Canongate, Royal Mile

The various styles in this collection reflect the diverse nature of the Canongate neighbourhood. Colourful watercolours depict lively street scenes, delicate paintings show the grandeur of Regent Murray's House and shadowy black and white photographs evoke a sense of how life was lived in the back streets and tenements of the Canongate.

Through narrow alleyways, we glimpse the imposing surroundings of Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags. Switching to this elevated position we can view the historic street winding its way from Palace to Castle, following the same path the canons walked. Now though, lying at the foot of the Canongate beside the ruined abbey, are landmarks of modern Edinburgh, the Scottish Parliament building and Our Dynamic Earth.

For further insight into the characters, places and daily life of the capital's most famous street, visit The Royal Mile: A Hidden History exhibition.