Timeline of Edinburgh history Scottish Academy (later the Royal Scottish Academy) is founded; John Bartholomew founds the mapmaking firm John Bartholomew & Son Ltd. 1827 Walter Scott reveals himself to be the author of the "Waverley novels" at a Theatrical Fund dinner in the George Street Assembly Rooms 1828: Burke and Hare are arrested for the "West Port Murders". Burke is put on trial and convicted on Hare's evidence 1829: Building of George IV Bridge and Dean Bridge begins; the murderer William Burke is hanged; the new Royal High School opens; Walter Scott arranges the return of Mons Meg to Edinburgh Castle 1830: Advocates'
West Port Book Festival from 23 to 26 November. West Port Book Festival The West Port Book Festival was a book festival which was held in Edinburgh from 2008-2012. Initially it took place in August during the busy Edinburgh Festival season, but later it was held at different times in the year. It is of note due to its use of many working second-hand book shop venues, pubs, fish and chip shops, cafes and art venues in the West Port for most of the events, and its insistence on free tickets for entry. Although the West Port Book Festival received some coverage claiming it