An Edinburgh Birthday: Premiering 'The Spirit of the Mile'

On Thursday 13 November 2025 we marked a very special moment in Mercat’s history. To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we gathered with our team, friends and generations of storytellers to honour four decades of sharing Edinburgh’s stories with visitors from around the world. 

Hosted at the Scottish Storytelling Centre by Managing Director Kat Brogan, Director Michael Brogan, and company founder Des Brogan, the evening brought together over 100 guests who have shaped Mercat’s journey, past and present. It was a heartfelt celebration of the values and passion that have guided us since 1985. 

A highlight of the evening was the premiere of The Spirit of the Mile, a specially commissioned Ode written and narrated by professional dramatist, former storyteller and good friend of Mercat, Karen McKenzie. The Ode pays homage to the voices that echo through Edinburgh’s remarkable history. It is both a love letter to the Royal Mile and a thank-you to our Master Storytellers who share Edinburgh’s history with honesty, care and genuine connection. MD Kat, described the Ode as “a beautiful gift from a beautiful friend.”  

“Our 40th anniversary is a milestone for Mercat Tours and for our wider community – our team, locals, friends and partners. Our Ode captures the love we have for the city and how seriously we take the task as custodians - ensuring stories pass from the past to future.” said Kat Brogan. 

Karen McKenzie said: “Writing The Spirit of the Mile was a lovely chance to thank Mercat for sparking my love of storytelling and to applaud the guides that bring Edinburgh’s past to life every day. I wrote this piece as a thank you, inspired by the history of the city, the stories of the closes and the passion of the Mercat team. Being part of their 40-year story has been a genuine joy and a reminder of just how powerful a well-told tale can be.” 

With live music, local food and drink and many familiar faces, the evening was a celebration of everyone that has supported Mercat Tours throughout its 40-year journey. The gathering brought together past and present team, representatives from the travel trade, cultural organisations, heritage attractions, and the wider tourism community, including longstanding collaborators such as VisitScotland, the Grassmarket Community Project, ASVA, Scottish Enterprise, Edinburgh Castle (HES), Living Wage Scotland, and ETAG. 

Guests were invited to add their own memories to our Mercat Memory Tree, reflecting moments of kindness, connection, and community from across the decades. These shared memories showcased exactly what has always mattered most to us: people.  

Jill Walker of VisitScotland encapsulated her reflections simply and powerfully: “Mercat = it matters!!”

“Mercat has always been about values first, not value.  Deep, meaningful connections are what set the Mercat team apart and keep us thriving, true to our promises in the Mercat Deal. Any good story leaves you wanting to know what comes next and we look forward to writing our next chapter together,” Kat Brogan concluded.