Pull Up a Stool

Step inside Edinburgh’s most storied pubs, where history pours from the tap and every corner has a tale to tell

“In Edinburgh, the pub is more than a place to drink — it’s where stories are passed down, friendships are forged, and history is sipped one pint at a time.”

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A view from Sugarhouse Close of the historic Tolbooth Tavern along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:-

• Pull Up a Stool

• Top Attractions in Edinburgh and The Lothians for an Unforgettable Visit

• Around the Web: Free Ghost Tour of Edinburgh; Catch Live Folk Music in a Traditional Pub; The Aberdeenshire Royal Trail and more…

• Everything you need to know about visiting the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Me: ‘I’ll just have one whisky…’

• Scottish Food You Will Love: Scottish Haggis Pie Recipe

• Coo Wee: Haunted Pubs of Edinburgh 👻 Ghost stories from the Scottish capital

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Pull Up a Stool

Edinburgh’s pubs are more than just places to grab a drink – they’re the beating heart of the city’s culture, history, and storytelling tradition. From candlelit corners where Robert Burns once recited verses, to centuries-old cellars filled with the scent of whisky and woodsmoke, each pub tells a tale. You’ll find locals swapping stories beside tourists soaking up the atmosphere, sharing laughter over steaming steak pies or a dram of smoky single malt. The city’s pubs are where folklore lives on, ceilidhs come alive, and history lingers in the clink of a glass.

You might step into The Sheep Heid Inn, Scotland’s oldest surviving pub, tucked away in Duddingston since 1360, or wander through the wood-panelled rooms of The Bow Bar on Victoria Street with its unrivalled whisky shelf. For literary fans, The Oxford Bar, once the regular haunt of Inspector Rebus author Ian Rankin, oozes old-school charm. Prefer a hidden gem? Try The Jolly Judge, a quiet wee nook just off the Royal Mile, or The Canny Man’s in Morningside, a true Edinburgh oddity packed with antiques and character. Whether you’re chasing live folk music, haggis with neeps and tatties, or just a perfect pint by a roaring fire, the pubs of Edinburgh offer a warm welcome – and a night to remember.

A statue of Greyfriars Bobby outside the Greyfriars Public House in Edinburgh, Scotland - Shutterstock

Top Attractions in Edinburgh and The Lothians for an Unforgettable Visit

Edinburgh and The Lothians, a captivating region in Scotland, seamlessly blend history, culture and natural beauty. Edinburgh, the capital city, offers an array of iconic landmarks, from the majestic Edinburgh Castle and the historic Royal Mile to the lush expanses of Holyrood Park and the cultural treasures of the National Museum of Scotland.

Arthur’s Seat - Shutterstock

Around The Web

Free Ghost Tour of Edinburgh

Edinburgh's dark side included body snatching, public executions, gruesome jails and tortures. Come to the FREE Ghost Tour and hear ghostly tales and sinister stories that will transport you back to the terrifying past of old Edinburgh as you walk spooky shadows and haunted alleyways.

Catch Live Folk Music in a Traditional Pub

Head to Sandy Bell’s for toe-tapping fiddles, heartfelt ballads, and the kind of session where locals join in with a pint in hand… daily! The pub also has a fine reputation for serving a wide range of beers including cask ales along with a large selection of malt whiskies.

Climb Calton Hill for Sunset Views

Before the pubs fill up, take a short hike up Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city’s skyline as it lights up for the night – ideal for photos and quiet moments. Calton Hill is a volcanic hill rising beyond the eastern end of Princes Street.

Taste Your Way Through a Whisky Flight

Try a guided whisky tasting at Whiski Rooms where you can sample regional single malts and learn the difference between a Highland and an Islay. Then enjoy Scottish classic food dishes and modern Scottish food dishes using the best fresh local Scottish produce.

Enjoy a Late Bite at a Cosy Gastropub

Settle into a warm booth at The Scran & Scallie where menus pair craft beers and fine whiskies with comforting Scottish fare like venison stew or Cullen skink.

The Aberdeenshire Royal Trail

If you want to explore some of the most important places in Scotland’s royal history, the Aberdeenshire Royal Trail is a journey you won’t forget. This region in the northeast of Scotland is home to more castles than anywhere else in the UK—over 260 in total. Many of these castles are tied to the country’s royal past, including Balmoral Castle, which was bought by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852 and is still a private holiday home for the royal family today.

Medieval fortress Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval cliff-top fortress dating to the fourteenth century. Aberdeenshire - Shutterstock

Top Experiences In Scotland Likely To Sell Out

2024 is going to be a busy year - Here is a list of the top experiences that will most likely sell out and you should book in advance. Don’t delay!

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

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From Social Media

Scottish Food You Will Love

Scottish Haggis Pie Recipe

Coo Wee

Haunted Pubs of Edinburgh 👻 Ghost stories from the Scottish capital

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