New Westenders trail in Edinburgh's West End

Famous 'Westenders' of Edinburgh's West End from days gone by are highlighted in a new walking trail from Edinburgh World Heritage.

The new trail aims to encourage more visitors to explore the historic streets of the West End, a key part of the city's World Heritage Site. The trail reveals links with some famous people such as:

*  Dr Joseph Bell, who provided the inspiration for Conan Doyle’s fictional character Sherlock Holmes

* Samuel Peploe, the well-known artist and leading light of the Scottish colourists

As well as lesser known residents, including:

* William Fielding, a Turkish Bath entrepreneur from New York who opened an establishment in Stafford Street

* Janet Story, whose memoirs give a valuable insight into high society life in late-Georgian Melville Street

* Mary Dunlop, who travelled the streets of the West End with her barrel organ on a small cart, pulled by her white horse Smoky

READ OUR GUIDE TO TEN TOP ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY OF EDINBURGH

HIDDEN TALES

David Hicks, Communications Manager for Edinburgh World Heritage said: 'The trail is intended to cast the West End in a new light, and reveal some of the hidden stories about this fascinating part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. William Street, complete with its Georgian shopfronts, setts and recently restored streetlamps has such tremendous period atmosphere, it is not surprising it has been used as a film location.

'The three gothic spires of St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral can be seen from around the city, but how many people know about the treasures it has inside? By focusing on the human stories of the West Enders of the past, we hope to encourage more people to explore this historic area.'

DOWNLOAD THE TRAIL HERE...



(Image copyright Edinburgh World Heritage)