The Sheep Heid (head) Inn is reputedly the oldest surviving pub in Scotland. A pub has been on the site since 1360 and apparently Mary Queen of Scots was a visitor and our current Queen Elizabeth, was spotted recently tucking into some pub grub. Despite that kind of pedigree, it is not as posh as you would expect. It is an atmospheric rustic traditional style pub serving good quality pub fare. As well as a small beer garden it also has an antique wooden skittle alley which is available for hire. The pub is literally round the back of Holyrood Park.
Its location, although a few miles from the centre of town, makes a perfect spot to rehydrate after an afternoon ‘mountaineering’ on Arthur’s Seat. For a more gentle route to your refreshment, follow the Innocent Railway Path from just beside the Commonwealth Swimming Pool to Duddingston Village. The path follows the route of the first railway line in Edinburgh, which was horse drawn when it first opened in 1835.
