Explore the real-world places that appear in The Falls by Ian Rankin. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include St. Leonard's Police Station, Falls of Dochart, The Royal Mile, The Oxford Bar, Arthur's Seat and 5 more.
St. Leonard's Street — Detective Inspector John Rebus's base
Detective Inspector John Rebus operates from St. Leonard's throughout the investigation into Philippa Balfour's disappearance and apparent suicide at the Falls of Dochart. Rebus clashes with his superiors here over his unorthodox methods and his determination to prove that Philippa's death wasn't suicide but murder. The station serves as his operational headquarters as he uncovers connections to Edinburgh's occult underground.
St. Leonard's Police Station was built in the 1930s to serve Edinburgh's Southside. It became one of the city's major police stations, handling serious crimes for the area south of the Royal Mile.
The building still operates as a police facility, though Police Scotland has restructured operations since the novels were written. It remains an active part of Edinburgh's law enforcement infrastructure.
Killin, Perthshire — Where Philippa Balfour's body is found
The body of young Philippa Balfour is discovered in these dramatic waterfalls, initially appearing to be suicide by drowning. Rebus travels here multiple times during his investigation, becoming convinced that her death was staged. The remote Highland location contrasts sharply with Edinburgh's urban setting, and the falls become a symbol of the mystery's deeper currents.
The Falls of Dochart have been a notable Scottish landmark for centuries, where the River Dochart tumbles over rocky ledges in the village of Killin. The area has long attracted visitors for its natural beauty and has been painted by numerous Scottish artists.
The Falls of Dochart remain one of Scotland's most photographed waterfalls and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can walk across the old stone bridge for spectacular views, and the area offers hiking trails and outdoor activities.
Visit: Falls of Dochart (landmark)
High Street to Holyrood — Edinburgh's historic heart
Rebus walks the Royal Mile during his investigation, following leads that connect Philippa Balfour to Edinburgh's occult community. The ancient street's closes and wynds hide secrets related to the case, and Rebus uses his knowledge of the city's hidden corners to track down witnesses and suspects connected to ritualistic practices.
The Royal Mile forms the spine of Edinburgh's Old Town, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Dating from medieval times, it has been the city's main thoroughfare for over 800 years, lined with historic buildings, closes, and wynds.
The Royal Mile is one of Scotland's most famous tourist destinations, packed with shops, restaurants, museums, and historic sites. It remains the ceremonial route for royal processions and hosts the Edinburgh Festival each August.
Visit: Royal Mile (historic site)
Young Street — Rebus's local pub
Rebus retreats to the Oxford Bar throughout his investigation to think through the complexities of the Balfour case. Here he drinks with his journalist friend and discusses theories about Philippa's death. The pub serves as his refuge from the pressures of the investigation and the place where he processes the darker implications of what he's uncovering.
The Oxford Bar has been a traditional Edinburgh pub since the 1970s, known for its unpretentious atmosphere and regular clientele. It became famous as Ian Rankin's own local and the inspiration for Rebus's favorite drinking spot.
The Oxford Bar continues to operate as a traditional Scottish pub and has become a pilgrimage site for Rebus fans from around the world. It maintains its authentic atmosphere and still serves as Ian Rankin's local when he's in Edinburgh.
Visit: The Oxford Bar (restaurant)
Holyrood Park — Edinburgh's ancient volcano
Arthur's Seat features in Rebus's investigation as he explores connections between Philippa Balfour's death and Edinburgh's occult practitioners who use the ancient volcanic peak for rituals. The dramatic landscape provides a brooding backdrop as Rebus pieces together the ritualistic elements of the case and confronts suspects in this wild setting within the city.
Arthur's Seat is the main peak of the hill in Holyrood Park, formed by an ancient volcano. At 823 feet, it has been climbed by locals and visitors for centuries and offers panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.
Arthur's Seat remains one of Edinburgh's most popular outdoor attractions, with thousands climbing to the summit each year. It's part of Holyrood Park and offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, all within walking distance of the city center.
Visit: Arthur's Seat (park)
Greyfriars Place — Historic cemetery
The atmospheric cemetery becomes significant to Rebus's investigation as he explores Edinburgh's darker history and its connection to the occult elements surrounding Philippa Balfour's death. The ancient gravestones and mausoleums provide clues to historical practices that mirror the ritualistic aspects of the current case.
Greyfriars Kirkyard dates back to the late 16th century and is one of Edinburgh's most historic cemeteries. It's famous for the National Covenant signing in 1638 and as the resting place of many notable Scots, including the dog Greyfriars Bobby.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a popular tourist destination, known for its historic significance and ghost tours. The cemetery is also famous as the inspiration for many Harry Potter character names, as J.K. Rowling walked here while writing the books.
Visit: Greyfriars Kirkyard (historic site)
Edinburgh's main shopping street
Rebus travels along Princes Street during his investigation, using the bustling commercial heart of Edinburgh as he pursues leads related to Philippa Balfour's life before her death. The contrast between the street's everyday commerce and the dark undercurrents of his case highlights the hidden depths beneath Edinburgh's respectable surface.
Princes Street was laid out in the 1760s as part of Edinburgh's New Town development. Named after the sons of King George III, it became Edinburgh's premier shopping street and one of the finest shopping streets in Europe.
Princes Street remains Edinburgh's main commercial thoroughfare, lined with shops, department stores, and restaurants. It offers spectacular views across Princes Street Gardens to Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.
Visit: Princes Street (landmark)
Port of Leith — Edinburgh's historic port
The industrial port area of Leith becomes relevant to Rebus's investigation as he tracks down connections to criminal networks that may be linked to Philippa Balfour's death. The docks' reputation for rough characters and illicit activities provides potential leads in the case's darker elements.
Leith has been Edinburgh's port since the 14th century, handling trade from across Europe. The docks area was historically rough and working-class, with a strong maritime culture and reputation for independence from Edinburgh proper.
Leith has undergone significant gentrification and is now known for its restaurants, bars, and cultural venues. While still a working port, much of the area has been redeveloped into upscale housing and dining destinations.
Visit: Port of Leith (historic site)
Castle Rock — Edinburgh's iconic fortress
The castle's imposing presence looms over Edinburgh as Rebus conducts his investigation, serving as a constant reminder of the city's ancient power structures and hidden histories. The fortress becomes symbolically important as Rebus uncovers connections between modern crime and Edinburgh's darker historical traditions.
Edinburgh Castle has dominated the city's skyline for over 1,000 years, serving as a royal residence, military fortress, and prison. Built on an extinct volcanic rock, it has been central to Scottish history and has withstood numerous sieges.
Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's most visited tourist attraction, housing the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the famous One O'Clock Gun. It offers spectacular views over the city and hosts the annual Military Tattoo.
Visit: Edinburgh Castle (historic site)
Canongate — Official royal residence
The Palace of Holyroodhouse appears in the investigation as Rebus explores the connections between Edinburgh's official power structures and the underground networks that may be connected to Philippa Balfour's death. The contrast between royal grandeur and criminal activity underscores the city's complex social layers.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse has been the official residence of Scottish royalty since the 16th century. It was originally founded as a monastery in 1128 and became a royal palace under James IV. Mary Queen of Scots lived here, and it witnessed many dramatic events in Scottish history.
Holyrood Palace serves as the official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland and is open to the public when not in use for state functions. It houses important collections of art and historical artifacts.
Visit: Palace of Holyroodhouse (historic site)
More by Ian Rankin: Black and Blue locations map · Knots and Crosses locations map · Set in Darkness locations map · All Ian Rankin books
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