Whighams is steeped in history and was originally the kitchen and wine cellars for a traditional townhouse once occupied by Earl Haig. Over time, the cellars evolved as a wholesale wine merchant, bottling from wooden barrels for many years, supplying wine to Edinburgh’s gentry from the prestigious Charlotte Square in Edinburgh’s New Town.
The history of decision to construct the New Town was taken by the city fathers in 1766, after overcrowding inside the Old Town city walls reached breaking point and to prevent an exodus of wealthy citizens from the city to London. A design competition was held in January 1766 to find a suitably modern layout for the new suburb which was won by 26 year old James Craig. Today, the New Town remains a gem in Edinburgh’s crown and locals and visitors continue to be in awe of the stunning and imposing architecture throughout our streets.