Tag: Mary King’s Close

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 …

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This June we are celebrating Pride Month. You can hear the real stories of Edinburgh’s former residents, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland. Here is an introduction to Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake, who you will meet on our Pride History tours. Robert Fergusson Born in Edinburgh in 1750, the poet inspired the work of …

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On the 15th of May 1567 was a turning point in Scottish history. Mary Queen of Scots married her third husband, James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell. It led to a series of events that would bring the Queen to one of the closes now part of The Real Mary King’s Close. Mary’s First Marriage Mary …

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Edinburgh and Scotland have a rich literary history. 2022 is Scotland’s Year of Stories, dedicated to celebrating stories inspired by, written or created in Scotland. Some of the world’s best storytellers have connections to Edinburgh and the city has inspired bestselling novels, sometimes including mentions of The Real Mary King’s Close. Edinburgh’s Storytellers: Authors of …

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The Real Mary King’s Close is not the only street in Edinburgh with an interesting story behind its name. In a city with such a rich history, it’s not surprising that the street names reflect its past. Have you wondered what inspired Edinburgh’s street names while strolling through the city? Read on to find your …

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Our namesake was a woman ahead of her time. Her fascinating story tells of power, fine garments, and the naming of a close.

Delve deep into the history of one of Edinburgh’s biggest disaster in 1824 that took place only steps away from The Real Mary King’s Close today.