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Swanston Village Edinburgh- A Hidden Gem

Swanston Village Edinburgh- A Hidden Gem

Swanston Village lies on the foothills of the Pentlands on the Southern outskirts of Edinburgh. It is very historic and picturesque and has changed little over time. It is perhaps most famous for writer and former resident Robert Louis Stevenson.  To read the full...

South Leith Parish Church Edinburgh

South Leith Parish Church Edinburgh

South Leith Parish church Edinburgh is a true ecclesiastical gem. It's origins can be traced back hundreds of years to the Order of the Knights Templar.  It has survived a seige and bombarment by cannonballs. Inside the church you will find the coat of Arms for Mary...

Murders on the Royal Mile Part One

Murders on the Royal Mile Part One

There have been many murders on the Royal Mile over the centuries. Edinburgh Central Library has a bountiful resources from which you can discover a vast aray of true stories about such events. INTRODUCTION TO LORD PRESIDENT SIR GEORGE LOCKHART Knighted by King...

George Meikle Kemp – The Scott Monument

George Meikle Kemp – The Scott Monument

George Meikle Kemp and the The Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens. He was the architect of it. Proof indeed that  genius never dies. In his early life George assisted his father tending sheep. He also constructed mill-wheels. Subsequently he became an apprentice...

South Bridge Vaults Edinburgh

South Bridge Vaults Edinburgh

BACKGROUND TO THE SOUTH BRIDGE VAULTS I'll begin with some background to the South Bridge Vaults of Edinburgh. The Cowgate barrier to the south of the Old Town ridge in Edinburgh prevented development of the southern suburbs. In 1785 the South Bridge Act authorised...

Deacon Brodie – Edinburgh Criminal Extraordinaire!

Deacon Brodie – Edinburgh Criminal Extraordinaire!

Deacon Brodie - Edinburgh Criminal Extraordinaire! INTRODUCTION One of the most remarkable criminals ever confined in the Old Tolbooth of Edinburgh was Deacon William Brodie. Being a Deacon meant he was officially the most respected joiner in Edinburgh. He was also a...

Old Tolbooth Prison Edinburgh – Methods of Escape!

Old Tolbooth Prison Edinburgh – Methods of Escape!

Old Tolbooth Prison Edinburgh - Methods of Escape! The Old Tolbooth Prison in Edinburgh occupied a site in West Parliament Square outside St Giles on the Royal Mile. Until it was demolished in the early 19th century. The Tolbooth prison served two purposes. Primarily...