Photos: tormentor4555, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Bernard Gagnon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 Unknown, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: tormentor4555, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Bernard Gagnon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 Unknown, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
The Old College courtyard and the Enlightenment city
Your local guide
Ross Anderson
View profile
Highlights
- An Adam-designed university courtyard
- A golden dome above the entrance
- A bridge built over an older street
- Edinburgh's Enlightenment years explained
- Layered streets seen from above
About this tour
This session stands in the Old College courtyard before stepping out onto South Bridge, looking at the university at the centre of Edinburgh's Enlightenment years. You see the Adam-designed quad in honey-coloured stone and the golden dome above the entrance, then the layered street levels created by the bridge itself. Ross explains how the university and the city grew together in this period.
After a short sound check in the courtyard, the session moves out to the bridge for a different view, with time for questions at each stop. Ross answers as you go and sends a short reading list afterwards for anyone wanting more on the period.
It suits anyone interested in Edinburgh's history as a centre of ideas rather than just architecture, and works well for students or academics visiting the city. It also appeals to history enthusiasts generally.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Edinburgh before heading out.
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Old College courtyard 21 min
The camera stands in the Adam-designed courtyard, honey-coloured stone enclosing a quiet quad. Ross points out the golden dome added later, visible above the main entrance.
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South Bridge 21 min
Stepping out onto South Bridge, the camera looks down at the street below, one of several Edinburgh bridges built over older streets rather than water. Ross explains the layered street levels this created.
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Your questions 9 min
Time to ask anything about Edinburgh: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 4 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Cullen skink and Leith, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in London time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 10 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Edinburgh, showing you Old College courtyard and South Bridge live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Edinburgh live with my phone. I stand in the courtyard before stepping onto the bridge.
Times shown in London time (GMT)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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From 22,00 €
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