Victoria Street in Edinburgh, with its vibrant facades and unique curve, was built in the early 19th century as part of the city’s Victorian expansion. It connects the Royal Mile to the Grassmarket, serving as a crucial commercial link. Overlooking this lively street is Victoria Terrace, which provided a quieter, elevated space for merchants and politicians.
At the heart of this historic street is the India Buildings, constructed between 1864-1866. This impressive structure, with its domed rotunda, was possibly named after a Liverpool office block, commemorating the end of the East India Company’s monopoly on Indian trade. The building’s history deepened in January 1906, when Indian nationalist Pandurang Mahadev ‘Senapati’ Bapat read an essay titled “British Rule in India” at a meeting of the Independent Labour Party here. This event marked a turning point in Bapat’s life, as he soon became a prominent figure in India’s fight for independence after losing his scholarship and joining Indian radicals in Paris.
Victoria Street, thus, not only reflects Edinburgh’s architectural evolution but also intertwines with global histories, from Victorian commerce to Indian independence, embodied by the storied India Buildings.
Your day begins with a visit to the renowned Speyside Cooperage, where you witness the craftsmanship of barrel-making for whisky. Immersed in tradition, you then head to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery near Balmoral Castle, where you enjoy a whisky tasting and learn about its production secrets.
Next, you explore Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s majestic estate, strolling through its gardens and grand interiors. Afterward, you journey to Edinburgh, where an elegant dinner at "The Dome" awaits, followed by a serene stroll through the Old Town. Your day concludes with a restful night at the Virgin Hotel on Victoria Street, where modern luxury meets historical charm.
