The People's Story is a local social history museum that follows everyday Edinburgers through the ages. The museum has been here since 1989 and many of the displays feel like they have been unchanged since then. This dated feel adds some special charm of its own, so is not all bad though.

The diverse topics tackled include poverty and public health; trade unions, work and riots; the war era; recreation and football; as well as Scotland's gay movement.

With its distinctive clock tower the 1591 building has long been a city landmark and for years it was used as a city tollbooth, law courts, jail and council meeting place. As a result the building itself is worth exploring, with many odd nooks in its layout.

For more on Edinburgh, try the Museum of Edinburgh opposite and even the Museum of Childhood further up the street – two other free museums.