Sir Walter Scott, son of an Edinburgh lawyer, was born in College Wynd. The site of the house is marked by a commemorative plaque at the top of Guthrie Street.
He was brought up at 25 George Square and attended the Royal High School and The University of Edinburgh. He was called to the bar in 1792.
He married Charlotte Mary Carpenter in 1797 and lived in Castle Street before moving to Ashestiel on the Tweed in 1804.
Scott continued his legal career, while also making his name as a poet and a collector and editor of ballads.
He was a lifelong friend and collaborator of James Hogg and of Professor John Wilson.