It’s almost August, which means the Edinburgh International Festival (or as most people know it, the Fringe) is just about to kick off. It’s the world’s largest arts festival, and with it comes a buzz of creativity, performance and storytelling that spills out across the whole city. We’re very lucky to call Edinburgh our home, especially at this time of year.
What you might not know is that Edinburgh isn’t just famous for its festivals, it also holds the title of the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, awarded back in 2004. That’s no surprise when you start to spot the literary landmarks that are dotted all around. From writers of the past to the storytellers of today, this is a city built on words.
So if you’re visiting Edinburgh this summer, whether for the Fringe or just to soak up the atmosphere, here’s a quick literary tour to add to your plans.
Maker's Court/The Writer's Museum
Tucked just off the Royal Mile, Maker’s Court is a quiet spot where you'll find flagstones engraved with the names of great Scottish writers, from Robert Burns to Muriel Spark. At the heart of it sits The Writers’ Museum, celebrating the lives of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s small but packed with treasures, including Stevenson’s writing desk and Scott’s walking stick.
Scott Monument
You can’t miss this one. Towering over Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is a gothic tribute to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s literary giants. It’s the largest monument to a writer anywhere in the world, and if you’re feeling brave, you can climb the 287 steps for an unbeatable view of the city.
Sherlock Holmes Statue
On Picardy Place stands a bronze statue of the world’s most famous detective. Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, was born just a stone’s throw away. It’s a lovely little stop that connects the dots between real Edinburgh streets and the fictional world of Baker Street.
Edinburgh Future Institute
A newer name on the map, the Edinburgh Futures Institute is based in the old Royal Infirmary building and is set to become a hub for future thinkers and creatives. But it is also the new home for the Edinburgh Book Festival, where you can experience a full programme of author talks, writing workshops and family events. There is even a Waterstones bookshop for you to buy all the latest books and you may even be lucky to get it signed!
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Right on the Royal Mile, the Scottish Storytelling Centre is a celebration of oral tradition, from folk tales to modern performances. It’s the only purpose-built storytelling centre in the world and hosts events year-round. It’s a great spot for families, and during the festival, you’ll often find performances especially for younger audiences.
Scottish Poetry Library
Tucked away just off the Royal Mile, the Scottish Poetry Library is a calm little haven filled with thousands of poems from Scotland and beyond. It’s open to all, and you can read, borrow or simply soak up the quiet literary atmosphere. A lovely spot for a peaceful pause during a busy day.
Interested to know what books were set in or inspired by Edinburgh:
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
One Day by David Nicholls
Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin
44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
The Library of the Dead by Tendai Huchu
Whether you’re here for the shows, the cobbled streets or the bookshops, there’s no shortage of stories to discover in Edinburgh. And if you’re bringing kids along for the Fringe fun, don’t forget Voxblock is a perfect screen-free companion for winding down after a busy day of exploring.
Happy festival season, and happy reading (or listening)!
