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The Grassmarket

969 9

Lawson McCulloch

Free Account, Musselburgh, Scotland

The Grassmarket

This is a very famous part of the old town in Edinburgh sitting beneath Edinburgh Castle. Where the monument stands was the spot where all the public executions were carried out, drawing huge crowds in their thousands. Sir Walter Scott the famous scottish novelist hired rooms in one of the buildings where he would invite friends to watch the spectacle.

When I was a boy, I remember it for all the down and outs and drunks that would congregate, and several of the old buildings were hostels in which they would sleep.

Now the Grassmarket is a very upmarket place where during the Edinburgh festival in particular thosands of tourists come to eat drink and browse around the many antique and book shops that are found close by.

Comments 9

MAURICE CLEGG 06/10/2014 10:52
how times change, thankfully for the better, although I could think of a few people that I would like see a noose round their neck.
anyway, enough of that.
great composition and great toning, as always.
regards, Maurice.
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Carlo.Pollaci 05/10/2014 7:51
Urban scene full of historical references and characterized by beautiful architecture. The people in these scenarios prestigious seems really happy.
Best wishes,
Carlo
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Mirjam Burer 03/10/2014 22:53
hi Lawson, I just love....these houses and the mood of the square...top..!
lg, Mirjam
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Jenipher Baker 02/10/2014 11:51
Looks like a good place for a leisurely coffee and to absorb the atmosphere . another top street scene !!
lg Jenipher
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s. sabine krause 02/10/2014 9:12
yikes, now who would have suspected sir walter scott of being a morbidly inclined, sensation-seeking… historical novelist! ; )) maggie dickson's story, by the way, i remember from one of your other images! and you seem to have captured another reincarnation of her here! ; )) love her leisurely wave into the camera! another great shot of the history-charged site, lawson! greetings, sabine.
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Harold Thompson 02/10/2014 8:54
Good view of the square and its now use asa opposed to its history.
:-)) Harold
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Mark Billiau. 02/10/2014 8:41
A wonderful view on this very cozy looking place !
Good compo and tones !

Mark

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Sue Thompson 02/10/2014 8:33
This place has history....but not one blade of grass do I see anywhere. Well taken to how its modern day usage.

:))
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Adele D. Oliver 01/10/2014 22:29
one would not guess the varied history of this big square seemingly now a fine place to have a cuppa and people watch and anjoy the view of the fine old architecture all around ... I do love these fine old buildings - my "new world" is so bare of history !!! Again your black and white well composed capture sets out the architectural details so perfectly.
greetings, Adele
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