FAQ's

In all apartments, we have a Welcome Pack, and Edinburgh Tours & Restaurant Packs – full of up-to-the minute information on local tourist attractions, good eating-places and sample menus, advice, local and Scottish tours, tips & recommendations, but, we hope this section may help you plan ahead of your vacation:

How far is Pilrig House from the city centre/Princes St?/Can I walk?

Pilrig House is just under 1 mile from Princes Street - Edinburgh’s main street – you can walk there in 15 minutes. Pilrig House is also just under a mile from the ‘Shore’ area of Leith – Edinburgh’s port area, which has many fashionable restaurants, bars and galleries on the waterfront – and where The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed. A taxi to either Edinburgh city centre or Leith would cost approx. £5-£6.

How close is the nearest bus stop/food shop?

Pilrig House is 5 mins' walk from:

• Leith Mills: Clan and Tartan Centre/Edinburgh Woollen Mill
• Martin Wishart's Cookery School in Bonnington Road. See: www.cookschool.co.uk
  Or, take a look at his Michelin-star restaurant in Leith's Shore area: www.martin-wishart.co.uk
• Twice-weekly 'Ramsay Cornish' Auctions
• Leisure Centre and Swimming-Pool
• Pilrig Church
• Post-Office
• Nearest Bus-Stop
• Tesco Express Store
• Water of Leith Walkways

& 10 mins' walk from:

• The Playhouse Theatre
• Valvona & Crolla (world-famous Italian Deli) and 'VinCaffe' coffee-shop and restaurant (cookery demonstrations and tastings are also held here). See: www.valvonacrolla.co.uk
• Leith School of Art
• Library
• Tesco Supermarket

Are your apartments wheelchair accessible?/How many steps are involved in getting to the apartments?

There are around 12 wide steps in the Palladian staircase entrance leading to the Park Apartment’s front door, so, sadly, wheelchair access is not possible. And, there are steps leading down to the Garden Apartment, and leading up to the Balfour Apartment, making wheelchair access impossible. It is an A-listed building, so these things cannot be changed, alas.

Do you have a map?

Yes – see our location Map page - you can click on nearby attractions. We also give all guests fold-out pocket maps of Edinburgh and Leith to keep with you during your stay – and there are many Edinburgh guidebooks and a variety of street maps available in all apartments, plus a 2008 AA-Scotland Road Atlas to which you can refer if moving on to the next leg of a touring holiday!

When I arrive at Pilrig House, where do I go?

We are always looking out for our guests’ arrival but, should we not be there exactly as you arrive, please come down the steps to the back door to Pilrig House, and press the buzzer marked ‘Martin Dougray’ and either Philip or Debbie will come down and welcome you and give you keys, show you your allocated parking space and take you to your apartment. Remember to bring Pilrig House’s address with you when you come!

Is there a car parking space for guests?

Yes, all the apartments have an allocated parking space in a private car park to the rear of the property. Off-street, free parking is also available in the streets bordering the park, if guests visit you and need to park in the vicinity.

We are attending a wedding/family reunion (etc.) in Edinburgh, is there a discount if I book all 3 apartments, or 2, at the same time to accommodate my larger group of family and friends?

Yes, we will be pleased to offer a reduced rate for booking more than one apartment at the same time, just enquire and we'll get back to you very quickly with a price. 

Do I need a car if staying in Edinburgh for a few nights?

No, not if here for a few days only and you intend to sightsee in and around the city centre – Edinburgh is a really compact city and easy for walking around in. A car would not be necessary, in fact, we would probably advise against hiring a car - parking in the city centre is difficult, and extremely costly! There is an excellent local bus service within a 5-minute walk of Pilrig House, where buses go to the city centre every few minutes, and tour buses in the city centre are easily accessible. Also, trains go to Glasgow every 15 mins and take around 50 minutes. If you took a taxi from Pilrig House to the city centre, it will cost around £5 (so, if 4 of you are staying, for example, it works as an even cheaper option than taking a bus!)

If you intend to drive further afield during your stay, eg to the East Lothian coastline, the Borders, St Andrews, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Highlands, then a car is necessary. Bear in mind that there are many Edinburgh tour companies that organise half-day, one-day and two-day tours, at very reasonable prices, to places such as Loch Lomond, Stirling, the Highlands, Inverness, the Isle of Skye (see Useful Links).

Should I hire a car at the airport/station?

We usually find that it works out cheaper to hire a car away from the airport. Philip will be happy to assist in booking a car for you, once you are here, with one of the local, cheaper car-hire firms.

Do you have internet/Wi-Fi access in the apartment?

Yes, we have a Broadband Wi-Fi connection in all apartments. And, if you do not have a laptop, there are also many internet cafes within 5 minutes’ walk of Pilrig House, details of which can be found in our Welcome Pack. The charge is around £1 per hour for use – and, there is a Fairtrade coffee-shop nearby which offers free internet access – assuming you buy a coffee I imagine!

Do you recommend babysitters?

No, we have a policy of not recommending agencies for baby-sitting services. Nor do we baby-sit ourselves!

Is the apartment non-smoking?

Yes – both apartments are strictly non-smoking. People are welcome to smoke outside, if desperate!

Can I bring my pet?

No. Sorry – much as we love animals, we have a strict non-pet policy to respect all guests’ wishes (see below).

Have you ever allowed animals in the property (I am allergic to dog hair)?

No – we have never had any animals at all in the property – this is a rule we take seriously in light of the fact that people have allergies to cat and dog hair, and for hygiene purposes.

Do you have a travel cot and highchair?

Yes – we provide a travel cot and baby sheets/blankets – do let us know if you require the cot in advance of your stay please, and we will have it assembled for you on arrival. And sorry, no, we do not have a highchair.

Is there a shower in the apartment?

Yes – all apartments have a shower over the bath with constant hot water, and glass shower screen.

What clothes should I pack for (April to August)?

Given the unpredictability of the Scottish weather, we would suggest that you always bring at least one pair of warm trousers, one warm jumper, a pair of training shoes/comfortable walking-shoes, a light waterproof jacket with hood, and the rest - the usual items you would pack for spring/summer: layers – T-shirts, loose trousers, summer dress, skirt, shirts, etc. Remember, in the apartments we provide: umbrellas, alarm clock, continental plug, and towels – so, no need to pack these items!

Is Pilrig House near Edinburgh University?

We are located around one-and-a-half miles from Edinburgh University. It would take around 10-15 mins by bus (depending on traffic) and around 25 mins to walk there. Pilrig House is a short walk (under a mile) to the east end of Princes Street – this is the end that leads via George IV Bridge – around a half mile further on leads to Edinburgh University! (It is worth bearing in mind that the Uni has many campuses, spread all over Edinburgh – so, please check which building you may be visiting while here.)

Do I need to do anything else to secure the booking?

No – We do not require a deposit, and accept payment in cash (sterling) in full, on day one or two of your arrival.

Is there an ice-making machine?

No. In Scotland we do not have a great necessity for this! However, there are ice trays and bags of ice in the freezers of both apartments.

Can I arrive late in the evening?

Yes, provided you let us know in advance of your stay and it is due to flight arrival times necessitating late entry!  And, so long as you don't stop off en route for a bite to eat – we will be waiting up for you!

Can I drop of my luggage earlier than the entry time to the apartment?

Yes, we are delighted to take in your luggage for you prior to the 2.30pm entry time. Just let us know when you will be dropping off your luggage in advance of your stay – and, if possible, please confirm on the day of arrival half an hour before you drop it off, at our mobile number: (UK) 07788 113886.

Can I leave my luggage with you on the day of departure to collect later that day?

Yes, provided that you give us some advance notice and we have no other plans that day which would mean we would be away, we will be happy for you to leave your luggage with us and for you to collect it later that day.

Are there children living at Pilrig House?

No – there are no children (and no barking dogs) residing at Pilrig House – it is very peaceful. We request that guests coming with children do not use the private gardens, but, the park as a playground – it is literally on your doorstep & there are two play-park regions within the park!

Can a friend/my son/daughter/friend join us on, say, night 2 of our stay for a couple of nights, and is there an extra charge?

Our conditions of rental include that we are always informed of any other person/s who will be staying with you during your visit – the tariff for both apartments is based on 2 people staying. There is a surcharge of £15 per night for any additional persons staying in either apartment. Also, we need to know at all times, details of persons staying in the apartments for insurance reasons, and in the event of, eg a fire.

Are there any extra charges for my booking?

No – the price quoted in your confirmation is all-inclusive. There are no hidden charges or taxes!

Which station do I come to in Edinburgh (if travelling from elsewhere in the UK)?

Edinburgh’s Waverley Station (which is just off Princes Street). There is a taxi rank at the station. Waverley Station is around a mile from Pilrig House – a taxi from the station will cost around £5-£6.

After my stay at Pilrig House, I am going to London. Do I catch the train from the same station?/And, which station in London do I go to?

Yes, you catch your London train from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. It will take you to King’s Cross Station in London. The fastest train takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes to reach London.

Which airport do I arrive at in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh International Airport: Tel (General Enquiries): 0870 040 0007.

How far is it from Edinburgh International Airport to Pilrig House?

Around 12 miles.

How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to Pilrig House?

You can either take a taxi from the airport, which will cost in the region of £25, OR, book the Edinburgh Shuttle Bus, online in advance of your stay, by clicking on the link below. It will collect you at the airport and bring you direct to Pilrig House for £9 single fare, and reduced rates for passengers travelling together to Pilrig House: 

How do I get from Glasgow Airport to Pilrig House?

You can take a Citylink bus outside the airport to Edinburgh and disembark at the terminus point (this will take around 2 hours), then catch a taxi (as outlined in the answer above). Or, you could take a shuttle bus to Glasgow’s Queen Street Station and catch a train to Edinburgh Waverley Station (50 mins by train), then, take a taxi from the station to the apartment – this, will, however, mean three cartings of luggage from airport to bus, bus to train, train to taxi – and, will probably save you only around half an hour off your journey!

When I leave Pilrig House, I am going to Glasgow Airport. How do I get there?

We leave full details in our Welcome Pack for this journey, but, in short, you get a train from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station to Glasgow Queen St Station (52 mins), and, just outside the station entrance you catch the shuttle bus to Glasgow Airport (shuttle leaves every 10 mins). Or, you can take a bus from the bus station in central Edinburgh’s St Andrews Square.

How far away is St Andrews?

Around 60 miles. Would take around two hours to drive there.

St Andrews Golf Hotel T: 01334 472611 (Overlooks the West Sands and the Old Course – hotel restaurant has won many accolades, including two AA rosettes) – impressive views of St Andrews Bay.

Do buses in Edinburgh take the exact fare? Can I buy a bus pass?

Yes – exact fares. You can buy a bus pass – we leave details in the Welcome Pack of places nearby where you can purchase these – they can prove very cost-effective if you are going to be jumping on and off buses a lot during your stay!

Have you any tips for where to go with children during our visit?

Yes – we would highlight the following attractions (and see our Useful Links page):

• Edinburgh Castle (and be there at 1pm to see the One O’Clock Gun fired from the Castle ramparts
• The Edinburgh Storytelling Museum – The Royal Mile
• Outlook Tower & Camera Obscura – The Royal Mile
• Dynamic Earth – at the foot of The Royal Mile
• Edinburgh Zoo
• Museum of Childhood – Royal Mile
• Brass-Rubbing Centre – off the Royal Mile
• The Science Museum
• Loch Ness Discovery Centre
• Greyfriars Bobby Statue

For older children...

• Edinburgh Dungeons
• Late-Night Ghost Tour
• Mary King’s Close
• Climb Arthur’s Seat

What do you dial when contacting Pilrig House from abroad?

Drop the zero in our dialling code ‘0131’ and T: +44 (131) 554 4794  M: +44 (7788) 113886