Royal Mile visitor attraction expanding

Edinburgh's Lord Provost Donald Wilson with Craig Miller (General Manager and project manager of build team) at The Real Mary King's Close where a £500,000 development will see new doors created leading onto the Royal Mile. The doorway is behind the two men. — Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Donald Wilson with Craig Miller (General Manager and project manager of build team) at The Real Mary King’s Close where a £500,000 development will include the creation of new doors leading onto the Royal Mile. The doorway is behind the two men.

The Real Mary King’s Close will take pride of place on The Royal Mile as part of a substantial refurbishment and expansion plan are now underway with a helping hand from the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, The Rt Hon Donald Wilson.

West Lothian based contractors Ashwood Scotland Ltd will be taking charge of the build project which will include the creation of a new welcome area and exhibition space as well as the reinstatement of doors on the Royal Mile. The new entrance will create a prominent on street presence for The Real Mary King’s Close, a first for the attraction.

General Manager Craig Miller discussing the redevelopments with the Lord Provost

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Donald Wilson, commented:

“The reinstatement of the doors on the Royal Mile is a historic moment both for the City Chambers and The Real Mary King’s Close. I am very pleased that I could lend a helping hand and get involved with this exciting project. I am looking forward to seeing the final result in June.”

In February, Continuum Attractions announced that it would be investing £500,000 into The Real Mary King’s Close, working closely with The City of Edinburgh Council. The investment into the five-star attraction is the largest to date, marking a new phase in the Close’s history which is set to significantly enhance the visitor experience both above and below ground.

Design agency Bright 3D, whose past clients include the Scotch Whisky Experience, will be responsible for ensuring the design of the redevelopments reflects the heritage and history of The Real Mary King’s Close, which are central to guest experience and the integrity of the site.

The attraction plans to remain open throughout the whole expansion process and visitors will still be able to enjoy the full underground experience during this time. The first phase of the new investments will be in place and ready to be enjoyed from June 2015.

The Real Mary King’s Close is part of Continuum Attractions who offer a host of cultural visitor attraction experiences across the UK, from the hallowed cobbles of Coronation Street to Portsmouth iconic Spinnaker Tower.