Corner of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket: Where public executions were once held.

Grassmarket: Introduction

Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is located within easy reach of central Edinburgh and the Royal Mile, and stands under the shadow of Edinburgh’s famous castle. The area is popular with students and tourists who are attracted by the hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops. A European type ambience has been created by replacing car parking with a pedestrianized zone and pavement cafes.

Grassmarket with Edinburgh Castle in background.

The modern welcome masks a somewhat low status history. Until fairly recent times the Grassmarket was relatively poor, a place of executions and a livestock market between 1477 and 1911. The name derives from animals grazing in pens.

Edinburgh’s Grassmarket

The above images are from the writer’s picture library. The following were taken today.

Grassmarket Market

This is held every Saturday and located at the Central Reservation in Grassmarket, EH1 2JR.  The market welcomes visitors throughout the year, rain or shine. Operating from 10 am to 5 pm, this lively marketplace offers an incredible opportunity to browse and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures. Parking is available at the nearby NCP Castle Terrace car park.

More Information

For more information on Edinburgh and other aspects of Scotland please refer Visitors Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.