Historic Pub · Duddingston · Edinburgh
The Sheep Heid Inn
An inn on this site since 1360, tucked behind Arthur's Seat, with a skittle alley from the 1880s still taking bookings.
The Pitch
Six Centuries Behind Arthur's Seat
The Sheep Heid Inn sits in Duddingston village on the far side of Arthur's Seat, and an inn has reputedly traded on this site since 1360. If that date holds, Wikipedia notes, it is the oldest surviving licensed premises in Edinburgh and possibly Scotland.
Mary, Queen of Scots reputedly stopped here between Craigmillar and Holyrood; Queen Elizabeth II lunched here in 2016. The current building is mostly 18th century, the kitchen is firmly 21st.
Who would hate it? Pub historians wanting the past on the walls. Edinburgh Pub Reviews argues the refurbishment traded backstory for pleasant but generic furnishings.
The Room
A Gastropub Wearing Old Bones
Low ceilings, a horseshoe bar, and dining rooms polished to country house standards by the current operators. The real artifact stands out back: an old fashioned skittle alley built around 1880, bookable by the hour. Euan's Guide reviewers call the vintage skittles the reason to cross town.
The Drinks
Ales, Roasts, and a Game of Skittles
The bar pours Scottish ales and a serviceable wine list, but the kitchen carries the visit: Tripadvisor reviewers rate the food top drawer, and the Sunday roast books out. Pair either with an hour in the alley.
Skip a rushed visit. The walk through Holyrood Park to get here is half the point, and the room rewards a slow afternoon.
The Crowd
Walkers, Locals, and the Occasional Crown
Hikers descending Arthur's Seat, Duddingston locals, and visitors chasing the oldest pub claim. Dogs do well here; reviewers flag it as genuinely dog friendly.
What regulars say:
- Wikipedia records an inn on the site since 1360, perhaps Scotland's oldest licence.
- Tripadvisor reviewers call the food amazing and the 140 year old skittle alley the surprise.
- Edinburgh Pub Reviews pushes back, calling the refit pleasant but generic.
Who it is for:
- A reward at the end of a Holyrood Park walk
- Groups who will actually book the skittle alley
- Avoid if you want a scuffed, untouched historic boozer
Good to Know
Visit Information
Getting there: The Causeway in Duddingston village; the walk through Holyrood Park from the city takes about 40 minutes, Lothian buses run close.
Timing: Open daily; book Sunday lunch and the alley ahead.
Cost: Gastropub pricing; the skittle alley books by the hour.
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