The Authors’ Museum
The Museum of Scottish Writers is dedicated primarily to three outstanding authors – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. The Museum is housed in the 17th-century mansion owned by Lady Stear House, also known as the Countess of Stear’s Mansion. You can view the writers’ personal belongings, portraits, offices, drafts and rare photographs.
The permanent exhibitions include the chess played by Walter Scott and his rocking horse as a child. The museum was even given the printing press on which Walter Scott’s first novel, Waverley, was printed and one of the first copies signed by the author. There are portraits and draft manuscripts of Robert Burns on display. Stevenson’s fishing rod and smoking pipe are preserved, as are the many curiosities and trophies he brought back from his travels. It is interesting to see Robert Stevenson’s wardrobe. It was made by the famous furniture maker Brodie, who in addition to his honest work was a notorious criminal burglar. This cabinet is believed to have served as the prototype for the novel The Strange Story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, also known for its double life.
Even if you’re unfamiliar with classic English literature, you’ll be interested to hear the mysterious and sometimes mystical stories of these things.
