Edinburgh World Heritage and Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust have joined forces to create a series of new, free podcasts celebrating the literary and built heritage of the Scotland’s Capital City.

Ten fun and informative podcasts have been created exploring some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, their architectural history and curiosities and their literary links – from Calton Hill to Princes Street Gardens, The Netherbow to The Canongate, from Robert Louis Stevenson to Daniel Defoe, Ian Rankin to Quintin Jardine. Using quotes from writers, poets and some of the classic stories inspired by the built environment of the city, the podcasts are designed to reveal some of the hidden gems and history of the city for visitors at home planning their trip. They can also be downloaded and used as an audio guide whilst walking around the city.

The Podcasts can be found on the VisitScotland.com website and are linked from both the EWH and EUCLT sites. Ali Bowden, Manager of the City of Literature Trust said: ‘Edinburgh is a stunning city, visually striking and rich in its literary heritage. There are lots of links between its buildings and authors, the most obvious being the contrast between Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town, linked to Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde character. We hope these new downloads prove popular to locals and visitors alike.’

Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage said: ‘Edinburgh is unique in having two UNESCO designations, recognising its world-class architectural heritage, and its reputation as a city built on books, the capital of a nation renowned throughout the world for its architecture and history as well as its writers, past and present. These podcasts are designed to show the fascinating links between these aspects of our city’s extraordinary heritage, and encourage visitors to get off the well-worn tourist routes and explore the many nooks and crannies of the city.’

The project is supported by the Scottish Arts Council. Dr Gavin Wallace, Head of Literature at the Scottish Arts Council, said: ‘From its railway station and football team named after novels by Sir Walter Scott, to the writers celebrated in the stones of Makar Court, to the iconic J. K. Rowling café, few cities boast the riches of their literary life, past and present, with such thrilling palpability as Edinburgh. These ten delightful podcasts will offer visitors near and far a gateway to Edinburgh’s literary worlds.’