2018-04 - The Writers' Museum (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Along the Rick Steves Audio Tour, one point of interest had been The Writers' Museum. However, we had started the tour so late that the museum was closed by the time that we arrived. It was interesting enough to warrant a follow-up visit in order to see inside.

First, you'll need to find the museum. It's off the Royal Mile, in Lady Stair's Close. It did take a bit of back and forth on the block before seeing the close identified. Once inside the close, the building stands beautifully as it has done since it was built in the 1600s.

The Writers' Museum is dedicated to three Scottish authors: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. We entered and took the stairs down to the floor dedicated to Robert Louis Stevenson. It was so interesting to learn about Stevenson's life growing up in Edinburgh! We've crammed in a lot of learning on Edinburgh up to this point. We could start making connections, like about the clothes wardrobe from Stevenson's house that was made by Deacon Brodie, who is the probable inspiration for Stevenson's novel "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde".

Stevenson's wardrobe built by the infamous Deacon Brodie

On the top floor, there are exhibits for Robert Burns of "O My Luve's like a red, red rose" fame and of Sir Walter Scott. Robert Burns wrote poetry in the Scottish language; and, became an inspiration for a generation of Scots poets and authors, including Sir Walter Scott. Scott wrote one of the very first historical novels (Waverley) and this about Scotland.

Looking down on the main floor of the museum

The museum is free and well worth the visit. Donations are always welcome. In addition, museum offers walking tours for a fee.