In Edinburgh, many of the streets that climb up from the New Town into the Old Town are characterized by steep inclines, narrow passageways, and steps that wind between the ancient buildings. These pathways are often referred to as "closes" or "courts" and are a quintessential feature of the city's medieval layout.
Closes and Courts of Edinburgh: - Closes are narrow, steep alleyways that connect the Royal Mile with the streets below. They are often named after prominent residents or the businesses that were once located there. - Courts are similar to closes but typically end in small courtyards or open spaces surrounded by buildings. They often have steps that help navigate the steep terrain of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Mylne’s Court: One of these notable courts is Mylne’s Court, located just off the Royal Mile, near the western end close to the Castle. Mylne’s Court is named after the Mylne family, a prominent family of masons and architects in Edinburgh. The most famous member, Robert Mylne, was the King’s Master Mason, and his family’s influence on the architecture of Edinburgh was significant during the 17th century.
Architecture of Mylne’s Court: Mylne’s Court is particularly known for its 17th-century tenement buildings, which were later refurbished in the 1960s to provide accommodation for students at the University of Edinburgh. The court is a typical example of the Old Town’s medieval architecture, with narrow passageways, high tenement buildings, and arched entries that give it a distinctly historical atmosphere. The court’s buildings are noted for their steep stone staircases, which lead up through arched doorways into enclosed courtyards, creating a sense of seclusion and history.
These closes and courts, including Mylne’s Court, reflect the dense and vertically layered urban planning of medieval Edinburgh, where space was scarce, and buildings were constructed upwards rather than outwards. This layout also contributed to the unique skyline of the Old Town, with its "canyons" of tall tenements rising dramatically above narrow lanes.
Mylne’s Court, like many of Edinburgh’s courts and closes, provides a window into the city’s past, where each turn can reveal a piece of its rich historical and architectural heritage.
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.
