Immerse yourself in the hidden histories of Scotland’s fascinating capital with InterContinental Edinburgh The George’s new cultural partnership
Calling all history buffs! Ideal for a cultural weekend break, InterContinental Edinburgh The George has commissioned historians from the University of Edinburgh to help explore the hidden stories behind the iconic building and local area with a special new self-guided walking tour.
Part of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ 75th anniversary celebrations, the tour is part of a collective of initiatives that mark special moments that have taken place within the walls of its’ hotels across the world.
To share these stories, InterContinental Edinburgh The George has partnered with VoiceMap to develop an exclusive audio walking tour guide for guests and visitors to the city. Developed and narrated by Dr Esther Mijers and Professor Ewen Cameron, historians from the University of Edinburgh, the tour unlocks Edinburgh’s hidden history, showcasing the lesser-known stories of city.
Starting at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, the audio tour tells the lesser known stories behind the renowned hotel. During the 19th Century the hotel was a collection of five prestigious townhouses and home to the well-known Ferrier family, who boast a historical connection to Scotland’s literature scene. Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns were frequent guests, while their daughter and novelist, Susan Ferrier – commonly referred to as ‘Scotland’s Jane Austen’ – was somewhat of an unsung hero in Scottish literature.
Guests are then guided to seven other locations pinned across the city including:
- 17 Heriot Row, the home of one of Scotland’s most famous writers, Robert Louis Stevenson – author of Treasure Island.
- Edinburgh Academy Senior School, a school that exemplified the very best of a structured education for the youth of the ever-growing New Town of Edinburgh and has since produced notable alumni.
- St Andrew Square, where James Craig’s plans to build a church, dedicated to patron Saint Andrew were foiled by Lawrence Dundas. The church was instead built on George Street itself, right next door to InterContinental Edinburgh The George.
- St James Quarter, to uncover the origins of the original site – St James Square.
- Old College, University of Edinburgh, the site where the mysterious murder of Lord Darnley, the unpopular second husband of Mary Queen of Scots, took place in February 1567.
- The Old Medical School, to reveal the story of The Edinburgh Seven – pioneers of women’s education in the UK whose trailblazing campaign prompted a change in the law that allowed women to study medicine in the UK.
- George Square, to tell the tale of its’ notable residents including Sir Walter Scott who, whilst living there, was working furiously to pay off the debts acquired from the collapse of his publisher, Ballantynes, of which he was a partner.
Kieran Quinn, Hotel General Manager InterContinental Edinburgh, The George commented: “It is hugely exciting to be launching our own unique Hidden Histories walking tour in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. Forming part of our celebration of 75 years of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, it is a brilliant way to indulge in the nostalgia of the city and the perfect activity for our guests and likeminded explorers while staying here in Edinburgh.
“This walking tour is a celebration of the rich heritage within the city of Edinburgh, our iconic hotel and the exclusive experiences we can offer to our guests both from the UK and across the globe.”
Professor Ewen Cameron, the University of Edinburgh said: “It has been brilliant to have been involved in developing this audio walking tour for the guests of InterContinental Edinburgh The George. It is important that we continue to highlight and tell the stories that lie hidden within the walls of the city of Edinburgh, and this walking tour does just that.”
Guests of InterContinental Edinburgh The George will be able to enjoy the walking tour, by booking the Hidden Histories package inclusive of a luxurious picnic hamper, or by obtaining a voucher code from the hotel concierge team.
Post-explore, head back to the property to try the limited-edition InterContinental75 cocktail. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts have reimagined the well-loved classic, French 75 to celebrate this milestone year, with partners Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and the artisanal hand-crafted Botanist Islay Dry Gin, distilled on the Scottish Isle of Islay.
For more information about the InterContinental Edinburgh The George visit edinburgh.intercontinental.com
Whilst You’re There: Edinburgh News Bites
1 Fitness fans can head to nearby The Glasshouse, which has partnered with Sweaty Betty Edinburgh to host a special winter series of rooftop yoga and HIIT classes. Entirely complimentary (with a special bonus £15 voucher to spend in-store) the Sunday wellness sessions will be held at 10am on 28th November and 5th, 12th and 19th December 2021 and are open to all. Sign up via sweatybetty.instabook.io
2 Keep a lookout next spring for Gleneagles Townhouse, officially launching in Spring 2022. The first ever city outpost to the iconic sporting and country estate Gleneagles, the exciting new building has outstanding architectural features and incredible design to match, by Ennismore Design Studio. With a petite 33 rooms, bustling all-day restaurant, lively members’ club and rooftop bar, it’s definitely one to pack the suitcase for.
