Island, Beach and wonderful views. History going back 8000 years. cafe restaurant and village. Cramond Village Attrctions Edinburgh Cramond Village CRAMOND VILLAGE 8400 B.C. This was the oldest known area of where there is evidence of human settlement in Scotland (8400 B.C.). The Romans used the area as a camp and evidence shows Cramond started to grow as a village in 142 A.D. Cramond was also the first area the residents were called commuters, as the new railway built in 1894 would take the residence of the area to Edinburgh City to work. There are many historic buildings and interesting things to see in Cramond Village a short Taxi ride from Edinburgh city centre. You can also see the Royal Burgess Golf Club the oldest established golf club in the World founded in 1735. The oldest recorded area of human habitation in Scotland is just outside Edinburgh at Howburn dated from (12000 B.C.). SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS Cramond Village Septimius Severus was the last Roman Emperor to try and conquer Scotland in 208 AD but died of illness in 210 AD. A previous emperor Antoninus Pius also tried to conquer the Scots but gave up after 30 years about in 140 AD. The Romans failed in their attempts to conquer Scotland and all they left were ruins, walls, roads and bridges which can still be seen today. Both emperors built forts in Cramond about a century apart. This area was inhabited by many hundreds of Romans and was more like a town than a Fort. Don’t miss the Cramond Lioness a sandstone sculpture found in 1997 in the river bed at Cramond. Depicting a Lioness devouring a human torso (600 B.C – 200 B.C.) now in the National Museum in Edinburgh. Cramond Roman Bath House Ruins Cramond Village Edinburgh The Bathhouse was found while the car park was being constructed in 1975. This is said to be the best preserved Roman Bathhouse in Scotland. Cramond Tower Cramond Village Edinburgh The Cramond Tower once the residence of the Bishop of Dunkeld. Originally built in the 11th century and left vacant for over 300 years it was renovated in the 1970s under strict guidance from historians. Stone Fish Sculpture Attraction Cramond Esplanade The Stone Fish Sculpture all of 8 tonnes (8000 Kgs) stands 7 feet high (2.2m) and 10 feet (30.5 m) in length can be found on the beach at Cramond. Cramond Kirk Attractions Cramond Village Edinburgh Cramond Kirk dates from the 15th century with additions in 1800s. The bell is from Holland as were most church bells in Scotland. The River Almond Estuary Attraction Cramond Village There is a walkway at the side of the River Almond access can be gained from the estuary at Cramond. The Almond river is 28 Miles long and winds its way through West Lothian from its source in the Cant Hills near Shotts in Lanarkshire. If you are interested in fishing the Almond it is a great place to start. There is an angling club at Cramond that started in 1963. The fish that occupy the Almond are salmon and sea trout. Contact the club and catch the big one secretary@fishalmond.co.uk . Cramond Island Attractions Cramond Island is accessible by a causeway dependent on tides, have a walk to the island and see the deserted buildings. An Ivy covered Farm house which once was occupied as early as the 1700s and possibly there would have been a Roman lookout tower when Cramond was a Roman strong hold in 200 A.D. Cramond Heritage Cramond Heritage Museum The Maltings Cramond Heritage Trust, The Maltings 6 Riverside Cramond is run by local volunteers. The area is believed to be the oldest continuously occupied settlement in Scotland dating back to 8500 b.c. The Maltings was originally part of the Royal Oak Inn a favourite meeting place for Robert Louis Stevenson and his friends. If interest in Cramond and its history and wish to find out more about Cramond Heritage Trust or arrange a visit Please use this contact email admin@cramondheritage.org.uk Lauriston Castle Attractions Lauriston Castle originally a Tower House built circa 1330 John Tennand, Almost totally destroyed by the English in 1540 the lands were sold to the Napier’s of Colinton circa 1590. The Law family purchased from the Napier’s Circa 1660 John Law the son was said to be the first ever millionaire. William Reid became the owner of Lauriston Castle in 1902 and modernised it with plumbing and electricity. He died leaving Lauriston Castle to his wife and on her death she left the castle and land to Scotland with one stipulation, the house and contents were to remain unaltered. Lauriston Castle is still decorated and furnished as it would have been in 1926. With furnishings dating back to the first owners. There is in Lauriston Castle's a Courtyard Café. Japanese garden and a woodland walk. Lauriston Castle Lauriston Castle Gardens Attractions Lauriston Castle and Gardens. Take a walk round the beautiful gardens. Also in the gardens are statues and memorials and the original well they would have got their drinking water. The pond has a Statue of Diane. Above the main entrance is the coat-of-arms of the Rutherfords "Per Mare per Terras", and what looks like a mermaid. Lauriston Castle Wall Tablet The inscription on the tablet reads; Lauriston Castle Attractions Japanese Garden The Japanese Garden at Lauriston Castle was gifted by Kyoto. Take a stroll and meditate in the Japanese garden. Lauriston Castle Attractions Garden and Grounds Next - South Queensferry

Bonaly Tower was the country house of Lord Henry Cockburn. He lived in the New Town at 14 Charlotte Square. Bonaly has exquisite Stain Glass windows in the Tower and statues repatriated by him in the gardens of James Douglas, Robert the Bruce and Shakespeare. Bonaly Tower Lord Henry Cockburn Lord Henry Cockburn Lord Henry Cockburn (1779-1854) Henry Cockburn entered the Faculty of Advocates in 1800 at 21 years of age. Following in the footsteps of his father. He married in 1811 and lived in the new town of Edinburgh (14 Charlotte Square). He also had a country farmhouse in Bonaly at the foot of the Pentland Hills. He had 10 children. In 1834 he became a Judge in the Court of Session. And also became Solicitor General for Scotland and Lord Cockburn. A great conservationist protecting Edinburgh’s old buildings for the benefit of Edinburgh. He was happily married for over 40 years and died at Bonaly on 26 April 1854 and is buried in the Dean Cemetery. After his death in 1875 The Cockburn Association was founded and named in his honour. The first major campaign by the Association was to resist the removal of trees at Bruntsfield Links and the Cockburn has campaigned for the retention and improvement of Edinburgh's open and green spaces ever since. Bonaly Tower Edinburgh Bonaly Tower Edinburgh was the country residence of Lord Cockburn. This building was originally purchased as a farm house circa 1810. Lord Henry Cockburn a wealthy Advocate of Edinburgh (became a Lord in 1834) over time had the farmhouse extended with a peel tower added, designed by William Playfair in 1839, the west wing by David Bruce in 1870 and later a library was added in 1888, where the original farmhouse had stood. Bonaly Tower Edinburgh Stain Glass Window in Bonaly Tower “DARING AND VIGILANT” VIGILANS - ET – AUDAX (Shield with three cockerels) Cockburn crest on the stain glass window left side on the tower steps. Henry Cockburn, son of Archibald Cockburn Baron of the Exchequer. First owned the Farmhouse at Bonaly which was developed into Bonaly Tower circa 1839 De Ponte crest on the stain glass window right side on the tower steps. "OF THE OLD BRIDGE" DE – VELEI – PONTE (Shield with six diamonds) The Veteri Pontes held the lands of Carriden (Bo’ness) West Lothian, for many generations circa 1250, Nicholas de Veteri Ponte made a gift of Swaynyston (Swanston) near Colinton to the Hospital of Soltre (Sutra). Sir William de Ponte, fought alongside Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn. Due to his daughter being the sole survivor of his estate it was passed to the family of Cockburn as his daughter Mariota’s husband was Sir Alexander de Cockburn. The de Pontes were among the earliest known landowners in Fife. This surname is now almost extinct in Scotland. Bonaly Tower Garden Statues Edinburgh Lord Henry Cockburn was a conservationist and the statues in the garden Shakespeare, Robert the Bruce and The Black Douglas were saved by him when Edinburgh was going through building of the New Town and many later renovations. Lord Cockburn died in Bonaly in 1854. Bonaly Tower Garden Statues Edinburgh Shakespeare in Edinburgh There is also a statue of Shakespeare. This is the only known statue of Shakespeare in Edinburgh. One of the many things Lord Cockburn saved from destruction in 1860. The statue stood at Theatre Royal in Shakespeare Square in 1860. The Square was where The Post Office building stands at the foot of the North Bridge across from the Balmoral Hotel. More saves of Lord Cockburn are pieces of decorative stonework, including several urns, 2 decorative bird-baths and a plaque depicting Edinburgh Castle. James Douglas (“James the Good” or “Black Douglas”) James Douglas was a great friend of Robert the Bruce and fought with him on many occasions and was at his side at the Battle of Bannockburn 1314. James Douglas was charged with transporting the heart of Robert the Bruce to Palestine in redemption of his unfulfilled vow to go on crusade. On the journey in 1330 carrying a silver casket containing the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce he was killed in a battle with the Moors in Spain. From that day the Douglas coat of arms have borne a human heart. The Knights that survived returned to Scotland where Sir James “Black Douglas” Douglas was buried in St Bride’s church in Douglas. The casket and Heart of Robert the Bruce was taken to Melrose Abbey where it remains. King Robert the Bruce The gardens have historic interest with statues of Robert the Bruce King of Scotland crowned 1306 born 1274 died 1329 and Sir James Douglas “Black Douglas” to the English and Sir James “the good” to the Scots Born circa 1286 died 1330. Inscriptions over recesses read “My King and Country Ever Claimed | Those Marshall Deeds for Which I’m Famed” and “I Scotland’s Glorey Made Returne | Victoriously at Bannockburn”. Next - Craiglockhart - Meggetland

Greyfriars Graveyard Tour attractions of the famous residents of Edinburgh that were buried in the Greyfriars Kirk Graveyard. Stories of Ghosts and supernatural events when walking past tombs and graves of the departed. The first grave at the gates Greyfriars Bobby dog icon of Edinburgh. Greyfriars Graveyard Tour Greyfriars Kirk Graveyard Edinburgh Greyfriars Graveyard Tour is my selection of the famous residents of Edinburgh that were buried in the Greyfriars Kirk Graveyard. Greyfriars Kirk opened in 1620 the graveyard was in existence as a municipal burial ground from 1562. The Friars were given the lands circa 1470 and the original friary was destroyed by the Reformers in 1559. Stories of Ghosts and and supernatural events when walking past Mausoleums, Tombs and Graves of the departed. The first grave at the gates Greyfriars Bobby dog icon of Edinburgh. The Judge who sentenced 100's to death, Tom Riddle A.K.A Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter), John Porteous hanged, James Borthwick the tombstone with the skeleton from 1675, Allan Ramsay Poet, Joseph Black, William Creech and Mary Erskine, George Watson, James Craig (architect), John Bayne. This was where the affluent were interned. Look inside the Kirk where the museum can be found. Greyfriars Graveyard Tour Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh John Kay 1742 – 1826 Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh John Kay is buried in Grayfriars Burial Ground Edinburgh. He was a well-known figure around Edinburgh Born in 1742 in Dalkeith Midlothian. He began his working life at 13 becoming an apprentice to the local Barber. At 19 he moved to a Barbers shop in Edinburgh. He loved sketching and painting. His free time was taken up in what was to become what he was remember by. John Kay was a painter of miniatures and caricaturist. Through his paintings and Sketches the people of Edinburgh through the Enlightenment are still visible due to John Kay. There is a plaque on the wall in the High Street Edinburgh where he lived (Geddes’ Entry). John Kay died in Edinburgh on 21 February 1826 and was laid to rest in Grayfriars Burial Ground. Many of his caricature drawings were purchased by the subject he had drawn in the sole purpose of being able to destroy it. William McGonagall (Professor Minerva McGonagall) Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh William McGonagall is also buried in Grayfriars burial ground. Known in his time as the world’s worst poet me died in South College Street Edinburgh. He wrote circa 200 poems, which including as some of the worst ever written in English literature. William was born in 1825 and lived most of his life in Dundee. He performed in front of the rich and famous and royalty a very popular literary figure of his time. Sir William Topaz McGonagall inspirational name of the head of Gryffindor House, Professor Minerva McGonagall. His grave stone can be found in the far left corner of Grayfriars near to Heriot's School (Hogwarts) Gates. Greyfriars Bobby Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh after spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray. Bobby himself died in 1872. A year later a statue was erected at the top of Candlemaker Row across from the Greyfriars Kirkyard. There is also a red granite headstone in Greyfriars kirkyard near the gate. Have a stroll around the Greyfriars Kirkyard and see many famous and powerful people of old Edinburgh. Greyfriars Bobby died 14th January 1872 age 16 years. Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all. James Borthwick James Borthwick of Stow was the world's first Apothecary Surgeon he was born in 1615 and died in 1675. In 1657 he became the first apothecary Surgeon and teacher of anatomy George Mackenzie (The Covenanter’s Judge) Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Rosehaugh Close (now Melrose Close named after Sir George MacKenzie of Rosehaugh King’s Advocate. Sir George McKenzie (George Bloody Mackenzie) is still known today due to his tomb in Greyfriars which is said to be haunted. George Mackenzie was the judge that sentenced the Covenanters to death. The spirit of George MacKenzie is said to cause bruising, bites and cuts on those who come into contact with the spirit or touch his tomb. Some visitors have reported feeling strange sensations. The Poltergeist seems to only attack people that are in the Covenanters Prison area which is now kept locked. Contact the kirk museum regards entry. Robert Chieslie Greyfriars Graveyard Walter Chieslie of Dalry built Dalry House (Orwell Place Edinburgh) in 1661 he was father to Robert Chieslie, who became was Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1694 -96. He was one of the Darien Scheme investors who lost a fortune and died in the Edinburgh Asylum at Bristo. He is buried in Grayfriars burial ground in the mausoleum of Advocate George ‘Bloody’ MacKenzie. His brother John is also interned in the same tomb. John was guilty of murdering Lord Carnwath. This is the most hunted grave in Greyfriars with three ghosts. Sir Robert Sibbald 1641 – 1722 Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Sir Robert Sibbald was Physician to King Charles II and first Professor of Medicine in the University of Edinburgh, President of the Royal College of Physicians 1648 – 1685 and co-founder of the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. Thomas Riddell (Riddle) Lord Voldemort Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Tom Marvolo Riddle known to be a Dark Wizard and enemy of Harry Potter. Tom Marvolo Riddle, was born and raised in a Muggle orphanage, but eventually attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (1938-1945). He changed his name to Lord Voldemort. It is said the character’s name was inspired by the tombstone in Grayfriars burial ground. Covenanters Prison (The Presbyterians) Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh The National Covenant signed in Greyfriars in 1638, promised to defend Presbyterianism from intervention by the crown. Through the gates is the part of the Greyfriar’s Kirkyard which was once in 1679 a prison for more than 1000 supporters of the National Covenant, who had been defeated by Government forces at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge 22 June 1679. They were imprisoned for more than 4 months with little or no food and no shelter, some were tried and executed, others died in prison, some escaped and others were set free after signing a bond of loyalty to the crown. In November 1679 the remaining 257 prisoners were taken to Leith and place aboard a ship that was bound for the American Colonies, however all but 48 were drowned when the ship was wrecked of the coast of Orkney. Nine of the 48 were said to have escaped. The area of the prison was much larger than it is now as it took in where houses have been built and new graves were installed here in 1705 when the graveyard required more space for the Edinburgh people. The Covenanters (Presbyterians) immigrated to North America in the early 1700s and William Tennant founded the Log College in Neshaminy Pennsylvania in 1735. The Covenanters of North America became the members of the reformed Presbyterian Church. The inscription on the plaque at the side of the gates to the Covenanters’ Prison reads; THE COVENANTERS’ PRISON Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Behind these gates lies part of the Greyfriars Kirkyard which was used in 1679 as a prison for more than one thousand supporters of the National Covenant who had been defeated by Government forces at the battle of Bothwell Brig on 22 June. For more than four months these men were held here without any shelter, each man being allowed 4 ounces of bread a day. Kindly citizens were sometimes able to give them more food. Some of the prisoners died here, some were tried and executed for treason, some escaped, and some were freed after signing a bond of loyalty to the Crown. All those who were persecuted and died for their support of the National Covenant in the reigns of Charles II and James VII are commemorated by the Martyrs’ Memorial on the north-eastern wall of the Kirkyard. The Covenant, which was first signed in Greyfriars Kirk in 1638, promised to defend Presbyterianism from intervention by the Crown. In November 1679 the remaining 257 men, who had been sentenced to transportation overseas, were taken to Leith and placed on board a ship bound for the American colonies; nearly all were drowned when this ship was wrecked in the Orkney islands (where there is a monument in their memory), but 48 of the prisoners survived. The section of the Kirkyard used to imprison the Covenanters lay outside the existing south wall, and included the area now covered by buildings on Forrest Row. The area behind the gate was laid out for burials in 1705 and contains many fine monuments, but these did not exist at the time of the prison. This plaque has been provided by the Greyfriars Kirkyard Trust with the support of the Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association. In the Covenanter's Prison Mary Erskine Greyfriars Graveyard Mary Erskine married in 1661, a writer of the signet (advocate). He unfortunately died 10 years later. Mary remarried Chemist with his own apothecary but he also died prematurely. With the money she had accumulated she opened a bank and amassed a large fortune, which she gifted money to the Edinburgh Merchant Company who establish the first hospital (boarding school) for girls, named The Merchant Maidens Hospital which opened in the Cowgate in the Merchants Hall which was situated where the arch of the George IV Bridge now stands in 1694. In 1704 she opened a further Hospital for girls, The Trades Maiden Hospital. Its first location was on Jamaica Street next to Argyll Square (Chamber Street and West College Street). It remained there until 1855, when it moved out to a villa named Rillbank. Edinburgh Sick Children’s Hospital now occupies the site. In 1892 it moved again to Ashfield, on Grange Loan. At the west corner of Blackford Avenue. The latest move was to 61 Melville Street in 1975 and its new home was renamed Ashfield in commemoration of its former premises. In the Covenanter's Prison James Hutton Greyfriars Graveyard James Hutton was born in Edinburgh in 1726 and died in Edinburgh 1797 age 70 years. At the age of 14 years he became a student of the University of Edinburgh he went on to travel to France where he became a doctor of medicine. He then went to London and then returned to Edinburgh. He continued the study of the Earth as geology and meteorology were his great interest. Hutton was part of the Edinburgh Enlightenment and as a scientist was regularly seen with Adam Smith, David Hume John Playfair and Joseph Black another famous scientist. His magnum opus was the theory of the earth which made the foundations to Geology James Hutton has been known as the Father of Modern Geology. Joseph Black Greyfriars Graveyard Joseph Black was a physicist and chemist who discovered magnesium, latent heat, specific heat, and carbon dioxide. In 1757 Joseph Black was appointed Regius Professor of the Practice of Medicine at the University of Glasgow and in 1766 he became Professor of Medicine and Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh. Both the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow have chemistry buildings named after him. Joseph Black was part of the Edinburgh Enlightenment and was at the gathering when Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns met for the only time. In the Covenanter's Prison Joseph Black’s Plaque The inscription reads, "Joseph Black, Doctor of Medicine,-born in France, but a British subject, his father being a native of Ireland, and his mother of Scotland,-first a student in the University of Glasgow, and afterwards in that of Edinburgh, was a most distinguished Professor of Chemistry in both Universities; a felicitous interpreter of nature; acute, cautious, and skilful in research; eloquent in description; the first discoverer of carbonic acid and latent heat,- died in the 71st year of his age, AD 1799. His friends, who were wont to esteem his worth and abilities, have sought to mark out the spot which contains his body by this marble, as long as it shall last." Joseph Black's death in 1799. William Creech FRSE Greyfriars Graveyard William Creech was the main book publisher in Edinburgh. He was also a printer, bookseller, politician and Edinburgh’s Lord Provost in 1811. He was also a freemason and friends with Dr T Blacklock and Henry MacKenzie, both invited Robert Burns to Edinburgh. They introduced William Creech to Burns and he became his publisher and published the first Edinburgh edition of Robert Burns' poems 650 copies sold out in the first day to lodge members. William Adam Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh William Adam was born in Fife in 1689 and was one of Scotland’s greatest architects and he could also be said to be one of the first true entrepreneurs with many varied business interests. He died in 1747 and his son John Adam designed and built the family mausoleum in 1753 in Grayfriars. One of his best house designs that he built was for Robert Dundas when he built Arniston house for the Viscount in 1726. Mort Safes Greyfriars Graveyard Mort safes were a form of cage over a grave to stop the grave robbers from taking the bodies and selling them to the Medical College to be used to teach the students human anatomy. This was before the 1832 Anatomy Act regulated the legal supply of corpses for medical science. Captain John Porteous Greyfriars Graveyard The killing of John Porteous Captain of the City Guard. Three robbers were caught and imprisoned for carrying out a robbery. William Hall, George Robertson and Andrew Wilson. At their trial William Hall was sentenced to transportation to the colonies for life, but Andrew Wilson and George Robertson were sentenced to hang and were imprisoned in the Tolbooth in Edinburgh’s High Street awaiting execution. George Robertson escaped and made his way out of Britain. However, Andrew Wilson was to be publicly hanged in the Grassmarket in April of 1736. On the day of the execution a riot began and the City guard was called out, led by Captain John Porteous. Due to the rioting Captain John Porteous instructed his men to fire above the heads of the crowd, this made the riot even more heated, the shots from the city guard had hit and killed onlookers that were watching the proceedings from their windows. With the crowd getting even more violent, Captain Porteous gave the order to shoot into the crowd, which resulted in more deaths. Later that day Captain John Porteous was arrested and charged with murder. At his trial on 5 July 1736, he was convicted by a unanimous decision and found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. The execution took place in the Grassmarket on 8 September 1736. Walter Geikie Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Walter Geikie was born in 1795 a deaf painter and founder of the first deaf church and deaf society. His true memorial can be seen in our city art galleries and in the quality of life and dignity accorded to deaf citizens of Edinburgh today. Walter Geikie loved to sketch street scenes in ink and of real life. Union Carbide Gas Disaster Memorial Plaque Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh In memory of almost 4000 deaths and 40,000 people disabled maimed or suffering serious illness from the gas leak in December 1984 in Bhopal India. "never think you stand alone" George Buchanan 1506 - 1582 Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh George Buchanan, was born in Stirling in 1506 and died in Edinburgh in 1582. He followed the Calvinist theory throughout his life. A Humanist scholar, fluent in Latin, he travelled and was a teacher in France and Portugal. Teaching both Mary Queen of Scots and her son King James VI. He was a renowned writer of poetry, plays and other literary works. He was the Keeper of the Privy Seal. He also conspired with Elizabeth I to have Mary Queen of Scots arrested which led to her execution. His work ‘Rerum Scoticarum historia’ (The History of Scotland) completed just prior to his death in 1582 Allan Ramsay (1686–1758) Greyfriars Graveyard Allan Ramsay was a trained Wigmaker and poet. He died in Ramsay Lodge, Ramsay Garden on Castlehill where he spent the last years of his life. In 1725 he opened the first lending library in the High Street Edinburgh which was the first lending library in Britain. Allan was born in Lanarkshire in the west of Scotland on 15 October 1686. He died on 7th January 1758. Allan Ramsay established the Jacobite Literary Society in 1712. He became a bookseller in 1721 which he retired from in 1740. He is remember mostly for being a pioneer in the use of the Scots Language in contemporary poetry. James Craig Greyfriars Graveyard James Craig was the winning architect of the design for Edinburgh’s new town a competition held by King George III. He was only 23 years of age when he won but never saw the end result as he died prior to its completion. John Byrne Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh John Byrne’s tomb is built into the wall of Grayfriars burial ground. John Byrne He was a writer to the signet (solicitor to the King) and a wealthy landowner. He was born in (1620) Pitcarlie Fife which is just north of Auchtermuchty. The Tomb was built by his surviving wife in 1684 three years after his death. George Watson Greyfriars Graveyard George Watson was born in Edinburgh in 1654 and had a long and successful career as an accountant and merchant banker. He became the first accountant of the Bank of Scotland. On his death he bequeathed money to the Edinburgh Merchant Company to open a Hospital (boarding School) for the poor children of Edinburgh. The School is still in existence to this day. George Watson died on 3 April 1723. This memorial was erected | In 1991 to mark the 250th | Anniversary of the opening | of George Watson’s Hospital and the 120th anniversary | of George Watson’s Ladies’ | College the forerunners | of | George Watson’s College. George Watson who founded the College was born in Edinburgh in 1654 and died in 1723. The School opened in 1741 in Lauriston Place opposite George Heriot’s School. The Boys school moved to its present building in Colinton Road in 1932. George Foulis of Ravelstoun Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh George Foulis purchased the Ravelstoun Estate in 1620. Where he built a tower house in 1622 where he lived with his wife Janet Bannatyne. An inscription on a lintel reads GF- NE QUID NIMIS 1622 JB. These inscriptions are found on most old houses showing the initials of the owners, when they moved in, or when they married. In this case (GF) George Foulis NE QUID NIMIS (Nothing in excess) 1622 year house built (JB) Janet Bannatyne. In the grounds is Ravelston Tower, the stair-tower of Old Ravelston House. George Foulis, laird of Ravelstoun (Ravelston) was born in 1569 the second son of Sir James Foulis of Colinton. George Foulis became a Bailie (Councillor) of the city of Edinburgh. He married Janet Bannatyne (1603). George Foulis died in 1633 and is buried in Grayfriars Burial Ground. Covenanters' Memorial Monument Grayfriars Kirk Edinburgh Halt, passenger, take heed what you do see This tomb doth shew, for what sane men did do Here lies interr’d the dust of those who stood ‘Gainst perjury, resisting unto blood. Adhering to the Covenant, and laws Establishing the same, which was the cause Then lives were sacrificed unto the lust Of Prelatists abjured. Though here their dust Lies mixt with murderers, and other crew Whom justice justly did to death pursue. But as for them, no cause was to be found Worthy of death, but only they were found. Constant and stedfast zealous as For the Prerogative of CHRIST their KING. Which truths were sealed by famous Guthrie’s head And all along to Mr Renwick’s blood They did endure the wrath of [?enemies] Reproaches torments deaths and injustice But yet they‘re those who and now triumph in glory with the LAMB. From May 27th 1661, that the most noble Marquis of Argyle was beheaded, to the 17 th of Febry 1688 that Mr James Renwick suffered, were one way or other Murdered and Destroyed for the same Cause, about Eighteen thousand of whom were execute in Edinburgh about a Hundred of Noblemen, Gentlemen, Minister, and Others noble Martyrs for JESUS CHRIST. The most of them lie here. A stone open bible once stood below the inscription. The Plaque shows what was written on the open pages. Rev.VI.9 AND WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE FIFTH SEAL, I SAW UNDER THE ALTER THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE SLAIN FOR, THE WORD OF GOD, AND FOR THE TESTIMONT WHICH THEY HELD; AND THEY CRIED WITH A LOUD VOICE, SAYING, HOW LONG, O LORD, HOLY AND TRUE, DOST THOU NOT JUDGE & AVENGE OUR BLOOD ON THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH? AND WHITE ROBES WERE GIVEN TO EVERY ONE OF THEM AND IT WAS SAID UNTO THEM THAT THEY SHOULD REST YET FOR A LITTLE SEASON UN TIL THERE FELLOW-SERVANTS ALSO AND THEIR BRETHREN, THAT SHOULD BE KILLED AS THEY WERE, SHOULD BE FULFILLED. REV.VII.14. THESE ARE THEY WHICH CAME OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION, AND HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES, AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB. CHAP.2nd.10. BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE THEE A CROWN OF LIFE. Next - Candlemakers' Row

Edinburgh New Town North Bridge Edinburgh connection of the Old Town Edinburgh to the New Town, Princes Street, George Street,Queen Street and the history and famous residents. North Bridge Edinburgh New Town North Bridge Edinburgh Connecting Old with New The Original North Bridge was founded in 1763, opening in 1772 to link the Edinburgh Old Town with the New Town. Due to the high volume of people and transport that used the bridge it was widened in 1876, it was then demolished in 1896 to make way for the present North Bridge which was opened in 1897. The main rail lines run underneath the bridge. At the foot of the bridge is the Balmoral Hotel and Princes Street and at the top are the Scotsman and Carlton Hotels and the famous Royal Mile. The statue on the East side of the bridge is dedicated to the King’s Own Scottish Borderers who fought in battles around the world. Behind the statue can be seen the Calton Hill, with the Martyrs Obelisk, Governor’s House, Nelson Monument and High School all visible. Must be near 1pm as the ball is going up the mast on the Nelson Monument. General Post Office Building The General Post Office building stands on an area Shakespeare Square at the east side of the North Bridge. This image is before the North Bridge was built. General Post Office in Edinburgh was built on the site of the Theatre Royal which opened in 1769 and closed in 1859. The foundation stone was laid by Prince Albert in October 1861, and the building opened in May 1866. It closed as the Post Office in 1995. The North British Station Hotel (Balmoral Hotel) The North British Station Hotel (The Balmoral) opened for Business in 1902 and is positioned next to the Waverley Station between Waverley Bridge and the North Bridge, which gives direct access to Edinburgh’s old town, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and The Palace of Holyrood House (Holyrood Palace). Directly behind the hotel is Calton Hill. The Hotel is at the east end of Princes Street, one of the most famous and picturesque streets in the world. The clock has historically been set 5 minutes fast giving rail travellers the illusion that they are late for their train. The site it stands on is where the first ever hotel in Edinburgh stood. James Young Simpson Duncan Flockhart & Co Plaque operated a pharmacy from a position at the foot of the North Bridge on part of the site now occupied by the Balmoral Hotel. Duncan Flockhart was to make the chloroform that James Young Simpson would use on his successful experiments on pain relief in 1847 which changed the way medical operations would be carried out. The plaque shows where the pharmacy was sited in 1847. FOUNDATION STONE NORTH BRIDGE BRONZE PLAQUE The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Memorial Monument On the 19th March 1689 David Leslie Earl of Leven gathered a regiment of soldiers within two hours to defend the City of Edinburgh. For Leven’s regiment’s gallantry in defending Edinburgh and later at the Battle of Killiecrankie with a resounding victory for the Jacobite’s lead by James VII of Scotland and II of England, the magistrates of Edinburgh gave the unique right of recruiting by the beat of the drum, marching through the Edinburgh streets with drums beating and flags flying and bayonets fixed. The regiment was later named The King’s Own Scottish Borderers. It is now part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Bronze Plaques The Old North Bridge Plaque is an illustration of the original North Bridge of the First North Bridge The North Bridge Plaque is of the details of when the foundation stone and the present bridge opened. Scotsman Steps The Scotsman Steps is a covered ornate pedestrian staircase for quick access to Waverley Station from the North Bridge. Named after the Scotsman building as it was next to the Scotsman's front doors. Built as a public staircase. It opened in 1902. Scotsman Newspaper Building Built for the Scotsman Newspaper and opened in 1904 as the headquarters for The Scotsman newspaper, with printing presses and news offices. Previously in a purpose built building in Cockburn Street built in 1860. North Bridge Arcade The North Bridge Arcade opened in 1900 as part of the larger development that integrated the North Bridge with the Scotsman building rare surviving example of a Victorian covered arcade in Scotland, Fictional Figure above the North Bridge entrance to the Arcade, attributed to William Birnie Rhind, is located above the arcade entrance. Figure of Peace: A statue representing "Peace" sits in an aedicule on the north elevation, crafted by Frederick Schenck. There are also statues of the Roman god Mercury as part of the arcade's decorative scheme. Night and Day: These figures, based on Michelangelo's famous sculptures, were created by Joseph Hayes. Next - St Andrew Square

Corstorphine Village was a small area outside Edinburgh on the way to Glasgow and was surrounded in marsh and lochs. With a castle and a few houses achurch Tavern and school. A light would shine at night from the church. A boat was needed as the most direct way to Edinburgh. Corstorphine Village The first noted owners of the lands were Thomas de Marshal and Robert de la Roche in 1296. The Forrester family were associated with the Corstorphine area for over 300 years circa 1377 – 1698 when sold to the Wallace family. It was then sold to the Dick’s of Prestonfield a wealthy and powerful family that owned lands all over. Corstorphine was named the Barony of Corstorphine in 1431. There is still remnants of where the Forrester’s lived in a dovecot, which belong to the Castle. No remains of the castle are left to be seen. The Castle was surrounded to the south and east by Corstorphine loch and residents would have to use a boat to get supplies from Colt bridge area. The area around Corstorphine was flat with lochs and marshland and was used for grazing cattle and sheep, which gave the area the notable first mentions of the drink Corstorphine Cream circa 1740. Corstorphine was the first place the making of cream had been heard of. In the Corstorphine Kirk is a tomb and effigies of Sir John Forrester and his first wife Jean Sinclair and Marian Stewart his 2nd wife from circa 1445. Corstorphine became a part of Edinburgh in 1920. Corstorphine Do’cot This is a fine example of a Do’cot which served the main house or castle with fresh meat and eggs. The young pigeons would be eaten as they were the best meat. This Do’cot had over 1000 nesting boxes. Corstorphine Castle was the home of the Forrester family, Lairds of Corstorphine from 1376 – 1698. The Castle was destroyed and finally demolished in 1797 when a horde of god was found. The Do’cot is all that remains of the Castle buildings. Old Corstorphine Village Parish Church Old Corstorphine Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in Edinburgh with history going back to 1380 when a chancel was first built of which parts still remain. The first Chapel in Corstorphine was linked to the Abbey of Holyrood in 1128. The chapel is no more and the present Chapel which was enlarged in 1429 in the form of a Jerusalem Cross is on the same site. In the Church is the founder’s tomb Sir John Forrester. Also tombs of his two sons John and Alexander. In 1589 Corstorphine church became a parish church with its first minister being John Nimmill. There are stain glass windows which are of biblical scenes and other relics of ancient heritage. Gibson’s Lodge (Dower House) Corstorphine Heritage Centre The Dower House is found in St Margaret’s Park in the centre of Old Corstorphine Village. The park area previously being a market garden. The Dower House of the Forrester family was built circa 1665. Corstorphine Heritage Centre Corstorphine Physic Well The Physic Well in Corstorphine in the eighteenth century was renowned for its medicinal waters. This well was on the southside of the Stank burn & some 40 yards east of this spot. Where its wellhead was rebuilt in 1972 when the burn was culverted. The well was at its height of use circa 1740 when a wealthy merchant built a hotel for the travellers who came to drink from the well at it was said to have powers to cure many ailments. Ye Old Library Corstorphine Public Library Ye Olde Oakland Inn Next - Corstorphine - Murrayfield

Lothian Road Edinburgh at the west end of Edinburgh Newe Town was the connection to the south of Edinburgh from the New Town Today it is a busy area with many pubs, restaurants, cafes tourist attractions hotels and apartments. Lothian Road Edinburgh Attractions Lothian Road was built to give access from the west of Princes Street to the southside of new Edinburgh. Below are some of the attractions to look for in Lothian Road. There are man pubs and restaurants in Lothian Road a concert hall, Film house and multiplex cinema and al types of accommodation. Usher Hall Lothian Road Edinburgh The Usher Hall Edinburgh was opened on 16 March 1914 and was funded by Andrew Usher the whisky Distiller for the sole purpose as a concert hall. The Usher Hall has been used for many different events such as the Commonwealth Games boxing tournament in 1986, Euro-vision Song Contest 1972, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in 1947 and in 1914 a speech by the then Prime Minister Asquith (The War). It is still used to this day for concerts. Bell Clock Tower Lothian Road Edinburgh The Bell Tower and Clock was presented to he City of Edinburgh by Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd Scotch Whisky Distillers of Perth in 1962. The Clock was originally positioned outside the Usher Hall (possibly as the Usher hall was funded by Andrew Usher and name after him) the clock proved unpopular with concert-goers because its chimes every quarter Hour which was heard over the concert music in the hall. The clock became silent in 2002 due to a fault. In 2010, the clock was taken across the road To its present position in Festival Square but the chimes have never been heard again even though they were fixed. Festival Square Lothian Road Edinburgh Woman and Child Statue Lothian Road Edinburgh The statue represents and honours all those killed or imprisoned for their stand against apartheid. The statue was unveiled in 1986 by Suganya Chetty, a member of the African National Congress then living in exile in Edinburgh. For those who do not remember, Nelson Mandela was released on 11th February 1990 after being imprisoned for 27 years and died in 2013 at the age of 99 years. The Father of South Africa. The Edinburgh Filmhouse Lothian Road Edinburgh is the home of the Edinburgh International Film Festival was originally opened in 1978 and extended in 1985. The Filmhouse is a publicly funded cinema and is open 7 days a week showing all genre of films from foreign to arthouse and has three screens. Alastair Sim (Actor) The Film House Lothian Road has a plaque to Alistair Sim Alastair Sim was born in Edinburgh on 9 October 1900. He was a Scottish character actor who appeared in a string of classic British Films. He played Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1951 film Scrooge and also the role of Miss Fritton, the headmistress in two St Trinian’s films. The original school was at 10 Palmerston Road in Edinburgh now a private residence described by Ronnie Corbett as a “sad-faced actor, with the voice of a fastidious ghoul”. Sean Connery (James Bond 007) Thomas Sean Connery was born in Fountainbridge Edinburgh in August 1930. He was educated at Darroch Academy and started work as a milkman delivering milk to the local houses. Joined the navy, 3rd place in Mr Universe in 1950, in 1962 became a household name as James Bond and the rest is history. Ronald Balfour “Ronnie” Corbett OBE Ronald Balfour “Ronnie” Corbett OBE was born in Edinburgh on 4 December 1930. He lived in a house in Marchmont Crescent Edinburgh. He is a Scottish actor and comedian and is best known for his association with Ronnie Barker in the series The Two Ronnies. He was educated at the Royal High School in Edinburgh. He has worked in film, television and on stage since the 1950s sadly died in March 2016. Women of Achievement Lynda Myles Lothian Road Edinburgh Linda Myles was born in Arbroath in 1947 A film and television producer and director of the Edinburgh Film Festival for 8 years. She had success as a producer with a number of independent film including The Commitments in 1991. She also received a British Film Industry special award for services to the film industry. St Cuthbert's Church Lookout Tower Lothian Road Edinburgh On the Corner of King's Stables Road and Lothian Road stands a castellated tower built 1827, this is where a guard would spend his nights watching over the graves of St Cuthbert's Church. Watching for the notorious Burke and Hare or some other rouges that were looking to make money by selling the bodies to the Doctor in the medical School, who used them to teach the students about anatomy. Bum the Dog ST Cuthbert's Graveyard Edinburgh Edinburgh and San Diego, California share a twinning link with a difference. Each city is home to a historic famous dog. Edinburgh has Greyfriars Bobby who died in 1872 at the age of 16 years and San Diego has Bum the vagabond dog who died in 1898 age 12 years. Bum can be found in St Cuthbert's Kirkyard Lothian Road. Catherine Sinclair Fountain Lothian Road Edinburgh The Sinclair Drinking Fountain one of many donated by Catherine Sinclair to Edinburgh Stood in the centre of the junction between Lothian Road and Princes Street in Edinburgh . Close to the walkway at the corner where St John’s Church stands. The Sinclair Fountain was to give water to the public dogs and horses. The Sinclair Fountain stood circa 14 foot high, the top part can be seen in Gosford Place Gardens of Ferry Road near to the Water of Leith Walkway. The images below show the three sides of the remaining part of the Fountain. Link - Fountain Lothian Road St John's Church Lothian Road Edinburgh St John's Church stands on the corner of Lothian Road and Princes Street, has a history from 1818. Dean Ramsay was a clergyman in St John’s for 45 years. A cross stands in Princes Street in his Memeory Next - Tollcross Edinburgh

High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh is the largest part of the old town. High Street 2 is the Upper Northside with the famous 17th century Real Mary King's Close. All About Edinburgh has listed all attractions of the High Street in 4 pages. High Street Upper Northside Royal Mile Edinburgh High Street History High Street was the most populated part of Edinburgh, with tenement buildings up to 11 stories high. On November 15th 1824 a tenement of 11 stories on the upper or High Street West, southside caught alight and was the beginning of the worst fire in the history of Edinburgh. Starting at around 10 pm that evening the fire spread from the tenement in Assembly Close to buildings in Old Fishmarket close. Down to the Tron Kirk in the east. It also spread south along the Cowgate. The fire was finally extinguished the next morning 12 hours from when it had started. That was not the end, as another fire started at 10 pm that evening which destroyed what was left on the south side of the High Street. All but St Giles Cathedral and the Parliament buildings were saved. Over four hundred families were left homeless. High Street Upper Northside Royal Mile Edinburgh Byre's Close Royal Mile Advocate's Close Royal Mile Roxburgh's Close Royal Mile Warriston's Close Royal Mile Writer's Court Royal Mile Mary King's Close Allan's Close Royal Mile Craig's Close Royal Mile Anchor Close Royal Mile Geddes' Entry Royal Mile North Foulis' Close Royal Mile Old Stamp Office Close Royal Mile Lyon's Close Royal Mile Jackson's Close Royal Mile Fleshmarket Close Royal Mile Cockburn Street North Bridge Byre’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Byres Close is where Adam Bothwell the Bishop of Orkney’s Mansion stood. Last to reside in the Close was said to be one of the wealthiest people in Scotland Sir William Dick of Braid, Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1638 and relation to the Baronets of Prestonfield. Advocate’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Advocate’s Close was named after Sir James Stewart of Goodtrees (Lord Advocate of Scotland 1692 – 1713). The Stewart family owned and lived in the Close from 1648 – 1769. Advocates Close has had many names as the name would change by the owner at the time. Oliver Cromwell visited here on two occasions. other occupants of the Close were David Dalrymple, Lord Westhall, Andrew Crosbie and the artist John Scougal to William III. Also the Mansion of Bishop Bothwell circa 1590. There are two doorway with inscribed lintels No 2 Old Scottish tradition the initials of both husband and wife and date they moved in to house, Clement Cor built the tenement circa 1590, his wife, Helen Bellenden.Inscriptions : C.C H.B SPES . ALTERA . VITAE (Hope The Other Life). 1590 The other lintel Inscriptions : O Lord (not readable). Roxburgh’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Roxburgh’s Close on the north side of the High Street in the Royal Mile Edinburgh is named after John Roxburgh a chef and Burgess of Edinburgh in 1605. As most close’s the name changed with the owner of the land as this was owned originally by Henry Cant who owned property in Advocate’s Close. The Close is also famous for another resident Donnchadh Ban MacIntyre a famous Gaelic Poet. At the foot of Roxburgh’s Close is a courtyard which I believe was part of Writers’ Court as the doorway from Warriston’s close that enters the building where Zizzi restaurant stands has a lintel with the initials of the Chambers brothers Robert and William and the date 1851. In the centre of Roxburgh Court are four iron slabs with carvings and dates with names. The four slabs represent the trees that once stood in the courtyard and the dates of their planting. The trees are from new world destinations of the time. 1725 Acer Saccharinum (silver maple from North American Maple).1767 Betula dalecarlica (A Swedish Birch tree from Sweden), 1842 Betula Utilis (Himalayan Birch Tree from Nepal), 1906 Sorbus Commixta (Japanese rowan tree from Japan). Warriston’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Warriston’s Close named after Lord Warriston who lived in the close, as did Sir Thomas Craig of Riccarton. William and Robert Chambers who lived in Writers’ Close on the west side of Warriston’s Close were just a few of the famous residents. The previous name of the close were Bruce’s Close after Robert Bruce of Stirling who lived here in 1566. Access to Warriston Close can also be gained from Roxburgh’s Close. Thee other more famous close which can be accessed from Warriston’s Close is Real Mary King’s Close. This close can only be accessed from the attraction as this is an underground street and possibly buried when the plague was at its height. John Knox Manse Warriston's Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh The site of John Knox’s Manse can be found in Warriston’s Close. Go in the Archway marked Warriston’s Close and Writer’s Court and turn left and down steps and you will see the plaque next to a black door. Other people who lived here are Sir Archibald Johnston (Lord Warriston) 1611 -1663, who named the Close. As the naming of closes and land (tenements) was usually done by the owners. Writers’ Court High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Writers' Court is found off Warriston's Close The lintel of the door is where the court once stood. The initials are WC (William Chambers) a publisher and printer like his brother RC (Robert Chambers). They lived in Writers' Court in 1851. Real Mary King’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh This is a real look back in to Edinburgh’s past. The underground streets and places where the people of Edinburgh lived, a historically accurate example of life in Edinburgh between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, Tales of ghosts, legends and murders. Where the plague victims were walled up and left to die. Take the guided tour based on a onetime resident, and listen to the fascinating stories. Real Mary Kings Close Edinburgh and the entrance to the underground street. Edinburgh City Chambers High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Exchange Buildings foundation stone was laid in September 1753 by the Grand Master of the Scottish masons George Drummond. The New Royal Exchange was completed in 1761. Designed by John Adam. In 1811 it became the City Chambers when the Town Council moved here from the Tolbooth. The Edinburgh Council Chambers was extended in 1904 and 1934 it has served as the administrative centre for Edinburgh Corporation, since 1975 for the Council of the City of Edinburgh The inscription on the bronze plaque reads; THE CITY CHAMBERS – FORMERLY – THE ROYAL EXCHANGE – DESIGNED BY JOHN ADAM THE ELDEST OF THE ADAM BROTHERS. – THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED 1753 – 1761 – AS AN EXCHANGE AND CUSTOMS HOUSE – IN 1811 IT BECAME THE CITY CHAMBERS – WHEN THE TOWN COUNCIL MOVED HERE FROM THE TOLBOOTH. – EXTENDED IN 1904 AND 1924 IT SERVED AS – THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE FOR EDINBURGH CORPORATION – AND SINCE 1978 FOR THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDINBURGH – PRESENTED IN 1983 BY THE OLD EDINBURGH CLUB FOUNDED IN THE OLD COUNCIL CHAMBERS 29 JANUARY 1908 – Lord Provost George Drummond, laid the foundation-stone in September 1753. Edinburgh Award Golden Hands High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Award printed on the paving stones of the City Chambers quadrangle you can see the golden hands of famous people awarded by Edinburgh, such as Author J.K. Rowling Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, Artist Richard Demarco, Author Ian Rankin, Singer Annie Lennox, Scientist Professor Peter Higgs, George Kerr CBE Judo 10th Dan, Dame Elizabeth Blackadder Painter, 46664 Concert Nelson Mandela speech. Tom Gilzean icon of the Royal Mile, Ken Buchanan Boxer, Undisputed World Lightweight Champion. The High Constables of Edinburgh Plaque Edinburgh’s Police Force, in the year 1611 the privy council of King James VI ordered the Burgh to appoint constables to impose law and order on the streets of Edinburgh. This was taken over by a regular police force in Edinburgh in 1805. Alexander the Great with his Horse Bucephalus City Chambers High Street Edinburgh The statue that stands in Edinburgh City Chambers quadrangle is of Alexander the Great and his horse Bucephalus. The statue was cast in Bronze in 1883. The wondrous horse Bucephalus the horse that Alexander the Great rode for thousands of miles and through many battles to create his mighty empire. Both Horse Bucephalus and owner Alexander the Great tower over the square of Edinburgh City Chambers on the High Street in the Royal Mile. General Stanislaw Wadyslaw Maczek Statue 1892 -1994 General Stanislaw Wadyslaw Maczek reach the rank Lieutenant General in the Polish army and was the commander of the 1st Polish Panzer Division in World War II. Stanislaw was born in Lwow Poland in 1892 fought in the 1st World War with the Austrian Army and in the 2nd World War was Commander of the new formed 1st Polish Armoured Division, nicknamed “Black Division” which was created in February 1942 at Duns in Scotland. Stanislaw and his Polish Army numbering circa 1600 were trained over 2 years in Scotland before they took park in the Normandy Landings in 1944. He and his men were instrumental in the major part of the war in France and Germany and after the war he was left homeless. A friend and Sargent in his command gave him a job in his bar in Edinburgh. In 1985 he was invited to the city of Breda in the Netherlands for the anniversary of its liberation were he was given a heroes welcome. When he died at the age of 102 years in 1994 he was buried in the Polish military cemetery in Breda Netherlands. The Black Turnpike High Street Royal Mile Mary Queen of Scots Last Night in Edinburgh 1567. The Black Turnpike, also known as the ‘Auld Bishop of Dunkeld’s lodging’ was built in 1461 on the south side of the High Street immediately west of where the Tron Kirk now stands. It was demolished in 1788 to make way for Hunter Square and Blair Street. The plaque can be seen on the wall of the City Chambers.The inscription reads “On this site stood the lodging of Sir Simon Preston of Craigmillar (known as the Black Turnpike) the lord provost of the city of Edinburgh 1566 – 1567 in which lodging Mary Queen of Scotland after her surrender to the confederate lords at Carberry Hill was imprisoned overnight in Edinburgh 15 June 1567 in a stone chamber 13-foot square and 8-foot high. On the following evening she was conveyed to Holyrood and thereafter to Loch Leven Castle as a state prisoner. After 19 years of captivity, Mary was tried and condemned to death in October 1586, ending only with her execution at Fotheringhay on 8 February 1587”. To see more about Mary Queen of Scots visit Jedburgh where you can walk round where she once lived. With many interesting artefacts on display. Hugh Miller (1802 – 1856) Plaque High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Geologist Naturalist and Folklorist. There is a bust of Hugh Miller in the Hall of Heroes at the Wallace Monument in Stirling. Hugh Miller was editor of Witness, an evangelical newspaper established in 1840 by the Scottish geologist and writer. He committed suicide in December 1856. A shocked Western world mourned him, and his funeral procession was among the largest in the memory of Edinburgh residents. He lived in the seaside area of Portobello. The City of Edinburgh War Memorial The memorial in front of the City Chambers building in the High Street Royal Mile. The stone of remembrance is to commemorate the people of Edinburgh who lost their lives in the 1st and 2nd World Wars It was unveiled on Armistice Day 1927 by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester son of King George V. Allan’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Allan’s Close was removed when the City Chambers extended their premises but a part of Allan’s Close remains underground and can only be seen on the Real Mary King’s Close tour of the old streets of Edinburgh. The Close has had several names over time and each has been from the owner that lived there at the time. Craig’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh The access to Craig’s Close from the High Street was closed when the Council offices were built in 1932. Link to Craig's Close Anchor Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Anchor’s Close was named after a tavern that was at the top of the close in 1714. The Close ran from the High Street to Market Street before Cockburn Street was built and dissected it. In 1718 it change Landlords to and Dawney Douglas’s Tavern which was a meeting place of the Crochallan Fencibles, a club with a membership of a number of the most distinguished men of the town. The Crochallan Fencibles Club was founded by William Smellie, a printer who founded the Encyclopaedia Britannica. He also printed the first Edinburgh edition of Burns in 1787. Anchor Close has had many names as the name would change by the owner at the time. The Crochallan Fencibles was a convivial club for gentlemen which met in Dawney Douglas’s Tavern. William Smellie’s Printed Burns Poems and Allan Masterton wrote the music for Burns songs were also members of the club. Dawney Douglas’s Tavern was a very popular place as it served very good food at a very affordable price. On the east side of the Close there are two 17th-century buildings, originally of four storeys. A doorway on the west side of the Close has a 17th-century inscription ”LORD BE MERCIFUL TO ME” and was the entrance to Dawney Douglas’s Tavern where the Crochallan Fencibles Club met. Geddes’ Entry High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh John Kay 1742 – 1826 Geddes’ Entry connects with North Foulis’ Close and Old Stamp Office Close and was named after Robert Geddes of Scotstoun a surgeon by profession. On the front wall above the shops can be seen a plaque to John Kay. John Kay was a trained Barber and opened a shop at High Street where he became established and a member of the corporation of barber-surgeons in 1771. John Kay then changed his trade to become a successful painter of miniatures and also publishing sketches and caricatures of the local people which many were unhappy about the way they were portrayed. North Foulis’ Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh North Foulis Close named after John Foulis, who owned the land were he traded as an apothecary (Chemist) and owner of a tenement in the close it was North because of further down the High Street was South Foulis’ Close at No 32 with no connection to this close or owner, near to Hyndford’s Close. James Gillespie James Gillespie was an Edinburgh city merchant and founder of James Gillespie’s Hospital and School. The hospital opened in 1802 and could accommodate up to 66 Pensioners and the school. The school was originally sited at Gillespie Crescent near to the original hospital at Wright’s house. James Gillespie was born in Edinburgh on the 28 April 1726 and died at his home in Spylaw, Colinton a suburb of Edinburgh on 8 April 1797. His brothers, John and James were Tobacco and snuff merchants at 231 High street Edinburgh and had their own factory at the back of their house at Spylaw. Due to the civil war in the Americas they were a main British supplier to the trade and controlled the prices at the time. The inscription on the plaque reads; Formerly | the shop of | James Gillespie | of Spylaw | Tobacco and Snuff | Manufacturer | Founder of | James Gillespie’s | Hospital | and Schools | died 8 April 1797 | erected by | The governors 1883 Old Stamp Office Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh The Close’s in Edinburgh were named after the owners of buildings in the close at the time and thus had many names through time. Old Stamp Office Close was where the Stamp Office was for many years until it moved to Waterloo Place in 1821. It was the first place the Royal Bank of Scotland had offices when they were constituted in 1727 and remained here till 1753. It was also where Countess Eglinton and her seven beautiful daughters lived. Lady Eglinton and her daughters were the people to invite to any dance or party in the 1700s. There was also a school where the famous Flora McDonald of Skye was educated. She was famous for assisting Bonnie Prince Charlie in his escape after the battle of Culloden. The close has also been named after taverns, Ship Tavern close and Fortune’s Close. Both of these Taverns were in this close. Lyon’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Lyon’s Close 215 High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh between Old Stamp Office Close and Jackson’s Close. Possible entrance to Hospice of Elsie Inglis. Elsie Inglis was born on 16 August 1864 in Nainital India she first moved with her parents to Edinburgh in 1878 In 1892 Elsie Inglis qualified as a licentiate at the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons in Edinburgh and Glasgow. In 1904 the small hospital opened by the Inglis family moved to the 219 High Street and was renamed The Hospice. In 1905 Inglis was appointed senior consultant of the Bruntsfield Hospital, which then merged with The Hospice in 1911. Elsie Inglis died on the 26 November 1917, she is interned in Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh. From funds that had been raise previously the remainder was used to establish the Elsie Inglis Memorial Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh in July 1925 which later became a part of the Royal Infirmary and still bears her name. Jackson’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Jackson’s Close on the North side of the upper High Street Royal Mile is named after John Jackson’s and his family who lived in the close from circa 1570 to at least 1893 when they sold property in the close. This close ends at Cockburn Street where many close’s were either split in two or shortened by the building of Cockburn Street which was a thoroughfare to Waverley Rail Station. King Charles I Plaque Jackson's Close When King Charles I decreed that the protestant book of common order was to replaced by a new catholic influenced Service book, he didn’t reckon with the reaction of the Scots! The anger felt by the people reached its peak in the church of St Giles in Edinburgh on the 22nd July 1637. When the Dean conducting the service began to read from the new service book. An old woman named Jenny Geddes flung her stool at the Dean’s head crying “Dost thou say mass at my lug?” thereby ensuring her place in history as a Scottish heroine. Fleshmarket Close Edinburgh Fleshmarket Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Fleshmarket Close stretched from the High Street North to Market Street before Cockburn Street was built (circa 1860) it cut through many old closes that stretched from the High Street northwards, which evidence of can be seen in Fleshmarket Close where the smallest pub in Edinburgh can be found as well as Ginglin’ Geordies Tavern both on the north side of the severed close. On the High street side of the Fleshmarket Close was where Henry Dundas first practised as an Advocate and was to become the most powerful person in Scotland. Edinburgh’s Smallest Pub Halfway House Fleshmarket Close Edinburgh The smallest pub in Edinburgh can be found halfway down the north side of Fleshmarket Close on the way to the Market Street entrance of Waverley train station. This tavern offers real ale from all over Scotland. Jinglin’ Geordie’s Pub Fleshmarket Close Edinburgh Jinglin’ Geordie’s in Fleshmarket Close was named after George Heriot a famous Edinburgh Jeweller and Goldsmith 1563 – 1624. George Heriot was Jeweller and Goldsmith to King James VI. When George Heriot died he had no family so he left his estate to build a school for the education of “Puire fatherless bairns o the toun of Edinburgh” (poor fatherless children of Edinburgh). The school is still a centre for education and has been described as the school J.K.Rowling’s inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books. The picture shows Jnglin’ Geordie’s Tavern looking up Fleshmarket Close to Cockburn Street. The short cut to the High Street Royal Mile from Market Street and Waverley Train Station Cockburn Street High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Link To Cockburn Street Next - Real Mary King's Close