Oldest Pub

 

White Hart Inn

"Why not go to the oldest pub in Edinburgh?" That suggestion was included in an email from a motivated reader of this blog, clearly someone who has a bit too much time available for exploring trivial topics. Someone who deserves a big thanks!

So, four of us wandered into the "White Hart Inn." As is the case for most every place, it is not far from our flat. During its 500+ years of history, this pub has witnessed everything from public hangings to visits from some of Scotland’s literary greats. Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, is said to have enjoyed a drink here in the late 1700s. The White Hart Inn still retains much of its old-world charm, with low ceilings, exposed beams, and a rich, dark, cramped wood interior.

By the way, the word "Hart" in the name of the pub has nothing to do with an organ that pumps blood. It refers to a stag animal. The red deer, particularly the male (stag or hart), is a prominent feature of Scottish wildlife and is often seen as a symbol of the Scottish Highlands. But, as symbolic as the stag is here in Scotland, it is not the national animal. Oh no. The national animal of Scotland is a unicorn. In Celtic mythology, the unicorn was a symbol of purity and innocence, as well as masculinity and power. Tales of dominance and chivalry associated with the unicorn may be why it was chosen as Scotland's national animal.

Going to a pub can be so educational...