EDINBURGH Castle has responded to controversy around the “deeply offensive” name of its Redcoat cafe with a pledge to “review” it.
Historic Environment Scotland, which runs the castle, has also said that the name of its “Jacobite function room” will be under review.
The news comes after a severe backlash at the Redcoat cafe name which was sparked by the announcement of a completed renovation.
“We are happy to welcome you all back to our newly refurbished Redcoat cafe,” Edinburgh Castle’s official account wrote on Twitter/X. “If you are visiting us over the weekend, pop in for a warm beverage or even a tasty slice of cake.”
I don’t think many will be “popping in” for anything. Hey @HistEnvScot @edinburghcastle - how about a swift rebrand? Redcoat, really? https://t.co/b8g3g3Onu4
— Douglas Chapman MP 🏴 (@DougChapmanSNP) February 11, 2024
A backlash at the name of the cafe saw SNP MP Douglas Chapman call for a “swift rebrand”.
A petition calling for the “deeply offensive” name to be changed was set up and has so far gathered more than 1100 signatures.
Responding to the controversy, a spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said: “We are aware of the comments on social media on both sides of the debate about the name of the café at Edinburgh Castle.
“The name has been in place since 1992 and reflects the military history which is told throughout the castle, however the way we interpret history is constantly evolving.
“As part of our future plans for Edinburgh Castle, the names of both the Redcoat Café and Jacobite function room will now be reviewed.”
The Redcoat cafe is currently named after the red-uniformed British troops who fought against the Jacobites in Scotland, against US succession in North America, and were involved in colonisation across the globe. They counted a number of Scots among their ranks.
The Jacobite room refers to supporters of King James VII of Scotland and II of England, the last Catholic British monarch. James was deposed by protestant supporters of his daughter Mary and son-in-law William of Orange.
Alba general secretary Chris McEleny had raised concerns about the Redcoat name in the summer of 2023.
Asked what he thought of the new review pledge from Historic Environment Scotland, McEleny said it should spark a wider review of Edinburgh Castle's presentation.
READ MORE: Stephen Flynn rejects BBC presenter's claim about SNP's ceasefire call
He said: “You will not visit an attraction anywhere else in the world that names a facility after what many view as occupying forces. It would be like the White House having a wing named the Red Coat Wing.
“Edinburgh Castle should be a living example of Scotland’s story. Not only does the Redcoat cafe need a name change, the entire castle needs to better reflect all of the ages of Scottish history that it has served.
"Presently it demotes anything prior to the 18th century to a footnote and elevates British imperial history to a presence more suited to the Imperial War Museum in London. It’s time for the Saltire to fly high at Edinburgh Castle. “
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel