Year: 2023

Hogmanay is the most important day of the year in Scotland. Please note that our opening hours will be 10am to 7pm on Sunday 31st December. Or at least, it used to be. Today, many Scots are more likely to celebrate Christmas over and above Hogmanay (a Scottish name for New Year’s Eve). However, that …

Continue reading “Hogmanay – What is it?”

Christmas in Scotland – Why the Scots didn’t celebrate Christmas for over 400 years… The celebration of Christmas in Scotland is a surprisingly recent phenomenon. With just one week to go until Christmas, let’s take a stroll down Mary King’s Close to uncover how celebrations surrounding the festive season changed over time. Before the Reformation …

Continue reading “A Short History of Christmas in Scotland”

The Real Mary King’s Close participated in Historical Engagement Week on Tuesday 14th November. Three Tour Guides from The Real Mary King’s Close supported the initiative organised by The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC). This is the only charity in the country solely dedicated to supporting NHS Lothian children’s services. During the event, the guides …

Continue reading “A History Workshop at The Royal Hospital for Children & Young People”

Gift Edinburgh inspired items to your family and friends this Christmas! At The Real Mary King’s Close, we’ve been hard at work re-launching our online shop, just in time for Christmas. Our team has carefully curated our best and most-loved products straight from our Burgh Courtroom Gift Shop, including the Plague Ducktor. The best part? …

Continue reading “Exciting news… we have a NEW online shop!”

With St. Andrews Day happening  at the end of this month, we’re taking a closer look at why Edinburgh’s Foul Clengers wore the St Andrew’s cross on their uniforms… In history, there are often unsung heroes who played pivotal roles during times of crisis. In 17th century Edinburgh, during its last outbreak of the plague …

Continue reading “Why did Foul Clengers wear the St Andrews cross?”

Our Operations Manager heads to the National Finals! Katie Scott has achieved another incredible milestone in her career through her success at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2023. 👏🏆 Header image © Connor Molliinson Photography Following on from being named one of the Top 100 Women in Tourism in Scotland earlier last year, Katie has won …

Continue reading “Tourism Individual of the Year Scottish Thistle Award Regional Winner 2023”

The Scottish Thistle Awards are just around the corner… And we have some exciting news to share! 🎉 Our very own Operations Manager, Katie Scott, has been officially shortlisted as a Regional Finalist for the prestigious Tourism Individual of the Year Thistle Award in Scotland, following on from being named one of the Top 100 …

Continue reading “Katie Scott shortlisted for Tourism Individual of the Year 2023”

Edinburgh in August In August, Edinburgh comes alive after dark. From the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to late-night dining, there are endless possibilities for an unforgettable evening. Here are five top things to experience after the sun sets on The Royal Mile: Edinburgh Festival Fringe Shows The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, …

Continue reading “Edinburgh in August: 5 After-Dark Activities You Can’t Miss”

Did you know that many of the guides who lead The Real Mary King’s Close tour are also working actors? Safe to say, this is a particularly exciting day for them… because it’s OFFICIALLY THE START of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! Look anywhere around Edinburgh, and you’ll see flyers galore advertising theatre, comedy, magic, circus …

Continue reading “Look out for The Real Mary King’s Close Tour Actors at Fringe”