6 Rebus Filming Locations in Scotland

The Old Town of Edinburgh is the perfect backdrop for the Rebus series, with atmospheric cobbles, twisting streets and hidden closes. Get close to the action with a visit to the historic Grassmarket area of the city, once home to open-air marketplaces and even public executions. Thankfully things have moved on, and nowadays it’s a bustling spot full of independent shops, cafés and characterful pubs that date back to the 18th century, all with epic views of Edinburgh Castle. Soak up the atmosphere with an evening stroll along Victoria Street, which curves down from the Royal Mile and onto Grassmarket. 

As backdrops go, The Mound is a pretty spectacular filming location. As its name suggests, The Mound is a steep hill connecting Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, with incredible views of the National Galleries, Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle and the rest of the city. 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, part of the University of Edinburgh - its gothic architecture is most impactful when lit up at night. If you’re looking for more Scottish culture, at the bottom of The Mound you can find the National Gallery and RSA buildings. They display some of Scotland’s most impressive art, from old masters to cutting-edge contemporary artists.  

With its bookish origins, it’s no surprise that the new Rebus series features some internal shots of The National Library of Scotland. Centrally located on George IV Bridge off the Royal Mile, the architecture of the building is impressive inside and out. The unfolding corridors and hidden nooks perfectly conjure the mystery and excitement of Rebus's story. The research archive dates back to the 17th century and boasts an incredible collection for visitors to explore, including maps, manuscripts and rare historical documents. Ian Rankin even donated his entire archive to the library! There’s a regular series of events and exhibitions throughout the year, as well as a café to enjoy.  

Eagle-eyed viewers may have spotted The Meadows in the new Rebus series, a beautiful, open green space in the south of the city. In the spring sunshine there’s no better place to bring your copy of Ian Rankin’s original novels and read under the shade of the cherry blossoms, which are in full bloom in April and May. There are a couple of trendy food and coffee trucks nearby to fuel your wanders, or you could explore the nearby neighbourhoods of Bruntsfield and Marchmont if you want to feel like a true Edinburgh local.  

Edinburgh is well-known for its impressive buildings and academic prowess. These attributes come together at George Heriot’s, the school which Rebus’s daughter Sammy attends in the series. It’s not the first time the school has been associated with fiction; some claim it’s the school that inspired J.K. Rowling to invent Hogwarts! Head to Greyfriars Kirkyard for some of the best views of the school. It was founded in the 1600s, and from the atmospheric graveyard you can marvel at the Renaissance architecture, elaborate turrets and sandstone façade. 

After a day spent investigating all these Rebus locations in Edinburgh, you’ll be ready for a rest and a wee tipple! The Oxford Bar in New Town is featured in the series, but its connections with Ian Rankin go back much further. It’s been Ian’s favourite haunt since the 1980s and, being a place where local cops used to drink, he was inspired to make it Rebus’s local as well. Many characters from the pub have been used in Ian Rankin’s fiction and it's not unheard of to see the author himself in there enjoying a pint.