Author: Emilie Lumineau

Ross MacRae is a talented Edinburgh-based artist we’ve been working with at The Real Mary King’s Close for years. Back in 2012, he designed and painted a mural in our corridor. Recently, we refurbished our gift shop, and Ross came back to create a new mural that matches our new look. He’s also behind the …

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Blog article written by the Friends of Dalry Cemetery  Janet and David Chesney, the last residents of Mary King’s Close, now have their gravestone restored to its former glory thanks to dedicated volunteers.   Located in Dalry Cemetery, within the Gorgie/Dalry area of the city, the Chesneys’ burial site fell into disrepair following the closure …

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A new immersive holiday launches at The Real Mary King’s Close Gardyloo! Live like a local in 17th century Edinburgh with a stay that sees technology taken away, a visit from the Plague Doctor, and a bucket for a toilet. History lovers now have the chance to live like a 17th century Edinburgh local, with …

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Learn About Midwifery in the 17th Century Midwifery in the 17th century was a common occupation for the women of Edinburgh. Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life stood figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the course of childbirth and women’s health.  Meet Ms Mills Ms Mills resided on Kinloch Close, just a …

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

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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 is celebrated. You can even learn about an interesting connection he has to The Real Mary King’s Close.   Who was Robert Burns? …

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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.