Writers' Museum in Edinburgh re-opens following refurbishment

The Writers' Museum in Edinburgh has re-opened to visitors following refurbishment.

The museum features rare works and artefacts celebrating the lives of three great Scottish writers - Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Visitors will once again be able to see the city’s rare collection of writers’ portraits, first edition books and personal belongings including Robert Burns’ writing desk, the printing press on which Scott’s Waverley Novels were first produced, and Robertson's own 'Tusitala' teller of tales ring.

The refurbished museum will also feature Sir Walter Scott material which until now has never been on public display. The writing desk used to pen the famous Waverley novels and his inkwell will be on show in a new, dedicated gallery to him.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener, said: 'The Writers’ Museum celebrates some of Scotland's most revered writers and notable thinkers. Now it will be able to celebrate contemporary and budding writing talent too.' Gillian Findlay, Senior Curator for the Council's museums, added: 'The display of Walter Scott’s original writing desk has been made possible thanks to a generous lender who privately owns this wonderful artefact and the fabulous letters and notes it contains. We are very grateful to be able to display this material publicly for our reopening.'

Entry to The Writers' Museum is free.

Writers' Museum, Lady Stair's Close, Edinburgh EH1 2PA; tel: 0131 529 4901; website.

Read our special feature on ten free of charge historic attractions in Edinburgh.

(Image copyright Stefan Schafer)