Makars' Court Edinburgh

Literary history in the stones

Fiona from Edinburgh

""Makars' Court" in Edinburgh is my favourite shortcut through the 'closes' to avoid the crowds. I never expected to come across this space!"

Living and working in the centre of Edinburgh I quickly learned short cuts through the closes (the local term for alleyways) to avoid the crowds. Makar's Court is my favourite.

Makar's Court is off Lady Stair's Close between the Royal Mile and The Mound. It's a huge space that I never expect to come across in the midst of all the buildings. The first thing I always notice in the square is the lamp-post in the middle. It reminds me of Narnia, although it is a different kind of literature that the square celebrates.

Makar is the Scots' word for poet or skilled writer so the courtyard, outside the Writers' Museum, celebrates the literary history of Edinburgh. Throughout the courtyard, there are pavement slabs inscribed with quotes from great Scottish writers. Some are more well-known than others, for example, Robert Louis Stevenson. The quotes cover over 600 years of writing and are in English, Gaelic and Scots.

There are new pavement stones regularly added. It's always fun to have a wander through to see if I can spot a new favourite. My current favourite is "There are no stars so lovely as Edinburgh street-lamps" although maybe Iain Crichton Smith's "Let our three-voiced country sing in a new world" is the most appropriate for the tri-lingual stones.

Let me know what your favourite is – or if you come across Mr Tumnus!

Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Edinburgh Spotter Fiona

About me I’m originally from Aberdeen, in the North East of Scotland, but moved to Edinburgh in 2001 for University and never left. I love to travel and learn about different countries - I'm always looking for somewhere new to explore. When I'm in Edinburgh I work in marketing for a tech start up. I love the theatre, movies, eating out and walking which makes Edinburgh perfect for me! Why Edinburgh? The city is small enough that you can explore on foot but it is also big enough that there is also a huge amount going on. The Festivals are crazy, of course, ...

About this spot

Makar's Court

free

Website

Oct 2, 2025

Our Edinburgh City Guide

Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh

Considerat Chocolate

Incredible vegan donuts

Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...

Snacks

Sarah

Mackenzie

Nov 13, 2025

J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints

Hidden finds!

"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!

Art & culture

Sarah

Mackenzie

Nov 9, 2025

Nott Wine Bar

Charcuterie boards & artisan coffee

Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!

Bars

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Snacks

Sarah

Mackenzie

Nov 7, 2025

Lochend Park

Birdwatching bounty

"Lochend Park" in Edinburgh is for you if you want a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot, a dander under mature trees...

Relaxing

Tamsin

Grainger

Oct 29, 2025

Newhaven Harbour

Fish and chips by the sea

Cute, quaint "Newhaven Harbour" is a hidden gem in Edinburg. Try walking around the area - it will take you about an hour...

Art and good coffee

The "Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop" is a bit of an institution. Going regularly means I can keep up with the artist’s work and enjoy a scone & jasmine tea.

Art & culture

Coffee & tea

Tamsin

Grainger

Oct 29, 2025

Dovecot Studios

Watch the weavers at work

The "Dovecot Studios" in Edinburgh were once public swimming baths where I'd swim every morning - now I can have a bird's eye view of weavers & looms...

Art & culture