Author: Emilie Lumineau

At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are passionate about sustainability, and we strive to do the right thing for the environment, our communities, our guests and our team. We have taken many actions to reduce our carbon footprint and encourage the protection of Scotland’s heritage. Sustainability We encourage our team members and visitors to …

Continue reading “Our Green Story”

Every January, Scotland celebrates one of the most famous people from the country’s history: Robert Burns. As Burns Night approaches it’s the perfect time to learn about why and how the day’s celebrated. You can even learn an interesting connection to The Real Mary King’s Close.   Who was Robert Burns? Robert Burns (a.k.a Rabbie …

Continue reading “Burns Night: History and Traditions”

Earlier this year The Real Mary King’s Close broadcast a live virtual tour filled with interesting findings and acclaimed expertise from our knowledgeable guides and fellow history buffs. One certain history buff, Dr Aaron Allen, a Scottish History Expert from The University of Edinburgh decided to go one step further and compare the Epidemics of 1645 and now, detailing how the same old problems, sometimes require the same old solutions.

Read more about an air raid shelter under Edinburgh’s City Chambers, a soldier bear and Mary King’s Close during the First and Second World War.

This was an April Fools: For our grand reopening in May 2021, we’re welcoming real-life cows back to the former cowshed on The Close.

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

Find out more about the insidious witch prickers who used to strike terror into the hearts of Edinburgh’s past residents.

In this blog post we look at how the history of The Real Mary King’s Close is intertwined with that of the famous Scottish spirit, whisky.

Find out why we’re featured in the Heritage Days Out Top Trumps, the story behind it, and how you can play your cards right to come out on top.