Scottish locals have been left divided after the name of a historic cafe in the capital city "caused offence" to nationalists.
The Redcoat Cafe was opened in 1992 and accompanies the historic Edinburgh Castle. The name comes from British infantrymen who wore the coloured uniforms into battle against the Scottish army in the 1700s amid struggles for sovereignty.
The establishment recently sparked calls for a rebrand after undergoing a refurbishment. Posting on the official Edinburgh Castle X account, the cafe welcomed customers back to the venue.
In a post on social media, they said: "We are happy to welcome you all back to our newly refurbished Redcoat Café."
Scottish local says the cafe 'can't change history'
GB News
SNP MP Douglas Chapman was outraged as he responded: "I don’t think many will be ‘popping in’ for anything. How about a swift rebrand? Redcoat, really?"
An online petition calling for a rebrand has also racked up over 1,000 signatures. Signatories have called the cafe's name "deeply offensive", claiming it celebrates an "occupying force".
Speaking to GB News reporter Tony McGuire, Scottish residents shared their thoughts on the cafe's name and if it should be changed.
Sharing their support for the 30-year-old eatery, one couple said it is "quite a good name", and didn't see how changing the name would have an effect.
The Redcoat Cafe in Edinburgh first opened its doors in 1992
Flickr
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Another Scot called for the name to be changed to something "more Scottish", and suggested "The Highlander" instead.
In contrast, another Edinburgh local said calls to rebrand The Redcoat are "prissy", and Scottish folk should be "hanging on to history".
One man fumed at the idea, stating it should "absolutely not" be changed.
He stated: "No, you can't change history. It's just a name. That's it. Get over it."
The cafe at Edinburgh Castle has left Scottish residents divided
PA
Two young Scots sparked their own discussion, addressing both sides of the argument. One girl said it is "down to personal opinion", but called for the change to go ahead.
She argued: "I guess if it's associated with the monarchy, in my opinion that's not something that Scotland wants to be associated with as much anymore. So maybe in a political way it would be important to change it."
Her friend hit back, highlighting: "But the castle is associated with the monarchy. I don't know if I would change it. But if enough people are bothered by it, then change it."
A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: "We are aware of the comments on social media on both sides of the debate about the name of the café at Edinburgh Castle.
"The name has been in place since 1992 and reflects the military history which is told throughout the Castle, however the way we interpret history is constantly evolving.
"As part of our future plans for Edinburgh Castle, the names of both the Redcoat Café and Jacobite function room will now be reviewed."
