Where the 17th Century Remains Frozen in Stone
Situated on the lower stretch of the Royal Mile directly opposite the Museum of Edinburgh, Bakehouse Close is arguably the most complete and unaltered historic courtyard surviving in the Scottish capital. While many Old Town closes were demolished or widened during Victorian sanitary improvements, Bakehouse Close preserves its original medieval footprint.
Dominating the eastern side of the close is Acheson House, a noble mansion built in 1633 featuring fine crow-stepped gables and an elaborate stone carving of a cock perched atop a trumpet above the doorway—the family crest of Sir Archibald Acheson. Opposite, projecting timber forestairs and shuttered windows recall the days when the bakers of the Canongate filled the courtyard with the warmth of flour ovens.
The extraordinary historical authenticity of the close has made it a celebrated filming location, most notably representing Alexander Malcolm’s print shop in the television series 'Outlander'. Free from vehicular traffic, it remains an essential pilgrimage for architectural purists and history lovers alike.
"Stand at the foot of the outer wooden staircase on the west side of the close—this exact staircase is where Claire Fraser reunited with Jamie Fraser outside his 18th-century print shop in season 3 of Outlander."
Named after the Incorporation of Bakers of the Canongate, who operated public bakehouses here. Acheson House, built in 1633 for Sir Archibald Acheson, Secretary of State for Scotland to King Charles I, now serves as headquarters for Edinburgh World Heritage.
