Edinburgh is a city of architectural wonder, with the new town and old town fascinating all who visit. If you want to find out more about the architecture one of the city general visitor tours provides limited information so if you want to dig a deeper you need an expert, which is where Cobble Tales steps in. Owned by Olga Gogoleva an Edinburgh architecture buff, Olga takes you on a journey around Edinburgh sharing the stories of buildings and their influences that helped shape the development of the city. We chat to Olga to find out more about her and the Cobble Tales tours.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I am originally from Lithuania, I moved to Great Britain 8 years ago to study architecture in Newcastle University. As much as I loved the Geordies, in Spring 2015 I moved for work to the most beautiful city in the whole of the UK (Edinburgh). I am a passionate traveler, amateur photographer and adventure sport enthusiast, history nut and creative maker.
You have a Masters degree in Architecture. What got you interested in Architecture in the first place?
Rather selfishly, I wanted to create monuments that would remain in the world after me. Also, I did well at drawing in the arts school, so it could only mean one thing!
What gave you the idea to start an architecture tour in Edinburgh?
As a person, I am always curious to know why things are the way they are. When I moved to Edinburgh, as an architecture graduate, I was naturally interested in the amazing building environment that now surrounded me.
The common walking tours did not really satisfy my curiosity so I began researching in books. I explored the closes and courtyards, locating intriguing items described, looking at distant gargoyles with binoculars… I became rather obsessed really! So Cobble Tales is my initiative to share this otherwise hidden material through a means of a walking tour.
What can people expect on the tour? What makes it stand out from other tours in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh’s topography and building environment creates an image that attracts millions of visitors to the city. However, few leave having understood the way it was shaped. Cobble Tales Tours are designed for keen minds enthusiastic to know learn more. Customers should expect no ghosts, Grayfriars Bobby stories, or gardez-l’eau type entertainment! The narrative and route complement each other to explain the influences that shaped the development of the city, aspirations of building patrons and architects. From 300 million years ago to this day.
I deliver tours in English, Russian and Lithuanian. During the tour visitors help me to spot some of the clues in the architecture, sculpture and streetscape that the builders of Edinburgh’s yesteryears left us. We do this through a means of a treasure hunt where people have to spot most listed objects to win a prize.
You have two different tours in the city – what can people learn on each tour?
The Old Town Tour – explains the workings behind the shifts in architectural ideas and styles. We find some few remaining original Scottish Baronial buildings, learn how to tell it from Scottish Baronial Revival. I explain the beginnings of Georgian architecture and ponder on Greek Revival and then Late Gothic that followed.
We also see modern masterpieces such as the Scottish Parliament and the National Museum extension. It is a fast paced tour, packed with information.
Dean Village Tour, on the other hand, is a relaxed stroll surrounded by nature, where we discover the Georgian story of a temple for taking mineral waters, marvel at majestic bridges, and learn about the fate of a millennium old grain milling industry, which used to provide food for Edinburgh since 12th century.
We also see grand edifices designed as orphanages but now known as Modern Galleries One and Two, and visit one of the best hidden Victorian mews housing.
What would be your ideal day in Edinburgh? Where would you go and what would you do?
I’d enjoy a scone with a coffee in my local specialty coffee shop, then have a long stroll in Holyrood park, and walk past Duddingston lake towards the Sheep Heid Inn. We’d have a hearty lunch and a pint of local ale. Then we’d relax, birdwatching or reading in Dr. Neil’s garden overlooking the Pentlands. We would finish the beautiful day off by playing hide and seek between the stone walls of Craigmillar Castle.
Got so excited, I might actually do it tomorrow!
Tour Info
Tours are privately booked on cobbletales.com at £12pp, individuals £24, 20% off for groups of 4 and more.
