Today we meet an Edinburgh local who is helping promote the local way of life, specifically the lovely Leith, to readers around the world. Meet Adam Wilson, a designer and recently appointed Ambassador of On The Grid. Read on to find out more.
Bio
My name is Adam. I work as a Designer at a large creative agency. My background is in publishing so I’ve always been fascinated with photography, art direction, magazines and layout. Having spent the last few years writing emails to people recommending things to do in Edinburgh, I decided I needed a permanent place to put this information.
Tell us about the concept behind On the Grid.
On The Grid was started over 5 years ago, in Gowanus, Brooklyn, New York. An agency called Hyperakt published a guide for their neighbourhood. It quickly got the attention of other creatives to contribute to the surrounding areas. Now it’s 536 neighbourhoods over 111 cities around the world.
Each guide is loving created by a Curator, who photographs and writes for every venue in the guide. There’s no stock photos, no re-posting of social media, and no ratings. This sets it apart from the likes of Trip Advisdor, Yelp, and other aggregator sites.
How did you get involved?
I was a user of On The Grid for a few years. I first discovered it in Lisbon, and used it to find my way around Bairo Alto for a few days. The guide was so well put together and concise, we’d never have found a few of the places without it.
Later that year it came in handy for Sofia, Bulgaria. Eventually, I found myself looking at it again in Berlin and wondering why the Edinburgh guide still didn’t exist.
Luckily, someone else had pulled out of the Edinburgh guide and they recommended me. A few emails later I was offered the Ambassador title they give to the person in charge of each city.
And why did you choose Leith?
Really it chose me. Every Ambassador has to curate a neighbourhood first. I’ve worked and/or lived in Leith for over 12 years now. This is my home, my neighborhood, where myself and fiance like to go out to eat and drink. I’ve watched it chance a lot of the years, I can’t see myself living in another part of Edinburgh now.
How did you go about curating the guide and tell us about some of your favourite places in Leith that made it into your guide?
I already had a pretty good idea what would make my list. But, it was important to have a mix of venues on the map – not have say three cafes on the same street for example. The process of curation took and while to get what I considered a balanced view of the area. Price point was important too, although it’s nice to have bistros listed, you’ve got to consider what people want for a quick lunch sometimes.
I’ll always have a soft spot for Word Of Mouth on Albert Street. As I mentioned in the guide, I almost didn’t want more people finding out about it. It’s the best brunch for miles.
I was also glad to feature the relatively new Nauticus on Duke Street. Probably one of the finest drinking establishments in all of Edinburgh, nevermind Leith. The fact bars like this are opening as my local is a testament to how well Leith is doing.
And of course, my unsung hero Storries Bakery (aka The Pie Shop). They have almost zero presence online, but the line out the door every weekend evening.
What was your favourite part of the process and why?
Two parts. Firstly, I’m not covering all of Edinburgh alone. There’s 8 other people covering different neighbourgoods (coming soon). Meeting these passionate people from different backgrounds has been quite inspiriting.
The business owners in the guide all work long hours, and quite often I was there before they even opened. I don’t know how they put up with me asking to remove Christmas decorations a week before Christmas.
When I was editing thousands of photos in the middle of the night, I had to remind myself I’m showcasing Edinburgh to the world. This was my one chance to elevate that business to a wider audience. I just hope I did them all justice.
Where is your own Hidden Edinburgh?
There’s a few special areas in and around Arthurs Seat. Even on a busy summers day, you can still find secluded rocky areas with no-one else around. If you can’t escape to the highlands, you might find your own hidden Edinburgh here.
Please provide your top tips for a first-time visitor to Edinburgh.
Walk the water of Leith towards Dean Village, stopping off for refreshment in Stockbridge. Visit charming cafes in Bruntsfield and Morningside. Discover the hidden closes in Old Town and The Grassmarket, but avoid the Royal Mile (unless you enjoy being ripped off). Visit the galleries in New Town, and head out further than your guide book suggests to Leith for a real night out.
Finally, what is your life motto?
Beg for forgiveness, don’t ask for permission.
Read the guide onthegrid.city/
