Meet the local: Emma Wassell

We caught up with Scottish Rugby Union star Emma Wassell, born in Aberdeen but after studying in Edinburgh she recently moved back to the city that she now calls home.

1. Can you please tell us about who you are and what you do?

My name is Emma, and I am a professional rugby player. I started playing rugby when I was 15 and got my first cap for Scotland in 2014 and now have 67 caps.

I was brought up in Aberdeenshire, then I went to university down in Edinburgh at Heriot Watt in 2012 to study accountancy and finance. After uni I went back up to Aberdeen for a while but Edinburgh always had a place in my heart and in 2021, when I got a professional rugby contract I moved back and have been here ever since.

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2. What do you like most about living in Edinburgh?

Since moving to Leith I have fallen in love with this area, particularly down by the Shore. There’s something about being close to the water whilst still being in a city, you get less hustle and bustle but all the charm. The tram line passes right through which makes it so easy to get into the city centre.

3. Where would you recommend for a bite to eat?

For dinner, Mirin up Leith Walk is a new favourite and then Chancho by the Shore is amazing for drinks. Toast is the perfect spot for brunch & William and Johnston coffee does delicious coffee and pastries, you are spoiled for choice with the various food and drink options in this area too.

4. Where do you enjoy walking in Edinburgh? 

I love walking to Stockbridge along the Water of Leith if I am looking for a long wander. You see lots of areas and end up in a spot for a coffee and pastry. Perfect.

5. Do you have any other favourite spots around Edinburgh?

A walk down the Royal Mile and then around Holyrood Park gives the best of both worlds in the city, from world famous city to green space in just a mile. If we are out, Noto is one of my favourite food spots in Edinburgh followed by SPRY for a lovely glass of wine.