The Canongate, part of The World Famous Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh is set in outstanding landscape, formed by Arthur's seat and Calton Hill. It has a distinctive architectural character and is medieval and pedestrian in nature which is a result of its rich history.

In 1128, King David allowed the Canons of Holyrood Abbey to establish a burgh on the land between the abbey and the Netherbow port of Edinburgh. The "Canon-gait" was the walkway or "gait" from the Abbey to Edinburgh, and lent its name to the burgh. The burgh prospered and became the home of nobles and well-to-do, but in the late eighteenth century many of these people moved to the more spacious accommodation in the New Town. During the nineteenth century, the area became home to industries, especially brewing.

The whole of the Old Town along with the whole of the New Town was awarded World Heritage Status in 1995.

The former New Street bus depot is one of the few remaining industrial sites and has been the subject of redevelopment proposals for over five years.