Edinburgh Jewel of Scotland

Suitable for: Adults

Sponsored by: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Available braille grades:

This collection is a wonderfully atmospheric ‘virtual’ tour of Edinburgh, starting at the Castle, continuing down the Royal Mile to visit two galleries: the Georgian House and the Royal Museum. This collection will enhance any visit to the area or satisfy appetites in the comfort of own home.

Listen to an audio clip

It is a piece of embroidery stitched by Mary Queen of Scots while she was the unwilling 'guest' (or prisoner) of Queen Elizabeth. It is thought to date from between 1569 to 1584 when Mary was in the custody of George, Earl of Shrewsbury, near Sheffield, a span of fifteen years. She was a close friend of the Earl's wife Elizabeth, the forceful character known as "Bess of Hardwick". The two ladies often designed embroideries together. I wonder which of these fascinating characters had the wit and audacity to devise this theme! It shows a large well-rounded, but fierce ginger cat with its paw on the tail of a small black mouse which is trying to 'exit right', as they say in the theatre!

What's inside

A collection of raised tactile pictures.
Audio descriptions with music and sound effects in your chosen format of either CD or USB.
An A4 large print colour image pack or postcard pack.
An ‘Articles for the Blind’ returns label for the free and convenient return of the box.

Touch to see image list

Edinburgh Castle Facade
Queen Margaret’s Window St. Margaret’s Chapel
by Douglas Strachan
Stone of Destiny and The Honours of Scotland
The Crown Spire, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
Cat and Mouse Tapestry by Mary Queen of Scots
The Letter of Introduction by Sir David Wilkie
The Reverend Robert Walker Skating by Sir Henry Raeburn
The Artist’s Wife (Margaret Lindsay) by Allan Ramsay
The Georgian House – facade
Georgian Argyle Jug and Dressing Table with Chamber Pot
Chinese Fiery Cockerel
Earthenware Dish from Iznik, Turkey
Porcelain Lion from Germany
Iona Croft by Francis Cadell

Subjects

What our members say

I really enjoyed this album I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this album. The information was very interesting contained in the explanations and there was such a great variety from building, scenery, the plate and the beautiful cockerel, which felt amazing and the lovely lion. It was also lovely to hear Alison Oldlands voice again, she has a smile in her voice and sounds so enthusiastic. Thank you. Denise

A very special album It contains some treasures that could not be hurried. I learned so much about architecture, sculpture and even embroidery and music as well as art and the artists who painted such wonderful pictures. Library Member

Interesting The Edinburgh volume brought back many happy memories as well as introducing me to new artists and their work. I found the portraits specially interesting as you chose ones that had so much personality; I always find the commentary very interesting and I love the variety of voices. Library Member