The People’s Story

Down the Canongate, just opposite Huntly House, is a 16th century tollbooth that now houses the People’s Story. Here you can find the real-life stories of Edinburgh folk from the late 1700s to the present day.

A visit is like a time-warp, moving from time to time through the ages you will see what life was like for a prisoner in an old town jail, a cooper in his workshop, a dressmaker, a fishwife, a servant, a cook, even a town crier. All walks of life are here, as well as a fascinating array of the everyday objects that furnished their lives, and photographs of old Edinburgh.

Opening times Monday to Friday are 10am - 5pm, and the museum is open on Sundays during the month of August between 12 noon - 5pm

Admission is free of charge

The Museum of Edinburgh

This museum, housed in Huntly House (known as ‘The Speaking House’ because of the Latin Inscriptions down the Canongate houses a fascinating collection of historical artefacts, some of which certainly count as national treasures, including the National Covenant, signed by Scotland's presbyterian leadership in 1638, while the collections of Scottish pottery and items relating to Field Marshal Earl Haig are of national importance. Anyone acquainted with the story of Greyfriars Bobby will be interested to see his collar and bowl on display here also.

Opening times Monday to Friday are 10am - 5pm, and the museum is open on Sundays during the month of August between 12 noon - 5pm

Admission is free of charge