99 days: Fiona MacGregor

On a rainy morning in Edinburgh, I visited the Writers' Museum, located in a narrow alleyway off the Royal Mile. On a rainy morning in Edinburgh, I visited the Writers' Museum, located in a narrow alleyway off the Royal Mile. On a rainy morning in Edinburgh, I visited the Writers' Museum, located in a narrow alleyway off the Royal Mile. The museum houses personal artifacts and writings from Scotland's literary giants, including Robert Louis Stevenson's travel writings. While I was reading, Fiona MacGregor, a retired schoolteacher and museum volunteer, approached me. With her sharp eyes and warm smile, Fiona shared fascinating anecdotes about Stevenson's adventures and his love of Edinburgh. Her stories brought the exhibits to life in a way that placards simply could not. I was inspired by Fiona's insights and sketched the intimate corners of the museum, trying to capture the essence of this storied environment. Fiona watched, her eyes reflecting the pride of centuries of rich Scottish culture. Our conversation shifted from literature to the impact of Scottish writers on the world stage. Fiona's personal touch, as an educator, enriched each story, making complex histories accessible and fascinating. As the day progressed, the warmth of the museum contrasted starkly with the gray skies outside. I left with a richer sketchbook, filled with the shadows and lines of Edinburgh's literary past, and my mind buzzing with the stories Fiona had woven around each artifact. This encounter reminded me of how personal and immediate history can be. The power of storytelling can bridge that gap.