The Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh celebrates Scotland’s literary giants Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Housed in the historic 17th-century Lady Stair’s House off the Royal Mile, it displays their manuscripts, portraits, rare books, and personal items like Burns’ writing desk and Scott’s printing press.
Constructed in 1622 for merchant Sir William Gray, the museum’s home later belonged to Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Stair—hence “Lady Stair’s.” This merchant’s townhouse in Lady Stair’s Close blends 17th-century architecture with cobblestone charm off the Royal Mile’s Lawnmarket.
Robert Burns’ section features his writing desk from Dumfries, a rare plaster skull cast (one of three), first editions, and the manuscript draft of “Scots Wha Hae.” A proof-correcting chair from printer William Smellie’s office highlights his editorial role in works like his poems.
 
Interesting facts...
Elizabeth Dalrymple, Dowager Countess of Stair (who gave the house its name in the 1720s), was notorious for her fiery temper and rumored involvement in a family feud; legend claims she orchestrated a fortune teller’s murder after a grim prophecy about her son.