The Real Mary King’s Close, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic historic sites, is proud to announce an exciting new experience as part of its 2024 calendar: Meet the Poet: Robert Fergusson. This special event marks the 250th anniversary of the death of one of Scotland’s most influential yet often misunderstood poets, Robert Fergusson.
In partnership with the University of Glasgow’s research initiative, The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson: Reconstructing Textual and Cultural Legacies, The Real Mary King’s Close provides a unique chance to immerse oneself in 18th-century Edinburgh and connect intimately with the life and contributions of the poet who truly embodied the spirit of the city.
Visitors will embark on a historical journey with a one-hour guided tour of Mary King’s Close, the sole preserved 17th-century street located beneath the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. This experience holds special significance, as Robert Fergusson would have traversed these streets, often frequenting Craig’s Close—adjacent to Mary King’s Close—where he was part of the Cape Club, a social drinking society that met after hours.
After the tour, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a special 30-minute “meet and greet” with Robert Fergusson. In this intimate session, Fergusson will share anecdotes from his brief yet impactful life, recite some of his cherished poems, and encourage guests to compose their own verses, drawing inspiration from his literary contributions and the rich historical context. For those looking to enhance their experience, an optional upgrade is offered, which includes a dram of whisky to enjoy in a celebratory toast with Fergusson.
This event is a component of a larger initiative led by the University of Glasgow’s research project, The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson: Reconstructing Textual and Cultural Legacies, which receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust. The project is in the process of producing a new edition of Fergusson’s complete works, scheduled for release by Edinburgh University Press in 2026. In conjunction with this initiative, a series of events are being organized to honour the 250th anniversary of Fergusson’s passing in 2024. The objective of the project is to ensure that Fergusson’s literary, textual, biographical, linguistic, medical, and cultural contributions receive the recognition they merit.
Rhona Brown, Professor of Scottish Textual Cultures at the University of Glasgow, emphasises the significance of Fergusson’s work: “Robert Fergusson (1750-74) is one of Scotland’s most important poets, but he is often misunderstood. He is known for his enormous influence on Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, and for his tragic early death in an asylum at just 24 years of age. But there’s so much more to Fergusson than this. Writing in both Scots and English, one of Fergusson’s key themes is the ordinary life of Edinburgh, and he depicts the city, warts and all, in his masterpiece, Auld Reikie (1773). His poetry is astute and satirical, funny and razor-sharp. So, although the end of his life may have been tragic, his legacy is anything but. At the 250th anniversary of his death in 2024, we have an opportunity to rethink Robert Fergusson and to understand his legacies in new ways. We urge you to read the poems and see for yourself!”
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “We are thrilled to be part of the celebration of Robert Fergusson’s life and legacy. The Meet the Poet experience offers our guests a rare and immersive experience, where they can not only walk in the footsteps of Edinburgh’s past but also engage with one of its most compelling voices. This collaboration with the University of Glasgow allows us to bring Fergusson’s work to life in a way that is both educational and deeply personal.”
The Meet the Poet: Robert Fergusson event is a must-see for those interested in Scottish history, literature, and culture. It offers a unique chance to explore the lesser-known aspects of Fergusson’s life and appreciate his impact on the literary world, all within the atmospheric setting of Mary King’s Close.
Booking Information: Tickets for the event are now available for purchase on The Real Mary King’s Close website. Due to the intimate nature of the event, spaces are limited, and early booking is recommended. The events will be held on Friday 20th and Friday 27th of September. For more information or to book your tickets, please visit: www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/meet-robert-fergusson/
