The Redcoat Cafe has been at the centre of fierce criticism from campaigners, politicians and historians since it reopened in February 2024 after a refurbishment.

Its name comes from 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.

Despite the cafe having had the name since 1992, campaigners are calling for it to be rebranded, calling it an “insult and an abomination” to Scotland’s history due to the thousands of Highlanders who were killed by red-uniformed British troops.

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Following the backlash, Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who look after and run Edinburgh Castle, responded to the outcry pledging to review the cafe’s name as well as the name of its Jacobite function room in the “coming financial year” of 2025/2026.

However, The National revealed in December that HES has indefinitely delayed the review – despite having vowed to complete the work by April 2026.

Responding to a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Angus Robertson, by campaigners the Scottish Government said that ministers are “aware” of the ongoing discussion regarding the cafe’s name and are still waiting for the review. 

The letter, seen by The National, read: “Edinburgh Castle is one of our most iconic landmarks and represents a great deal to Scottish identity.

“The day-to-day management of this Property in Care is delegated by Scottish Ministers to Historic Environment Scotland (HES). This means that decisions about the management of Edinburgh Castle are operational matters for HES to take.

“Please let me reassure you that Ministers are aware of the ongoing discussion regarding the café’s name, which has been in place since 1992 and reflects the military history presented throughout the Castle. The names of the café and the Jacobite function suite are still being considered as part of a wider strategic review of Edinburgh Castle.

“As HES set out in its Operating Plan, there will be a high-level strategic plan for the Castle published in due course. This plan will take a long-term view of the site, and its implementation should see ongoing investment spread over a number of years. HES has advised that any changes to the catering offer, including names, would follow that work rather than precede it.”

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A HES spokesperson explained that the delay of the review was due to the castle’s toilet facilities being upgraded first, as well as work on “refreshing the Crown Room and the display of the Honours of Scotland in the New Year”.

They added: “The review of the Redcoat Cafe and the Jacobite function suite names will not be complete by April 2026. As set out in our operating plan, we have committed to publishing a high-level strategic plan for Edinburgh Castle.

“This plan will take a long-term view of the site, and the names of the cafe and function suite will be considered as part of that process.”

Prominent campaigner Sean Clerkin, who was part of a protest at the castle’s cafe this week over the name, said he was “ashamed” to see a Redcoat displayed in the building. 

(Image: Supplied)

“It made my blood boil with rage as my ancestors were driven out of the Highlands by these thugs in uniform,” he added. 

Writing to HES, Clerkin said: “We demand that you change the name of the Redcoat Cafe at Edinburgh Castle immediately as it is an insult and an abomination to millions of Scots as the redcoat armies murdered thousands of Highland men, raped Highland women and burnt down the homes of thousands of Scots driving them out of their homes causing countless harm to our ancestors.

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“The Redcoat hordes of the British or Greater English Army eradicated the Gaelic Language, Highland Dress and Highland Customs attacking Scotland and its People and you celebrate this through the naming of this cafe with the name Redcoat Cafe.

Adding: “We would suggest a simple change of name to the Castle Cafe would satisfy us but continued belief that you had thrown this issue into the long grass and quelled dissent has actually angered many in the Nationalist Community.”