Scotland Souvenirs: Edinburgh . . . .

On this trip I really didn't buy as many souvenirs as I'm used to buying. Maybe it is because I am on a minimalist trip and have been working on downsizing my possessions. But that's another story.

The few items that I did purchase are mainly things that I just had to have like my Scottish sheep and highland cow. That's just for the kid in me. Other things were associated with places I visited and/or things I did. And so with no further ado, here are a few more items that I picked up during my stay in Edinburgh.

Although I'm not a great writer I do admire great writing and great writers and so I decided to visit Edinburgh's Writer's Museum which is located in the Lady Stair's House. This beautiful building is situated in the close (i.e. alley) of the same name just off the Royal mile.

The building was built in the 17th century by Sir William Gray of Pittendrum, a prominent merchant burgess of Edinburgh. The building was later bought by Lady Stair in 1719 and now bears her name. The exterior was much modified in the 19th century with a balconied tower and stonework. It's quite impressive.

The likely date of construction, 1622, is noted in a carved lintel above the doorway, which also bears the motto "Feare the Lord & Depart from Evill" and the monogram and initials of Sir William Gran and his wife.


Just above the entrance there hangs the sign of a man with a quill pen seated at a desk.

The Writers’ Museum in Lady Stair’s House is uniquely surrounded by a courtyard dedicated to writer's, ‘Makars’ Court’.


The Scots word Makar stresses the role of the poet or author as a skilled and versatile worker in the craft of writing. This court is considered a Scottish national writers' monument as more 'makars' and their craft as poet or author are represented here on specially cast concrete slabs.


Since 1932, the Writers' Museum has displayed items with a literary connection to three of Scotland's most famous writers - Robert Burns (who stayed in a house opposite during his first visit to Edinburgh in 1786), Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. It is full of pictures, etchings, antique wooden writing desks, furniture, handwritten manuscripts and other memorabilia of the three writers. It was very interesting.

Looking at all of the items in the collection made me wonder how a museum collection of today's great writers would look like years in the future. Maybe a laptop, an I-pod recorder or an Internet website ... I, myself, can't remember when I last wrote something extensive using a pen! Since I couldn't take any photos, I purchased this nice souvenir booklet.


And speaking of writers, here is a photo I took of the Elephant House Restaurant famously known as "The Birthplace of Harry Potter", because this is where the author J.K. Rowling often "mulled over a coffee writing her first Harry Potter novel." So this is where it all began . . .

Remember my post about my visit to St. Margaret's Chapel in the Edinburgh Castle . . .

From a book I purchased as a souvenir in the chapel, here is photo of the simple yet elegant interior. There was something very special about this chapel and it is a feeling that will stay with me for years to come. I consider my experience visiting the chapel to be one of my most treasured souvenirs from Edinburgh.

And remember the very cool play I was lucky enough to watch while in Edinburgh. Since photos weren't allowed of the interior, here are photos I took from a souvenir booklet I purchased. I thought the actors were so talented . . .

And how could I resist . . .