Year: 2023

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 …

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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? …

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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 …

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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 …

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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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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, …

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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 …

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Is Mary King’s Close the same as the vaults? It’s a question that Edinburgh’s Tour Guides are more than familiar with. Mary King’s Close and the vaults certainly share a reputation for existing as part of Edinburgh’s hidden “Underground City”. But they are not one and the same. Header image © Gabby Secomb Flegg In …

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In Partnership with Kinloch Anderson. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of The Real Mary King’s Close. To commemorate two decades of running tours, we’ve been looking back at our more recent past to celebrate the people who have helped to make our attraction the 5-star visitor experience that it is today. A large part of …

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