Ian Rankin to give competition winner 'author's eye' tour of Edinburgh

A tour of Edinburgh accompanied by award-winning author Ian Rankin is up for grabs as part of a new competition.

The winner of Forever Edinburgh’s “The Story Never Ends” campaign will get an “author’s eye” view of Edinburgh’s literary landmarks, including the Scott Monument in Princes Street.

The prize also includes return travel to Edinburgh, two nights’ accommodation at YOTEL, a champagne lunch on board the Royal Yacht Britannia and a tour and tasting at Holyrood Distillery.

Rankin, author of the Inspector Rebus novels and winner of several national and international awards, will use the tour to tell stories of writers inspired by the Scottish capital including Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, Irvine Welsh, Alexander McCall Smith and JK Rowling.

Rankin said: “Like all the great novels, Edinburgh has a captivating story to tell that’s packed with intriguing characters, fascinating locations and many twists and turns along the way.

“It’s hard not to be inspired by a city that has such natural and architectural beauty, rich history and diverse character.”

The competition winner will also experience a tour of Edinburgh’s 17th century Mary King’s Close and dinner at Fazenda restaurant.

After the tour, the winner and their plus one will join Rankin for a drink in the Oxford Bar, which is a familiar spot to Inspector Rebus fans.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We know residents have rediscovered their City as more people have wanted stay closer to home. We have also seen visitors drawn back to Edinburgh through all the seasons to take in Edinburgh’s beauty, history, vibrant culture, stories and wealth of festivals and warm hospitality.

“Edinburgh was UNESCO’s first City of Literature and it’s not surprising the capital has provided the inspiration to so many writers and been home to such a diverse range of authors.

“Through ForeverEdinburgh’s The Story Never Ends campaign we hope that residents and visitor alike will be inspired to visit again and again to create their own memories and tales in our amazing capital city.”

To enter the competition, visit https://edinburgh.org/ian-rankinEdinburgh’s captivating story

Ian Rankin OBE is the winner of several national and international awards and recipient of four Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Awards, including the prestigious Diamond Dagger in 2005.