Parliament Square was a bustling lively part of Edinburgh in Burns time with the original seven Luckenbooths including poet Alan Ramsey's bookshop which was also the first lending library in Scotland.

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In Burns years Alexander Kincaid had taken over the book shop with an apprentice, to become partner, William Creech. They expanded into publishing and printing. Creech was a sociable bachelor and successful publisher.

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It was Creech who would publish Burns second edition of Poems Chiefly In The Scottish Dialect. This would be printed by William Smellie of Anchor Close. Creech bought the copyright for 100 guineas and quickly sold 3000 copies.

 

James Sibbald, founder of 'The Edinburgh Magazine' wrote a review of The Kilmarnock Edition as did Henry Mackenzie in 'The Lounger'. These reviews meant that Burns without effort was becoming sought after in the city.

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Today the bookshop is the library for the Society of Solicitors in the Supreme Court of Scotland. It shares Parliament Square with the majestic St Giles Cathedral that boasts a beautiful stained glass window commemorating Burns.

 

St Giles Cathedral window is a must for anyone visiting the city and standing in Parliament Square is the spot of the Edinburgh Print  ...