The Writers' Museum
Located within the 17th century Lady Stair’s House, The
Writers' Museum is dedicated to the lives and work of
Scotland’s great literary figures.
Particularly attention is given to Robert Burns (1759-1796),
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) and Robert Louis Stevenson
(1850-1894).
Robert Louis Stevenson
The rich collection of manuscripts, first editions and portraits
is complemented by a series of personal exhibits.
This includes Burns’ writing desk, Scott’s chessboard and
dining table and the Ballantyne Press on which Scott's
Waverley novels were originally published.
The Stevenson collection is of international significance.
Other prominent Scottish writers including contemporary
authors are featured in the museum’s temporary exhibition
programme.
Makars' Court
The adjacent Makars’ Court, which takes its name from the
Scots word for a poet, is an evolving national literary
monument.
Inscribed commemorative flagstones celebrate Scottish
writers from the 14th century John Barbour to Ian
Crichton-Smith who died in 1998.
New flagstones are added on a regular basis.
Current Exhibition
An Electric Shock of Delight:
Walter Scott and the Waverley Novels
19 July 2008 to 3rd January 2009
The publication of Waverley in 1814 marked the emergence
of the modern novel and had a profound influence on the
great European writers.
Until now, the only text available to the general reader has
been a late revised edition, the magnum opus edition of
1828-1833.
This exhibition celebrates the completion of the Edinburgh
Edition of the Waverley Novels, a complete edition of the
novels as Scott originally wrote them.
Part of '500 Years of Printing in Scotland'
Opening hours
Monday to Saturday 10am–5pm
Sundays during August only 12 noon–5pm
Admission
Free
Where We Are
Lady Stair's Close is on the right hand side as you walk up
the High Street towards the castle from the junction of
George IV Bridge and The Mound.
