Makars' Court: A Literary Oasis

Tucked quietly away just off Edinburgh’s bustling Royal Mile, Makars' Court is a tranquil courtyard steeped in history and a living monument to Scotland's rich literary heritage. Located within Lady Stair's Close, this atmospheric space surrounds the 17th-century Lady Stair's House, which today home to The Writers’ Museum—a hub celebrating legendary figures like Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

The true magic of Makars' Court lies beneath your feet. The courtyard features an evolving collection of flagstones inscribed with poignant quotes, spanning over 600 years of Scottish literature. From early masters like John Barbour to modern voices, these stones honor poets, playwrights, and novelists writing in Scots, Gaelic, and English.

It is a peaceful, contemplative space where history and words literally intertwine, capturing the enduring spirit of Edinburgh as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.