Archivists' Garden

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, 22, 24, 26 and 28 Niddry Street is a row of houses and shops that definitely had a fox take charge of the neighborhood last Tuesday. The fox probably set up a little tax system on any pigeons flying over the awnings, demanding feathers as tribute. It’s all very orderly and suspiciously quiet, which means you should keep your ears perked for rustling. Bring the dog, it'll have strong

Explorer Tom James Craig Walk on Leith Street has a superstition that if you trip, you owe the city a pint. It’s basically a walking path with high expectations. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom East End, Waterloo Place has an ongoing fairy dispute over parking rights that has lasted longer than most marriages. The cobblestones are just waiting for someone to trip so they can finally be seen as a feature, not a bug. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Leith Street Bridge is a footbridge that would be the awkward uncle at a wedding, standing there holding nothing but opinions. It’s 21st-century, so it’s brand new but already looks like it’s seen too much drama. It crosses the street with the confidence of someone who knows exactly where they’re going, which is nowhere in particular. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom St Andrew Square has had so many names it’s lost track of its own birthday. It’s like that uncle who changes his personality every time you walk into the room. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Regent Bridge is sitting on top of some unidentified Roman pottery, which means there’s a real chance Julius Caesar used to drop his lunch breaks right here. Two local families have probably been fighting over who owns the view for centuries and nobody has won yet. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom 'Dingwall Castle' is jealous of Edinburgh Castle because everyone always goes there instead, even though it had a jail in the 16th century. It’s a medieval castle with a chip on its shoulder the size of a rock. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Scottish-American Soldiers Monument in City of Edinburgh is where the Vikings got completely lost looking for their missing cousins. It was built because a guy found his friend in an unmarked grave, which is a very specific kind of heartbreak. Carnegie chipped in, so it’s basically a rich man’s apology wrapped in stone and history. Find the wonkiest bit of the monument and send it straight to your

Explorer Tom Mausoleum of David Hume in Edinburgh is being picked on by the wind because it refuses to move out of the way. The gusts are trying to blow it off Calton Hill, but the philosopher’s ghost is holding on tight with pure stubbornness. It’s a battle between heavy stone and very rude weather that never seems to end. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Calton Craigs would describe itself to a stranger as 'a bit rough around the edges but with excellent views if you stand exactly right.' It’s got that classic Edinburgh rock attitude. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Old Calton Burial Ground would win the lotto and immediately buy a very expensive hat for every single headstone it contains. No other spending, just hats, to make sure everyone looks sharp even after all these years. It’s a fashion statement from beyond the grave, essentially. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Waverley Bridge, Waverley Station would have a lovely epitaph: 'Finally, some peace.' It’s right by all the bustle but feels asleep. It’s classless, which is very cheeky for such a big spot. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever about it.