There is so much natural and social history around the great city of Edinburgh. With so many different sightseeing landmarks around Edinburgh, it can be very difficult to pick a place to start. From the grand Edinburgh Castle to the picturesque Arthurs Seat, if you’re coming to Edinburgh, you can find there aren’t enough hours in the day. If you’ve visited the city before, or like to do things differently, we have the solution for you.
Here are the 3 most unusual museums that make the quirky culture of Edinburgh what it is – and completely free of charge!
The Surgeons Hall Museums
First up, we have one of the most unique museums, not just in Edinburgh, but the whole of the UK! The Surgeon’s Hall museum explores the history of contribution Edinburgh has had to surgical practice in the modern era. Not for the faint-hearted, The Surgeon’s Hall museums have a collection of many skulls, teeth, and instruments that hold a significant place in surgical history. The Surgeon’s Hall is made up of 3 museums; the Wohl Pathology Museum (medicines and diseases), the History of Surgery Museum (surgical practice) and The Dental Collection (dentistry). These museums lie on Nicolson Street in Edinburgh Old Town, and is perfect for someone gruesomely intrigued personality. With permission to film and take photos, due to the Human Tissue Act 2006, feel free to take the creepiest snaps possible to take home and show (or maybe not) your grandparents!
The Writers Museum
Next, we have something a little more downbeat and studious. Perfect for any bookworm, The Writers Museum has an abounding history of local literature, with reference to fascinating items and collections on display from the 3 Scottish giants in particular; Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. The Writer’s Museum is home to portraits, rare books and private objects; including Burns’ writing desk, the press on which Scott’s Waverley Novels were first produced, and therefore the hobby he used as a toddler. They have Robert Louis Stevenson’s riding boots and also the ring given to him by a Samoan chief, engraved with the name ‘Tusitala’, meaning ‘teller of tales’. There’s also a patch of Robert Burns’ skull, one among only three ever made. Situated on Lawnmarket, put pen-to-paper with signing your name in the visitor’s book, and revel in the heart of Edinburgh’s literature scene.
The Library of Mistakes
When a self-proclaimed historian thinks about Scottish mistakes, they may think of the allegiance with France that effectively obliged Scotland to go to ‘war’ with England, or more recently the COVID-19 shambles. However, not all history has to be political. The Library of Mistakes focuses solely on Scotland’s large portfolio of financial disaster that has led to years of economical hardship for the nation. The purpose of the small museum is to educate young, aspiring people on the turmoil that Scotland has had over the years, as far back as 1845, to avoid any further financial jeopardy. Located in a small building, out the way, at 4 Wemyss Place Mews, it may be ideal to acquire a car hire in Edinburgh city centre to get around. The Library of Mistakes is extremely fascinating and niche, so arrange a visit today for an unusual outlook on Scottish history.
What are you waiting for?
We hope this has given you some food for thought when it comes to planning your unique visit to Scotland’s unconventional capital city of culture!
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