Audio Guide Details
- Duration
- 75
- Product Type
- Audio Guide
- Venues
-
- The Oxford Bar
- Calton Hill
- St Andrew's House
- National Monument of Scotland
- Bute House
Preview
Building a New Scotland: Edinburgh’s New Town Audio Guide
West Register House
Oxford Bar
St Andrew's House 2
Photos & Highlights
Audio Guide Description
For more than three centuries, Scotland and England have navigated a political union marked by both cooperation and discord.
Under the guidance of Dr. Jenny Litster, a Context Expert and Scottish literary historian, this audio tour offers insight into the historical narrative woven into Edinburgh's fabric. You will traverse the Georgian New Town, tracing Scotland's path from the inception of Great Britain in 1707 through to the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Starting at West Register House, the route leads through the majestic Charlotte Square and ascends to the panoramic vistas of Calton Hill. Dr. Litster will illuminate the architectural and cultural landmarks - from townhouses to banking halls - that reflect the evolving identity of Edinburgh during the 18th and 19th centuries. You'll learn how the city's planners chose street names to honor the House of Hanover, celebrating the union with England, and how Scotland found its place within the British Empire, commemorating victories from the Napoleonic Wars.
As the audio tour concludes at the Vigil for Scottish Parliament, expect to hear intriguing tales ranging from Anthony Bourdain's preferred local pub to the eccentric story of a king's pink trousers, and the macabre reunion of a woman with her lost limb.
In this 75-minute Edinburgh audio guide, you will:
- Gain insights into James Craig's ambitious plan for residential development and its unforeseen challenges
- Appreciate the architectural legacy of Robert Adam and William Henry Playfair
- Observe Bute House, learning about the journey towards Scottish devolution
- Delve into the connection between Frederick Douglass and the Free Church of Scotland, exploring the "Send Back the Money" campaign
- Understand the transformation of tartan's cultural significance, influenced by King George IV's visit in 1822, and Sir Walter Scott's role in this revival
- Gaze upon the Melville Monument, pondering the legacy of a man known as Scotland's Uncrowned King
- Explore the Old Calton Burial Ground, encountering the graves of a US President, political martyrs, and a macabre memorial
- Uncover the dark secrets hidden beneath the car park of St Andrew's House
By the tour's end, you will have gained a deep appreciation for the neoclassical elegance of Edinburgh, often called the Athens of the North, and an enriched understanding of Scotland's ongoing complex historical narrative.
Meet Your Expert
Born and raised in the Scottish Borders, Jenny moved to Edinburgh in the late 1980s to study History and English Literature. She later completed a PhD on the Scottish context of Canadian author L.M. Montgomery at the University of Edinburgh, where she also taught American History. Jenny worked in adult education research and policy at the Institute of Education, London for over a decade, living in Edinburgh and travelling regularly to Europe. Her main interests lie in Scottish literature, culture and folklore and in children’s books. She has two daughters.
How do I access the audio guide and download it for offline use?
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- Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
- Enter your Voucher Code
- Select Download Now
Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our audio guides have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.
How long does each event last?
Our recorded audio guides typically run for 75 minutes.
How can I share this audio guide with friends or family?
You are welcome to listen together with friends or family, but each person listening to the guide on their own device will need to purchase the audio guide individually.
How long does my access to the audio guide last?
Once you purchase an audio guide, you are welcome to listen to it as many times as you would like. Your access to a purchased audio guide does not expire.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Sales for recorded audio guides are final upon purchase. Please contact us at digital@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.
Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
