image copyright Rachel Windsor

Previous names for this close on the Royal Mile include Swift’s Close, Suittie’s Close, Humph’s Close and Gourlay’s Close.  Its current name derives from the 18th century fishmarket which used to take place.  Former residents have included ‘Jinglin’ George Heriot, the founder of the eponymous school who built his residence in 1586, and Daniel Defoe, who is said to have lived here at the time of the Union in the early 18th century.