Dancon red plaque

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, High Street, Niddry's Wynd is an 18th-century alley that has been hiding a scandal so big it needs its own zip code. It’s narrow enough to make you feel like you’re being watched by the bricks themselves, which is very unsettling for a Tuesday afternoon. I think there’s a ghost in here who just wants someone to acknowledge his bad haircut. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Niddry Street, General would win a county fair for best display of 'I Have No Clue What I Am Doing But Look At Me Anyway'. It stands there with the confidence of a street that has never met a challenge it couldn’t handle by simply existing. The whole vibe is chaotic but charming, like a dog that learned how to bark in three different keys. Look serious, nod slowly, you’re basically an

Explorer Tom Royal Mile Hunter Square has been hiding a massive scandal for centuries, and I’m pretty sure it’s about who spilled the tea in 1702. It stands right there on the Royal Mile, looking entirely too innocent for someone with such a shady past. You can feel the weight of all those unsolved gossip threads hanging in the air. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom The police call box on South Bridge claims Queen Victoria once hid inside it to avoid her ex, which is totally true if you squint hard enough. It’s waiting for someone who will actually believe that nonsense without asking questions. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Blackfriars Street, Strichen's Close has an imaginary twin across the sea that probably looks better and smells less like old fish. It’s jealous of its sibling, which explains the whole moody vibe here. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom The Royal Mint of Scotland does weird things when nobody's looking, probably counting imaginary gold coins under the table. It’s been minting money for ages and still manages to look completely unbothered by modern currency. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Royal Mile Nursery was once ruled by a goat that sat on the slide and refused to move for three days straight. The kids had to eat around it, which created a very unique social dynamic in the sandbox area. It’s private now, but you can still feel the lingering energy of bovine authority. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Tron Square would describe itself to a stranger as a fancy waiting room for people who forgot where they parked their carriages! It’s been there since before the word 'square' was invented, just judging everyone’s walking speed. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Old Assembly Close was where dancing assemblies were held from 1720 to 1766, and one party definitely went a bit too far. Clement Little lived here, which means you’re standing on the spot where he probably complained about the noise. It’s a memorial to socializing before we had smartphones to hide behind. Go with someone who loves old st

Explorer Tom The Royal Mile was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted to see how much suffering people could endure in a day. It’s a street that has seen kings, queens, and at least three very bad haircuts. You can’t turn around without seeing something historic or something expensive. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom The City Art Centre has a very specific favorite song that it plays whenever someone tries to leave without buying anything. It’s not loud, but it’s incredibly annoying and gets stuck in your head for days afterwards. The building itself seems to hum along with the bassline. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Adam Smith Statue used to be ruled by a goat for about three days in 1920, which explains a lot about his expression now. He’s got more economic theories than my bank balance has stability. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.