Rebus tours, literary tours, Ian Rankin, Edinburgh
A NOVEL ROUTE
ROUND EDINBURGH
Gary Flockhart joins the latest
literary tour through the Capital with a journey into the heart
of Inspector Rebus author Ian Rankin's Edinburgh.
"If you could see, as people see
in heaven. how pleasantly your thoughts would be diversified as
you walked the Edinburgh streets," commented Robert Louis Stevenson.
Or to put it another way what you see in Edinburgh is not necessarily
what you get. In fact Auld Reekie is a tad Jekyll and Hyde. This
notion positively appeals to the sensitivities of one of the city's
contemporary chroniclers, Ian Rankin, creator of the hugely popular
Inspector Rebus books.
In the author's bestselling series of detective novels, the city
of Edinburgh itself is every bit as important a character as his
complex and brooding main protagonist.
Whether describing Edinburgh's touristy attractions or the dark
underbelly lurking behind the facade of the city recognisable to
visitors, he paints a fascinating portrait.
Recently adapted for TV, Rankin's winning formula of murder, sleaze,
a multi-faceted city location and that brusque copper is now the
subject of a walking tour.
Courtesy of a partnership between The Scottish Literary Tour Company
Ltd and Rebustours, fans now have the opportunity to attend Rebus-themed
walks.
Morris Paton, Managing Director, says: "Through the eyes of the
protagonist, Inspector Rebus, locals and visitors alike can witness
the elusive side to Edinburgh.
"In addition to providing an exciting new visitor attraction with
a twist, the Rebustours will provide a contemporary walking tour
within a distinctive urban setting."
Hosted by Edinburgh-born tour guide John Skinner - of whom Rankin
has said: "John knows more about Rebus than I do" - the tours have
the full support of the author.
Several routes are available for the two-hour excursions, incorporating
locations and readings from recent titles in the series, including
Set In Darkness and The Falls.
Each tour gives the chance to visit many of the real locations where
Inspector Rebus lives and works - as well as the scenes of many
of those gruesome crimes.
Of the three available tours, The Life and Times of Inspector Rebus
Tour is the ideal starting place for those not yet acquainted with
the Rebus books. This route includes the city morgue (outside only!),
St Leonard's Police Station (Rebus's base), George Square and the
Meadows (close to where Rebus lives).
Though
just a ten-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh's
Princes Street, The Water of Death Tour offers a gorgeous riverside
walk. This trail uncovers a "hidden Edinburgh" using references
to the life and works of Robert Louis Stevenson - as mentioned,
a huge influence on Ian Rankin.
It begins with a stroll along
the Water Of Leith, takes in the gracious Georgian-style terraces
of the New Town and ends up outside the Oxford Bar. Readers will
know that this is the pub where both Rebus and his creator do their
drinking - if you're lucky you could even catch a glimpse of Mr
Rankin.
A walk of contrasts, The Hidden Holyrood Tour takes in stunning
views of Arthurs Seat, the new Scottish Parliament and the closes
of the Canongate. This perfect early evening walk for pre-arranged
groups continues through the Regency terraces below Calton Hill
and ends up at the top of Leith Walk.
What makes these informative, entertaining Rebus tours so enjoyable
is tour guide John Skinner's ability to recreate the atmosphere
of the novels by combining his expert local knowledge and understanding
of the Rebus novels with suitably selected passages.
Mainly for Rebus fans but perhaps also of interest to those interested
in discovering an alternative Edinburgh, Rebustours is well worth
investigating.
These days Edinburgh has no shortage
of literary tours, but Rebustours stand out from the crowd by offering
something just that little bit different.
All Rebustours must be pre-booked through the Scottish Literary
Tour Company Ltd. Telephone Edinburgh 0131-226 3735, E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or visit www.scot-lit-tour.co.uk
Tour routes, departure times and points are confirmed at time
of booking and are subject to availability and to minimum numbers
of booked participants (minimum six).
The 2002 season runs until October. Departure times are usually
2.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and the tour route for that day
is outlined at the time of reservation. This will be either The
Life and Times of Inspector Rebus Tour or The Water of Death Tour.
During the period of the Edinburgh Festival, tours will run daily
(not Sundays) at 6.00pm and will follow the Life and Times of Inspector
Rebus route.
Tour prices for 2002 are: £7.50 for adults, £6.00 (seniors, students),
young adult (14-17 years) £4.00. Participants pay by cash direct
to the guide at the start of each tour. Euros are accepted.
(23/5/2002)
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