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Portfolio Gallery

The Grassmarket & Victoria Street

History

The Grassmarket was the main approach from the West to the Old Town of Edinburgh. Before Victoria Street was constructed in the nineteenth century visitors followed the West Bow which zig-zagged steeply up to The Royal Mile. Some of the fine houses which lined this route can still be seen at the foot of the street. The Grassmarket was also the scene of public hangings and the site of the gallows is now marked by a plaque.

Shopping

For the adventurous a trip to Victoria Street, the West Bow, Candlemaker Row, Grassmarket and the West Port is essential. This delightful area sometimes goes unnoticed by those who stick close to the Mile yet it is rich in the unexpected: luxurious leather luggage, Scottish silver and goldsmiths, an old-fashioned brush shop. You might not want a brush to take home but a wooden spirtle with carved thistle would fit nicely into the suitcase. There are also antique prints, stylish raincoats, polished Scottish stones, old books, objects from almost every corner of the world and even fossils off the shelf. You can discover Byzantium, too - a collective of stalls with antiques, clothes, books, rugs, prints, on the first floor and coffee in the gallery.

The Grassmarket itself and the adjoining streets have a great choice of eating places from expensive restaurants to French eateries, American diners and historic pubs. If you still crave for that elusive gift or a self-indulgence this area is bound to satisfy your need. Beside the exclusive antique shops with the beautifully polished furniture you will find Scotland's kite, juggling, yoyo and circus shop. And if that's not enough, Aztec tiles, furniture from south America, jewellery from Nepal lie cheek by jowl with postcards, pottery and traditional Scottish gifts: and even more clothes and exotic sweaters. Don't forget the West Port either for a wealth of books.