The Sheep Heid Inn

The Sheep Heid Inn is famously known as the oldest surviving public house in Scotland having been established in 1360.

From the medieval period, sheep were reared in the nearby Holyrood Park and then brought to Duddingston for slaughter. It is believed that many of the residents of Duddingston became experts at using the head of the sheep in many different dishes and this is where the Inn gets its name. The pub has had a variety of high profile patrons over it’s long history including the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, the poet Robert Burns and most famously Bonnie Prince Charlie as his army was encamped at Duddingston for a month prior to the Battle of Prestonpans.

‘high profile patrons include the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, the poet Robert Burns and most famously, Bonnie Prince Charlie’

As well as being the oldest surviving public house we also have the oldest surviving skittle alley which is available for hire, using an authentic set of nineteenth century skittles. Once you have worked up an appetite you will find that The Sheep Heid Inn is famous for providing great food and great service in a warm and endearing environment. In 2013, the pub was honoured by the AA with the prestigious award of ‘Scottish Pub of the Year’, a feat that the whole team is incredibly proud of.

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