Winter 2009
Salute the bard
These famous opening lines from Robert Burns’, ‘Address tae a Haggis’, will resonate across Edinburgh as Scots celebrate 250 years since the birth of the national poet.
As well as traditional Burns night suppers on the 25th January, this year will see the People’s Poet honoured with events all year round as part of Homecoming 2009 - a celebration of Scottish culture. You can even find out what’s happening from the man himself.
Edinburgh was where Burns’ talent was recognised and his fame grew. The second edition of his poems, known as the Edinburgh edition, was published in the city in 1787 by William Creech, who lived on the Royal Mile. Burns also had many romantic liaisons in the city, including a love affair with Agnes MacLehose; referred to as Clarinda in his many love letters to her. The relationship was not to last, but he penned ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ as a lasting lament for their broken hearts.
Robert Burns was not the only writer to walk the streets of Edinburgh. Sir Walter Scott spent 28 years living at 39 North Castle Street and 17 Heriot Row was the childhood home of Robert Louis Stevenson. Other notable authors who lived and wrote in the city include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, James Boswell and J.K. Rowling - who wrote the first Harry Potter book in the city’s cafes.
You can explore this rich literary heritage on walking trails through Edinburgh, UNESCO, City of Literature. Along the way be sure to pop into The Writers’ Museum, on Lady Stair’s Close just off the Royal Mile. The fascinating collection, includes items belonging to Burns, Stevenson and Scott. If you’re not sure where to begin your literary exploration, take the Edinburgh Booklovers Tour, which starts outside the Writers’ Museum, every Saturday at 1.30pm, October to April and 10.30am and 1.30pm every Saturday and Sunday the rest of the year.
You could top off your journey of literary discovery by supping a pint in the Grassmarket at the Beehive Inn. Its past patrons include, Scott, Conan Doyle, Boswell and the Bard himself, who lodged next door. So sit back with a pint or wee dram and let the creative inspiration flow.
Love is in the air
Whether its for him, for her or forever the city’s shops have something to delight and excite. Solo Menswear, 276 Canongate, offers stylish lines for the better dressed man. Ladies who love labels will love Corniche, 2 Jeffrey St. For those looking to exchange rings, Rockcandy Gallery in Rose Street presents designer and one-off jewellery.
If food is the other love of their life, The Witchery just below the Castle balances gothic luxuriance with culinary excellence. A slightly less grand but no less pleasurable experience can be found at Café St Honoré. With a mix of French and Scottish cuisine, you can escape to Paris for a few hours and take Edinburgh with you.
Romance doesn’t have to be expensive. A stroll through a beautiful, historic city costs nothing and delights at every turn. From the paths through Princes Street Gardens, follow the trails snaking up to the Castle. Take in the breath-taking views together then meander down the Royal Mile, dipping into the side streets to relax in a secluded pub like the Jolly Judge.
Fancy a pint?
The roaring log fire provides a warm welcome at The Cloisters, on Brougham Street, Tollcross. A converted Minister’s house, with real ales on tap and a fine selection of whiskies, it’s a great place to wile away a cold afternoon. Due to its popularity and size, get in early to bag a pew.
After scaling Arthur’s Seat and feeling the full force of the wind, many walkers seek refuge in The Sheep Heid Inn at Duddingston. Just half an hour from the summit, this cosy boozer is said to be Scotland’s oldest public house and has been serving since 1360.
Back in the city centre and thick of the action is Villager, on George IV Bridge. It’s a funky bar with soul and sole - vintage trainers feature as decoration. Its relaxed atmosphere attracts a laid-back crowd who linger over good food and expertly prepared drinks.
For more ideas of where to go for a great night in Edinburgh check out The List.
