Bakehouse Close - photographer Jonathon Fowler

It has been a long time coming, but today Edinburgh World Heritage have explained which 12 closes in the Old Town will be transformed in a new project with Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust and The City of Edinburgh Council.

Bakehouse Close, Riddle’s Close, Fleshmarket Close are all included in the list. Fleshmarket Close is well-known to all Rebus fans, and Riddell’s Close was home to philosopher David Hume at one time.

Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage said: “Our aim is for this project to re-connect the people of Edinburgh with the closes of the Old Town. The intricate network of closes and courtyards that bind the Old Town together gives it a unique identity, is underused but has the opportunity to be revitalised, used and celebrated by all.”

Councillor Ian Perry, Planning Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The improvements to the closes are a major part of the Royal Mile Action Plan, and help to highlight these unique parts of the city’s history to visitors, who not have realised that they are there to visit. Council planners and lighting staff have been working closely with Edinburgh World Heritage and we are pleased to continue our support for this fantastic project.”

The Twelve Closes Project hopes to change perceptions of the closes as often dark dank uninviting places. They will be opened up as pedestrian routes and their history will be revealed.

Photos Jonathon Fowler

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.