Illustrating Edinburgh’s Past: The Art of Storytelling

20th March is one of our favourite days of the year. To some, this day is known as Ostara—the spring equinox—marking Scotland’s emergence from the dark winter months. 

But to us, it’s also World Storytelling Day, a day to reflect on all the ways in which we tell stories. Whether it’s visual, written or oral, stories are Mercat's golden thread. They connect us with each other and with the past. 

 

A Story 40 Years in the Telling 

Earlier this year, we asked local amateur artist and longstanding friend of Mercat, Alasdair MacLauchlan, to help us celebrate 40 years of Mercat. 

While our master Storytellers bring tales to life with their voices, we wanted something that captures the art of storytelling—literally. We commissioned Alasdair to create an illustration that represents the stories we tell. 

And what better representation than the Mercat Cross, the medieval monument that lent its name to us—and the starting point for every one of our last 40 years' of tours?

 

Alasdair MacLauchlan and Mercat Storyteller in front of the Mercat Cross | photo: Tony Marsh 

 

Alasdair’s Story 

During the creative process, we sat down with Alasdair to find out more about his art. 

The first thing we asked, of course, was how he goes about visually telling a story with art.  

He responded, “Well, the difference between a story verbally and in terms of a picture—and it's not that different, is it—is it’s a point in time. It's about saying something. I hope the pictures do say something. It's about interpretation, which ultimately that's what stories are about.” 

When asked what got him into art, he looks back to his school days and the many margins of books full of doodles. 

“I used to read a lot of comics, and I think a lot of it came from there: the artwork in those comics, which were very life driven. Which is why I started off really doing people, things with movement.” 

That movement comes through when you study Alasdair’s illustration. Look closely and you’ll find silhouettes approaching the Mercat Cross—people of the past looking for a caddie to show them around town, or maybe our modern-day guests ready to unveil secrets of Edinburgh’s past.

Art, for Alasdair, is important because it’s both relaxing and creative. "I think it's a good rule in life to try and be creative as well as a consumer,” he says. “So, I feel you're adding value to yourself if you're able to create. And you never know everything. It's a never-ending journey, art.” 

 

The Process: Bringing Edinburgh to Life

Our birthday illustration began on a wet and blustery day—one of those days Edinburgh residents will be familiar with—at the Adam Smith statue.  

Alasdair began with a basic sketch to get a feel for the space. “I did it in pencil and in charcoal, because these are very quick mediums to use.  And then I took it back, drew it and used ink, generally. Laying it on and just doing various tones, colours, detail, loose playing around.” 

After many drafts—which Alasdair says he enjoyed because “you’re learning all the time”—we settled on the final artwork. And at the end of January, we invited Alasdair to gaze upon his art in larger-than-life, poster-shaped form. He was delighted, if his ear-to-ear smile is anything to go by.

“It’s been quite popular at my own work,” he says of the illustration, since its official release. “Lots of people have made very nice comments. Wee bit embarrassing, to be honest about it, but I'm very pleased that people seem to like it and seem to be impressed."

 

Your Piece in Our Puzzle 

This year, we’re celebrating our birthday in a myriad of ways, from free 'thank you' Feature Tours for our local community to exciting events and special giveaways. 

We’re even gearing up to introduce exciting new updates to our tours that will make them even more immersive, combining all the senses to create a multi-sensory storytelling experience. 

When you join us on tour this year, you’ll receive a button badge featuring Alasdair’s drawing. We invite you to celebrate with us by taking a photo of yourself on tour with the button to enter a special giveaway. 

It’s our way to thank you for joining us on our story’s journey, 40 years into its telling. Who knows, maybe we’ll celebrate with you again in another 40!