The Real Mary King’s Close Blog

• News

Record-breaking summer for The Real Mary King’s Close

3rd Sept 2024

We are delighted to announce that we are celebrating our best summer season ever, welcoming over 93,000 guests from around the globe.

• Interviews

Whisky Tasting: Meet Ken Hanley

27th Aug 2024

This September, our A Dram of History tour are back! The experience is one of our most popular events at The Real Mary King’s Close. Not only does it include our Standard 1-Hour Tour experience, but also a 30-minute whisky tasting led by local whisky ambassador, Kenneth (‘Ken’) Hanley.

Making the Most of Your Visit to Edinburgh and York

15th Aug 2024

Making the Most of Your Visit to Edinburgh and York

• Things to do

Fringe 2024 – The Real Mary King’s Close’s Actors’ shows

19th Jul 2024

Did you know that many of the guides who lead The Real Mary King’s Close tour are also working actors? And many of them are taking part in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!

• History

Edinburgh’s Dark History: Mercat Cross

12th Jul 2024

At the top of Mary King’s Close lay the historic Mercat Cross, a crucial meeting point for the 17th-century residents. Here, news was exchanged, business deals were struck, and the dark side of justice was brutally displayed. The cries of the tortured echoed through the narrow streets, as punishment was meted out for all to witness.