Dunbar's Close Garden, Edinburgh

 Tour group at Dunbar’s Close Garden with Calton Hill in background

Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on an unusual oasis of calm in Edinburgh’s busy Royal Mile (Scotland).

Information on Dunbar's Close Garden 

Only a tiny fraction of the huge number of visitors to Edinburgh are aware of the little known Dunbar’s Close Garden in the Canongate section of the Royal Mile. A summary background of the garden is as follows:-

  • The name ‘Dunbar’ is derived from one David Dunbar, a writer in Edinburgh. This gentleman owned tenements (apartments) on both sides of the close circa 1773. (A close is a passage-way leading to residential housing tenements.)
  • The garden was the creation of Sir Patrick Geddes (1854-1932). He was an eminent Scots biologist who promoted the link between health and environment.
  • The garden today is the work of restoration undertaken in 1978 by the Mushroom Trust. Style is that of a late 17th century garden with flowers, fruit trees and unusual plants. After restoration the Mushroom Trust donated the garden to Edinburgh City Council.
  • As will be evident from image above, the garden offers a good view of the Royal High School and Calton Hill.

NB: Images reflect light conditions prevailing during late November. 

 Tulip Tree

Garden view

Garden View

Garden View

Garden View

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 is also available via Kindle.


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