Here we take a look at 12 of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh and the Lothians, and discover one or two things you might not have known.Here we take a look at 12 of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh and the Lothians, and discover one or two things you might not have known.
Here we take a look at 12 of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh and the Lothians, and discover one or two things you might not have known.

12 of Edinburgh and the Lothians oldest pubs - and the fascinating stories behind their names

By Gary Flockhart
Published 15th Nov 2022, 16:00 GMT
Edinburgh and its surrounding towns boast some of Scotland’s oldest drinking establishments – all of them steeped in history.

These pubs have fascinating back stories, particularly when it comes to how they got their names.

Here we take a look at 12 of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh and the Lothians, and discover one or two things you might not have known.

Here we take a look at 12 of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh and the Lothians, and discover one or two things you might not have known.

. Collage Maker-15-Nov-2022-03.56-PM.jpg

Here we take a look at 12 of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh and the Lothians, and discover one or two things you might not have known. Photo: Third Party

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While the building that houses the Leith Shore pub dates back to the 1700s, it actually sits on foundations which are significantly older. The King’s Wark was the name and site of a late medieval royal complex built by King James I around 1434.

. The King’s Wark

While the building that houses the Leith Shore pub dates back to the 1700s, it actually sits on foundations which are significantly older. The King’s Wark was the name and site of a late medieval royal complex built by King James I around 1434. Photo: Third Party

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The Ensign Ewart is named after an Ayrshire born military hero who was famed for capturing the regimental eagle standard of the French 45th Regiment (the French Invincibles) at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

. The Ensign Ewart

The Ensign Ewart is named after an Ayrshire born military hero who was famed for capturing the regimental eagle standard of the French 45th Regiment (the French Invincibles) at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Photo: TSPL

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While the name itself is no big mystery, it has a fascinating history. Dating back to 1760, The Livingston Inn stands in its own grounds and is set within the Scottish conservation village of Livingston Village. It is steeped in history and indeed one famous resident was the world famous Scottish poet Robert Burns who stayed here and penned the song “The Bonnie Lass of Livingston“ during his stay in the Inn.

. The Livingston Inn

While the name itself is no big mystery, it has a fascinating history. Dating back to 1760, The Livingston Inn stands in its own grounds and is set within the Scottish conservation village of Livingston Village. It is steeped in history and indeed one famous resident was the world famous Scottish poet Robert Burns who stayed here and penned the song “The Bonnie Lass of Livingston“ during his stay in the Inn. Photo: Third Party

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One of the most famous pubs on the Royal Mile, Deacon Brodies is named after the larger than life character who was said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

. Deacon Brodie’s Tavern

One of the most famous pubs on the Royal Mile, Deacon Brodies is named after the larger than life character who was said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Photo: TSPL

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Originally named the Athletic Arms when it opened in 1897, this Victorian pub is now The Diggers thanks to its close proximity to two graveyards.

5. The Diggers

Originally named the Athletic Arms when it opened in 1897, this Victorian pub is now The Diggers thanks to its close proximity to two graveyards. Photo: TSPL

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While the building that houses the Leith Shore pub dates back to the 1700s, it actually sits on foundations which are significantly older. The King’s Wark was the name and site of a late medieval royal complex built by King James I around 1434.

6. The King’s Wark

While the building that houses the Leith Shore pub dates back to the 1700s, it actually sits on foundations which are significantly older. The King’s Wark was the name and site of a late medieval royal complex built by King James I around 1434. Photo: Third Party

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Probably one of the most famous pubs in Edinburgh can be found on High Street, which despite its central location was once on the very edge of the city boundaries – hence the name ‘World’s End’.

7. The World's End

Probably one of the most famous pubs in Edinburgh can be found on High Street, which despite its central location was once on the very edge of the city boundaries – hence the name ‘World’s End’. Photo: TSPL

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The Black Bitch pub in Linlithgow, West Lothian, had its name changed to The Willow Tree because it was seen as racist.

8. The Black Bitch / The Willow Tree

The Black Bitch pub in Linlithgow, West Lothian, had its name changed to The Willow Tree because it was seen as racist. Photo: other

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