The old buildings of the College of Edinburgh, themselves mean, had
for their main access, in former times, only that narrow dismal alley
called the College Wynd,[205] leading up from the Cowgate. Facing
down this humble lane was the gateway, displaying a richly ornamented
architrave. The wynd itself, strange as the averment may now appear,
was the abode of many of the professors. The illustrious Joseph Black
lived at one time in a house adjacent to the College gate, on the east
side, afterwards removed to make way for North College Street.[206]
Another floor of the same building was occupied by Mr Keith, father of
the late Sir Alexander Keith of Ravelston, Bart.; and there did the
late Lord Keith reside in his student days. There was a tradition,
but of a vague nature, that Goldsmith, when studying at the Edinburgh
University, lived in the College Wynd.
[Illustration: OLD HOUSES, COLLEGE WYND.
Near here Sir Walter Scott was born.