Between-shows festival fun at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh

Looking for “things to do between shows” during this year’s Edinburgh Festival? How about a wee dram, a tour or a game of spot-the-unicorn?

Throughout the Festival, The Scotch Whisky Experience is putting on whisky samplings in their shop and a pre-theatre dinner, as well as their immersive tours and whisky pairings from Scotland’s exceptional larder, all just steps from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile revelry.

Gold Tour Macintyre Bar at the Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience, award-winning five star visitor attraction at the top of the Royal Mile, is perfectly placed in the heart of the festival buzz.

There are of course two newly restored unicorns to welcome visitors from the top of the building too. Deoch and Doras, named in an affectionate nod to the Gaelic phrase deoch an dorais, meaning “a farewell drink” or “one for the road”, have recently been reunited with their horns in a major restoration of the building!

Tasting at at The Scotch Whisky Experience’s Scotch Whisky Collection

Visitors can:

Join a fully guided tour (in 20 languages, including BSL, ASL, and International Sign) to learn about Scotch whisky-making, the landscapes of Scotland’s whisky regions, and whisky appreciation.
Enjoy whisky samplings in the specialist shop – for example, Holyrood Distillery on 18 August – where guests can meet distillers, taste a dram, and hear the stories behind the spirit. Full schedule: Events Calendar
Dine at Amber restaurant, with a pre-theatre special throughout August – two courses for £26.50 or three for £32.50. Sample menu here

Taste of Scotland Dessert at Amber Restaurant, The Scotch Whisky Experience

Family-friendly and fully accessible, the Scotch Whisky Experience is open daily, with tours from 10:00–17:00 and extended hours at weekends during high season. Tours start from £24.00 and can be booked at scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk.