Saturday 17 February 2018

Hawes Inn's Literary Connection

We had a lovely lunch out at the atmospheric 17th century Hawes Inn at South Queensferry today, a former coaching inn which is tucked under one end of the Forth Bridge.


As well as the cosy ambiance in such historical surroundings, I was intrigued with the eating area next to ours: The Robert Louis Stevenson Room. The famous Scottish author evidently stayed here in the 1880s where he seemingly wrote part of Kidnapped, even mentioning the Hawes Inn in the story.


Of course, I immediately went to look at all the pictures and information on the walls while waiting for my lunch and took a photo of the view from the window as seen today. Sir Walter Scott also knew the inn, referring to it in his ‘Antiquary’. I particularly liked the drawings depicting Stevenson’s story Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and I could easily imagine the author sitting at one of the tables in the 19th century.


Don't you love a day out which is also very interesting for a writer!


Rosemary

8 comments:

Patsy said...

That does indeed sound a lovely day out.

I can't believe that after all the time Gary and I spent walking around South Queensferry, we missed that pub. Looks like we'll haveto go back.

Angela Barton said...

Hi Rosemary
What wonderful photographs. Yes, I love to visit places that have connections to writers or novels. It sounds like you had a great day.
Happy Writing.
Angela x

Julia Thorley said...

Interesting stuff. I've just subbed an article about the new Queensferry Bridge. Apparently, those massive twisted metal cables that support the road are equipped with microphones that will detect if one of the innermost fibres breaks and will automatically alert an engineer. Isn't that amazing? What would RLS have thought of that, I wonder.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

What a shame, Patsy - you'll definitely need to go back!

Hi Angela - good to hear from you! Thanks for commenting - I always prefer an interesting place, even when on holiday.

That is amazing, Julia - didn't know that, thanks!

Joanna said...

Such a gorgeous day out, Rosemary, packed with interesting facts and rich in history - the best kind of day and perfect to fuel your writing xxx

Helen Pollard said...

What a fab place to visit, Rosemary!

Carolb said...

Sounds like a brilliant day out, Rosemary, and being able to connect with writing history at the same time.x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Very interesting, Helen!

Love when I can do both, Carol!