Edinburgh is known for its thread of literature that seams the streets together, but how integral is it for this city’s identity?
Edinburgh became the first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004, an act which granted the capital of Scotland worldwide recognition for its mesmerising impact on writers. The city has inspired many simply through its ineliminable atmosphere as well as its striking architecture which continues to attract tourists each year.
Edinburgh is the birthplace to many authors including Arthur Conan Doyle and Walter Scott. With the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens remaining the largest monument dedicated to a writer, Edinburgh’s literary scene is undeniable. Walter Scott’s characters are carved into the stonework, representing the lasting impact of his work on the city. Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes series, studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 1876. His professor is said to have inspired the character of Sherlock due to his notable powers of observation, paving the way to a great literary creation.
The perfect place to deepen your understanding of Edinburgh’s literary heritage would be the Writer’s Museum, which houses artefacts relating to Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns.
Robert Burns is Scotland’s most celebrated poet, known as the National Bard, and famous for numerous poems including A Red, Red Rose. When traversing the Royal Mile, one may hear bagpipes playing the famous tune of Auld Lang Syne, the words of which were curated by Burns in 1788 and adapted into a song in 1799. Burns Night commemorates this writer on the 25 January with suppers and poetry recitals; a tradition that has endured over 200 years.
Literature is an essential part of Edinburgh which is evident through the Annual International Book Festival in August, attracting 225,000 visitors each year. This charity has been running for 40 years and aims to develop worldly understanding. Today, Edinburgh is home to numerous publishing houses including Canongate Books.
Since the publication of the first book in Edinburgh in 1508, stories have been an essential part of the city and can be accessed today by the public through institutions such as the National Library of Scotland. Edinburgh runs on its literary reputation making around £50.9 million per year, however literature is at the foundation of its culture and ultimately priceless.
Photo by Connor Mollison on Unsplash
