Rebus: The iconic locations featured in BBC’s new hit show & where to find them

REBUS is set to bring another tourist boom to Edinburgh – after the international success of the TV detective reboot.

Outlander star Richard Rankin has proved to be a smash hit as a more “macho” investigating copper who takes on the capital’s underworld, after the role was originally played on ITV by John Hannah and Ken Stott.

And TV critics have been full of praise for the new series, including our own Ally Ross who described it as “superb” and like being “embraced like a long-lost friend”.

VisitScotland has since seen interest soar for the BBC drama – which is also streamed around the world by Swedish streaming service Viaplay – and have now put together a list of Rebus filming locations.

Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS takes a look at Edinburgh through the eyes of the maverick detective.

GRASSMARKET

THE Old Town of Edinburgh is the perfect backdrop for the new Rebus series with its twisting cobbled streets and hidden closes.

Fittingly this was once the location for public executions, when people used to gather for open-air marketplaces and a hanging.

Now the Grassmarket is a bustling spot full of independent shops, cafés and pubs that date back to the 18th century, all with epic views of Edinburgh Castle.

THE MOUND

AS its name suggests, The Mound is a steep hill connecting Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, with incredible views of Princes Street and its gardens.

This filming location reflects the detective’s complex character, as well as the duality of Edinburgh’s shifting landscapes.

At the top of The Mound is New College with its gothic architecture while at the bottom are the National Gallery and RSA buildings featuring cutting-edge contemporary artists.

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND

REBUS’S partner Detective Constable Siobhan Clarke (Lucie Shorthouse) is seen entering the front entrance of the library for a clandestine meeting.

Centrally located on George IV Bridge off the Royal Mile, the architecture of the building is impressive inside and out.

The research archive date back to the 17th century and Rebus author Ian Rankin, 63, even donated his entire archive to the library.

THE MEADOWS

EAGLE-eyed viewers will have spotted this beautiful, open green space in the south of the city in the first episode of the new series.

And while the detective was enjoying a secret rendezvous, visitors can instead have a drink and a snack from some of the nearby artisan coffee trucks.

The Meadows also offers a chance to explore the picturesque neighbourhoods of Bruntsfield and Marchmont.

GEORGE HERIOT’S SCHOOL

THIS impressive building of academic prowess is where Rebus’s daughter Sammy (Mia McKenzie) goes to school.

It’s not the first time it has been associated with fiction with Harry Potter fans claiming it also inspired J.K. Rowling’s school for wizards Hogwarts.

Founded in the 1600s the best view of George Heriot’s, with its renaissance architecture, elaborate turrets and sandstone façade, is actually from Greyfriars Kirkyard.

EDINBURGH CASTLE

THE new series wasn’t actually filmed inside the castle walls, but the 11th century fortress acts as a backdrop throughout all six episodes.

Edinburgh Castle has also been at the centre of Scottish history for over a millenia and was involved in many historical conflicts from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite rising of 1745.

In fact research undertaken in 2014 identified 26 sieges in its 1,100-year history, giving it a claim to having been, “The most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world.”

OXFORD BAR

THIS is not only Rebus’s local, but it’s also the favourite watering hole of his creator Sir Ian Rankin.

The 63-year-old author, who will release his 25th and possibly last Rebus book this year, has been a customer for over 30 years and once considered buying the bar on Young Street.

Fans trying to contact him regularly send letters to the pub, which Ian retrieves from behind the bar whenever he pops in for a pint.

ROYAL MILE

RUNNING between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse this cobblestoned road is probably the best known in the capital.

Each year millions of tourists line the street to check out the good and the bad of the Edinburgh Festival street performers.

While it also featured in the 2018 all-star comic book flick Avengers: Infinity War that saw Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) filming in the Old Town.

*For more information on locations visit visitscotland.com/things-to-do/attractions/tv-film