Much going on in Edinburgh – today and 200 years ago! In this issue three bicentenaries take centre stage: the feuing of the Moray estate; George IV’s visit to Edinburgh and the founding of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts. All three events are important in their own right, but when considered separately it is easy to forget they were all happening at the same time - and were very likely discussed in the same breath by the merchants, intelligentsia and gentry of the day. After all, isn’t it more than possible that as Lord Moray was putting his land up for sale, he was also looking forward to meeting King George IV, and as Sir Walter Scott was perfecting the King’s visit to the city, he was considering buying a feu from Lord Moray, oblivious that his financial ruin lay only 3 years ahead! And perhaps as he entered the capital, George was speaking to his advisors about becoming patron of the newly formed Royal Scottish Society of Arts. Fast forward 200 years and again so much is happening, all at the same time: our Festivals are back with a bang, including Sir Ian McKellan performing in an adaptation of Hamlet at St Stephen’s in Stockbridge; the famous Oyster Club has reconvened for the first time since the pandemic; Professor Richard Demarco has become an Honorary Member of the Saltire Society, and Murrayfield Table Tennis Club is on top form as it celebrates its centenary. What a marvellous city! I trust there is something for everyone to enjoy in this issue, as we wave a fond farewell to some exceptional summer weather.
Peter Bourhill Editor
Publisher/Editor Assistant Editor
Peter Bourhill 07850 938407 Harriet Bourhill
Features Illustrators
John Burnett Lydia Bourhill Harriet Bourhill
Contributors
Kevin Aitchison Jas Brogden Charlie Ellis Eric Melvin Alison Morrison-Low
Circulation Social Media
William Allison Lydia Bourhill Harriet Bourhill
Design
Alasdair Anderson
Contributing Photographers
Doug Corrance Don Munro
Front Cover: Northeast corner of Moray Place, resplendent in the sunshine
£2.50 September/October 2022 EdinburghLife www.edinburghlifemagazine.comand the Lothians
Moray Feu Bicentenary Impressionism at National Gallery Scotland’s role in the rise of modern art
George IV’s 1822 visit
Royal Scottish Society of Arts 200th
Great Polish Map of Scotland wonder of the Borders! Murrayfield Table Tennis Club 100th Doors Open 2022
Good News round-up
S o c i e t y
E a t i n g o u t
Residential Property
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This page: The iconic Jenners building on Princes Street, awaiting a renaissance Back Cover: A sunny Shore, in Leith
September/October 2022 EdinburghLife 1
