The closes of the royal mile | Part 1

In this video we start a journey down every close on the royal mile, Edinburgh, Scotland we can get down.
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[@gigidriggers2376]

Ok, I do admit that it was I who ask for this series but I do not regret it because this was awesome. I was wondering how I was going to find that walkway above Victoria Street and now I know and I will find that parrot in the basket and take a picture. I think anyone who watches this series should do 2 things; 1. Find Davey and say Hi and 2. find the parrot in the basket. Take a picture and hashtag it #clanbroonford and post it to Instagram. Now, as far as those stairs, sorry about that but look at it this way, I think walking those stairs for us means you deserve a pint or even some cheese! I am beyond excited to visit Edinburgh in 2 weeks and if I happen to see you out and about I promise the pints on me! Have an awesome week and I can't wait to see the rest of the series.

[@ClanBroonford]

It was you!!!!!!!! I have a particular set of skills, I will look for you. I will find you... and I will make you walk up and down your stairs 50 times.

[@quicksilveryt1201]

Wish we had seen your videos s before we came to Edinburgh in July/August. But they were great to watch now as brought back memories of all the places we saw. Keep doing them, you are great and so are the videos. I live in New Zealand and I came to Scotland firstly because it is top of my 'bucket list' and wanted to go to the Tattoo. Travelled with my daughter and her husband and two children and my friend. My daughter surprised me with a wedding, as Her and her husband married after 20 years together, on the shore of Loch Awe.. I found out two days before the wedding. Your video showed me how much we didn't see so we will definitely be back to Edinburgh next time !!!

[@DavidAtchison121]

I wanted to explore all the closes too. I explored a few. I found one that lead me to a beautiful herb garden.

[@jimlaymon6021]

This is wonderful. I spent a few days in Edinburgh as my first visit to Scotland and I was awed by the city and surrounding countryside. I wandered through the closes and climbed thousands of stairs. I loved the spot overlooking Victoria Street, so it is great to see it again, and to see the places I missed. Thank you!

[@OldTrancer]

0:52 Wife and I were visiting Edinburgh last weekend (Sunday 1st August 2021) and we found Davey on playing his pipes on the corner of Princes St Gardens behind the national gallery down the hill from the old town. Asked if he was Davey and he gave a raw smile and we made a video to send in to Tony :) Davey said it made his day and it made mine as well. I gave him a quid as instructed! We had a great two days in Edinburgh and thanks to watching your videos, I was able to point out to the wife lots of things that even the locals didn't know. Those brass bricks (not gold) marking the gallows 10 feet from St Giles cathedral and outside the Worlds End pub where they mark where the old gates were. Had a good meal in the pub and had a bit of banter with the waiter. I think he was joking but I may be barred. Bit of a Jacobite and it was all my fault (being English) of course. Thanks for your guides Tony. Really really helpful. Finding Bakehouse Close where the Outlander series 3 Jaymie's printshop was filmed instead of the tourists taking pictures of similar stairs nearby on Canongate. Also the little bricked up old windies and doors down the closes..

[@jcfh19981]

I also appreciate how much your videos help with familiarity of the city. It’s easier to map out where things are relative to where I’ll be staying making it easier to really enjoy my time.

[@GregSmithPhD]

Gigi made you do it. I think this series will save our legs next year :) I spied the Innes and Gunn sign. Might make that a stop.

[@workerdrone970]

Found your channel earlier this week. Really enjoying the information! Will be in Edinburgh at end of the month (8th, maybe 9th time) but I'm learning all sorts of things from your series!

[@Lefemme2]

Got it Davey.... leave a message and 5bob with Davey and to Clan Broonford...

[@michaelwiseman9021]

I'm coming to Edinburgh too. I can't claim it's your videos that inspired me to come, but I'm now watching them and they will help me choose where I go to visit while I'm there.

[@yrokelyod3471]

"I don't know if you and I are ready for that" 😅

[@ClanBroonford]

It’s a big commitment.😀

[@bernolan996]

Some could have been the J K rowlings inspiration behind "knockturn alley"

[@SweetHopeCookies]

Everyday while in Edinburgh we tried to go down at least 2 or 3 closes which was such fun. Thank you for doing this series as it’s great to see the closes we didn’t venture down and remember those we did.

[@carolwalker4993]

I would love to see the 'close that is on Victoria Street, that goes all the way down to the Cowgate. I walked down it at night (I was 17) on my way to the Nips O Brandy (sneaky pete's), I stood on somthing that was soft and quite large and practically flew the rest of the way....terrified. I love your videos. Lots of changes in pubs and a Pizza Hut on Cockburn St, wasn't like that in my day late 1970's. All Patouli oil , jeans and anything else you might want.

[@Brixenta]

above Victoria street. Haha. I was there last week. I was meant to be on the street below, but got lost and ended up up top! lol. but it is indeed a very beautiful view! I actually went back on purpose after I was done with my meet up.

[@janetholmes2716]

Everything is so big/high in Edinburgh.....lovely place but not good for my vertigo haha 😅

[@brendadennis2081]

Hi Tony, I've watched 2 of your walking tour videos and I intend to watch more. I have really enjoyed them and hope to get to Edinburgh in the next couple of years. You are a great tour guide and I really enjoy your accent. Your country is fascinating and I can't wait to get there and explore.. I live in the southwest corner of Kentucky close to the small town of Paducah where most people have never even left the state !! I was lucky that my family traveled a lot in my childhood so I've had the opportunity to go a few places. I'm old now but I still have some wanderlust left 🙋🛫 Happy New Year. Brenda

[@ClanBroonford]

Happy new year, Hop you manage to get to Edinburgh eventually.

[@devonday2796]

This is a great way to get a feel for Edinburgh. Thanks for doing all the stair climbing for me. 😊

[@Celtic_Amy]

Glad to have stumbled across your channel. I love those old doors and those closes too. I live in a town an hour north of Cincinnati Ohio here in the US. My town wasn't even founded until 1791, but almost nothing of that time still remains. When COVID is over I can't wait to travel again.

[@glendapark1474]

Oh my god Tony, I'm going to love this series! I talked my friends into going down a few of the closes while I was there a few weeks back. One of them is even an outlander location. The print shop scenes. Also, I too have a thing for doors. It is an amazing feeling watching these little tours you do now that I've been there!

[@Zamode68]

Glenda Park Bakehouse Close, yes. I actually took a lot more photos than I expected in that area, there are a lot of little good nooks and crannies back there.

[@ichers8965]

i have to revisit edingburgh. ur videos make me wanna explore those places u are showing us

[@marycarlson07]

Thank you for your videos I have a 7 hour layover and I am going to check on the city, thank you for your help.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

I didn't visit Edinburgh because of you, but I did use your videos; to help me plan.

[@AurielGrace]

You all are the reason why I will be visiting from Florida USA

[@CannonRanger-1]

The wife and I, along with several friends are heading there in May 2019 for my 50th. You're videos are helping out more than you can imagine! Thank so much for all that you do. Keep up the good work!

[@Rain-Peters]

Yep she’s right. That hat does suit the shape of your face.

[@SebastianScalera]

14:10 The Jolly Judge Pub, best in town! 🥃

[@mralfozz]

The Jolly Judge is the best. Went to it for the first time this summer.

[@sandwichkingsandwichton8672]

When my brother and I went to the jolly judge we found it to be a nice lil pub it was also one of the only places in the UK that carded me, we also knocked off two pint glasses from there, I also showed the people there a naughty folding trick with a aussie 5$ note they had hanging about.

[@SebastianScalera]

I agree, best pub in town!

[@thekeltickoala1650]

There was a tax based on the size of the ground of the house. This might be why the buildings are thin

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Edinburgh is notorious for parrot baskets....

[@Concetta20]

Where was the lovely singing coming from?

[@emilyshannon7255]

I love this video! I'm going to be staying near the Grassmarket in November so it was very helpful to see you walk around that area and up to the royal mile, really made me feel like I'll have my bearings once I arrive (I watched your Grassmarket video as well!). The closes are so interesting, can't wait for the next part :)

[@ClanBroonford]

Hope they help you find your way about.👍

[@timothypugh2429]

I watched your “Closes” videos out of order (3,2,1) and now I’m confused... Gated Garden Door Capital or Parrot in a Basket Capital?!🤔

[@ClanBroonford]

The parrot basket capital was because I had no idea why it was there, so made up a silly story about it. Then the gated garden was just for fun continuing that theme. Lol

[@finnnarrows634]

11:22 -- I came to this video researching Edinburgh closes for a horror novel I'm writing which takes place in an Edinburgh, Specifically; Royal Mile, Closes, the Vaults, and part of New Town). So... I'm working on it.

[@ClanBroonford]

Hope the videos help.

[@cjwrites111]

Flying to Edinburgh from Dublin tomorrow! Your videos have been so helpful!! Can't wait to visit lots of places you've mentioned!😀

[@ClanBroonford]

Hope you have a brilliant time. 👍

[@muhammadzulkifli5508]

Thanks for the video

[@suzannesanders8549]

Tony, when the Quarantine is over and travel resumes, I am coming to Scotland. How would one contact you for a proper Tour of the Closes..? I hope you will share some contact info., so that you can be found in.....2021? Thank you! I need something to which to look forward, and the 'closes' look amazing.

[@ClanBroonford]

Unfortunately I don’t do tours of any sort. The channel is not about us. There are plenty of brilliant tours out there though.

[@daniellerussellbeautifulgi6836]

I love history and horror

[@theresamccaughey9356]

Parrot baskets 😂😂😂

[@Clarabell123]

Watching your videos during lockdown. I live in Edinburgh and have done for seven years (originally from the north of Scotland) and I miss being able to walk around the old town freely. It's nice being able to virtually live through these videos!

[@ClanBroonford]

Great to hear!

[@sirfrankie1]

We will be coming to Edinburgh in July. Just wondering if the shops on the Royal Mile tend to be more expensive then shops off the mile?

[@ClanBroonford]

Depends what you are wanting to buy. Food is probably about the same, but some things may be a little bit more expensive.

[@williamf4544]

I remember Edinburgh back in the late sixties early seventies before it got quite so geared up for the tourist - and before they had the money to do places up- most places were much the same as the had been in Victorian times - dark dingy and dirty but great to explore - old shops that had been there for years and years - old brica brac shops and shops selling stamps books and coins usually run by little old men and ladies who looked as old as the stuff they were selling - im glad i was there to soak it al up because within the next 10 or 20 years they would be all gone .

[@ClanBroonford]

Mixture of progress and history, its a fine line.

[@Mina-rv8hg]

The windows are bricked of ,because you had to pay to look our your window .if you could not afford it it got closed of

[@ClanBroonford]

There was the window tax, but that was people blocking them up themselves to avoid paying. That’s where we get the phrase daylight robbery. But the windows I was talking about were not blocked off for that reason.

[@ttima]

Do ppl use the lanes or closes at night? Is it safe to do so? they seem to be a perfect place for a mugging. Visiting in Sept.

[@ClanBroonford]

Yes, they are used constantly. Obviously the same as anywhere you just have to be careful.

[@Ryan-rh1vc]

Suggestion... a quid (£1) Photo with Davey a fiver (£5) Video with Davey You get to see more subscribers, Davey makes a wee bit more money

[@amygreen4408]

History Geeks Unite!! Love your videos! Gosh, I can't wait to visit! Brilliant!💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

[@delthomas979]

Loving these videos. Bringing back so many memories from my years in Edinburgh - was born in Leith hospital, lived in Newhaven before moving to Bathgate in 1965. Spent 3 years at Edinburgh Uni (even did an assignment on Lady Stairs Close!) and then worked in a surveyors office for 10 years before emigrating to New Zealand in 1995. Ah, so many memories....

[@adamj6113]

Great video. Would love to see Leith if you ever get a chance to film it.

[@ClanBroonford]

At some point I will find the time.

[@sandwichkingsandwichton8672]

I love the Royal mile for a lot of reasons from Hazel the owl, the architecture to the song by Gerry Rafferty that being said I wish I watched this before going to Edinburgh because there seems to be a few things I missed seeing. Chances are though I will go back there in a few years time. Also pro tip for artist the Royal mile is a great place to learn perspective drawing.

[@jpdavidson1153]

Great video, I went to the Jolly Judge 3 years ago whilst on a short break in Edinburgh. Thinking of coming back up just before Halloween for a weekend, hense why im liking your video's to see new places i've not been yet :) keep up the good work!

[@ottawaroches]

AWESOME! I also love the work of the Broonfords! Thanks, Penny

[@pandorabox82]

I’m glad I’m not the only one that gets excited over old/cool doors! Thanks for this series, as I now have a goal for my next trip to Edinburgh!

[@irenedavidson]

Great information

[@ClanBroonford]

Glad you liked it

[@vickyk9608]

Brilliant! There are so many closes we didn't see on our trip! What a great way to see a little bit if them. Can't wait to return & walk down more if them! Great job Tony!

[@annielindholm5748]

Love this! Great job! And yes...I agree about the hat, face shape and all of that :D

[@jackielau746]

Hi Tony! I really enjoy watching your KZbin videos. In fact, because of you, I created an account just so I can subscribe to you. I am visiting Edinburgh in June with my 2 kids and after watching your videos, I am super excited about our trip. I know in one of your video you mentioned a shop that let your dress up in kilt and have photo shoot. Because I don’t remember which video, can you kindly tell me the name of the shop, please? Also, because I am traveling with my kids, 14 & 8, what do you recommend would be the best way to get here? Uber? Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you for all your videos.

[@ClanBroonford]

Hi, thank you so much. That really nice of you making an account just so you can subscribe. The video you were thinking of is, exploring the closes of the royal mile part 2. At 6:25 mins in. Just go down Wardrops Close. You will find dress up shop there. How are you traveling to Edinburgh?

[@jackielau746]

The Broonfords Thank you for getting back. We will be flying into Edinburgh Airport from Paris and is staying at St. Mary’s Street. Is Uber is best and easiest way to get there? Or train?

[@ClanBroonford]

You are actually not far from the train station. In fact just on the opposite side of the royal mile from it. However it is up and down a small hill, so if you have luggage then maybe an uber will be better.

[@emanalharbi4322]

Kristine and Tony you are amazing!!

[@bjoeljones]

Braw video of the closes on the top end of the Mile, my lad, Tony. Being recognised for your brilliant videos by someone outside Scotland is a grand bit of praise/honour. I, like you, really like the auld wooden doors with all the 'ancient' hardware. One thing that can be sayd of going down and back up all the steps in the closes, you definitely got your cardio workout in. In watching this series, I have realised how much my friend and I missed seeing and doing in Sep 2015, we were so close but yet so far. NEXT Trip home. By-the-by, you rock the flat cap. Thank you for taking the tyme to make this series, all the videos were brilliant. Slàinte. P.S. Are you on Facebook? If so, who/what should I look for?

[@ClanBroonford]

Thank you very much. No not facebook. I am on instagram though. Thats easy just the_broonfords.

[@stuartmo2299]

Love your cooking show Simon 👍

[@russellgarner142]

Hi tony just come back from Edinburgh after watching your videos great work well done

[@ClanBroonford]

Hi. Hope you had a great visit, and hope the videos helped. 👍

[@raysalvatore1988]

We are preparing our trip to Scotland by watching your fantastic videos of Edinburgh. Coming on Nov 15, hope it's not too cold and atmospheric.

[@ClanBroonford]

Hope the videos help.

[@jewelslacey617]

Parrot basket capital!! Still laughing about that one!! We will be in Scotland next week and we can’t wait to explore Edinburgh. We had to schedule a couple of extra days just to check out everything we’ve seen in your videos-thank you for getting us so excited about our visit-been waiting years for this!! 🤣🤩

[@ClanBroonford]

You are welcome.hope you have a great time.

[@jennhallee2740]

We visited in July. I watched your videos during my planning of our trip. Your videos gave me so much information on Edinburgh, where to go, eat, and explore. Thank you for sharing your passion of Edinburgh and Scotland with us!

[@ClanBroonford]

You are very welcome. Hope you had a great visit.👍

[@dougcollins297]

Just returned from 4 days in Edinburgh. Packed as much sightseeing in as we could thanks to your videos we shall be returning next year. Thanks for all the information.

[@ClanBroonford]

You are very welcome. Hope you had a great time.

[@stevewagner7507]

Great idea to show the closes. Thanks.

[@jcfh19981]

Love this video and looking forward to more in the series. I had planned to come to Edinburgh but then spend most wandering on. Thanks to your videos, I’m going to spend most of my 4 days exploring in the city. Thank You!

[@ClanBroonford]

You are very welcome👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Zamode68]

I love this video Tony, some of those are bigger than I expected like Milne’s Court. One of the many things it makes your city so charming. Check out Jollie’s Close near Christmas time, my Glaswegian friends always go overnight at Christmas time and they do a little lighted tree display down there that’s decorated differently each time.

[@ClanBroonford]

I will totally be checking this out.

[@agatas.7647]

Where does he usually play? Coming to EDI next week, would love to meet him!

[@ClanBroonford]

Royal mile at the weekends and princes street during the week. But it’s on shifts with other pipers.👍

[@tarablinkhorne6140]

Hubby and i visited Edinburgh a few weeks ago ,and we were the people who went and talked to Davey and we did give him a pound .Explored lots and saw stuff we probably wouldnt have seen had it not been for your videos .Looking forward to visiting again soon ! .Keep up the fab videos x

[@ClanBroonford]

So glad you said hi to him. Hope you had a great visit👍

[@ninettegok5378]

Absolutely loved the videos. They definitely helped make our trip in August much more interesting. We will also return next year.

[@ClanBroonford]

Hope you had a great visit in August. Busy time to come.

[@lynns.1855]

Love your videos! The historic bits is what I enjoy. The old lights and doors. Edinburgh could be the setting of a scary movie with all the narrow closes.

[@ClanBroonford]

Totally want to write a horror now called “the closes”.😀

[@keepitsimple4629]

This seems to be more about you than the tour. You don't have to be in every frame.

[@ClanBroonford]

Did these 4 years ago when I was still learning.

[@keepitsimple4629]

@@ClanBroonford It's good you can take constructive criticism. So many young people (and older sometimes) just want to get their faces and voices out there and be seen and heard on KZbin.

[@ClanBroonford]

@@keepitsimple4629 I'm still guilty of putting my face in to much sometimes. It's not deliberate, I just talk to much. And you have to be able to take constructive criticism, otherwise you never learn. The heart of the channel is always Edinburgh, not me. 👍

[@richandsallybrown5896]

Yeah! I asked and you delivered!!

[@tmj5girl]

now these videos are making me find cool places to take photos in April when i am in Scotland and Edinburgh.

[@ClanBroonford]

Hope you have a great visit.

[@victoriaprouty1841]

Tony, Thank you for this video and all the others. You make us so excited to visit your lovely city!

[@ClanBroonford]

You are more than welcome. I hope you have a great visit.

[@victoriaprouty1841]

Tony, can u do a video of places to stay at? That gives u the feeling like u live there?

[@ClanBroonford]

Hmmmmmm, I genuinely don't know. Being a resident, I don't stay in the hotels in Edinburgh. I can't promise anything, but I will have a think.

[@mariacandidaalbuquerque9661]

Yes, me too, that's because oficial your videos that I' m going there. The best videos I' vê ever seen! You really like your city and what you do.

[@ClanBroonford]

Thats amazing, I hope you are not disappointed and have a great visit.

[@mariacandidaalbuquerque9661]

The Broonfords I won't be disappointed! Sometimes, we don't why and can"t explain, we feel some kind of connection with some places. Mine is England and Scotland. Before having started watching your videos I thought about going to Windsor (Hampton Court castle - I love the Tudor History- Henry Vlll). After having watched your videos I changed my mind. I arrive on 10th december and I "m staying at haymarket hub hotel, just get the tram and go to princes street. I think I have to pay a dinner to this nice couple and take from Portugal some tasty cookies. At least Tony likes to eat and is always hungry. Thank you very much for your reply and carry on making the best videos of ever!

[@ryannelson3224]

We were in Edinburgh this last week I used your videos to do my research on where to go and what to see they are very helpful the city is amazing and there is so much we did not see and will definitely return. Thank you for doing these videos they are awesome

[@ClanBroonford]

Glad you found them useful, and hope you had a great time.👍

[@ryannelson3224]

We did and will definitely go back and will use your videos again for sure thank you😀

[@nealewalker3938]

My wife just said I need a hat like that 😳

[@ClanBroonford]

Did she say “it will suit the shape of your face?”

[@nealewalker3938]

Yep I look like you, got the beard, more handsome obviously!

[@ClanBroonford]

Obviously👍