Category: Events

This June we are celebrating Pride Month. You can hear the real stories of Edinburgh’s former residents, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland. Here is an introduction to Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake, who you will meet on our Pride History tours. Robert Fergusson Born in Edinburgh in 1750, the poet inspired the work of …

Continue reading “Pride Month: Meet Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake”

Burns Night 2024 is being celebrated at The Real Mary King’s Close on the 25th, 26th and 27th of January.  Book our Edinburgh Burns Night experience today. O Whisky! soul o’ plays and pranks!  Accept a Bardie’s gratefu’ thanks! When wanting thee, what tuneless cranks Are my poor verses! Did you know that Robert Burns …

Continue reading “Join us at The Real Mary King’s Close for Burns Night!”

Edinburgh has famously been a focal point of medical innovation and experimentation. Edinburgh medical school is the oldest in the English-speaking world and was at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment. While many amazing discoveries and advancements came from Edinburgh, like everywhere, some ideas were slightly… strange! Many of the terrifying and “unusual” treatments were …

Continue reading “Dr Arnott and 17th-century medicine”

August is a month filled with exciting cultural events in Edinburgh. The city is bustling with people and there is plenty to see and do. Here are our top things to do in Edinburgh in August 2022. Enjoy a show at the Fringe This year is the 75th anniversary of the Edinburgh Fringe. For three …

Continue reading “Things to do in Edinburgh in August 2022”

Gin is an incredibly popular drink now, but the craze began in the 1700s. Delve into the fascinating history of gin in Edinburgh. The Arrival of Gin in Edinburgh Gin was imported through the docks of Leith. It was the closeness to the docks that helped the gin trade flourish because distilleries were usually close …

Continue reading “Gin in Edinburgh”

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? …

Continue reading “Burns Night: History and Traditions”

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.

We discover the powerful women who shaped Edinburgh’s history – from St Triduana in the 4th century to Dr Sophie Jex-Blake in the 19th century.