It was New Year 2011 when I decided to go in search of Sean Connery, one of Edinburgh’s best-loved sons whose shadow still hangs over the city, even if he hasn’t lived here for a few decades.

More precisely, I wanted to go in search of the blue plaque hung in recognition of Connery’s birthplace in the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh. Connery may have been born in a long-demolished tenement building, 176 Fountainbridge, but a new development erected in 2010 now marks the spot.

Speaking in 2007 of the changes to the Fountainbridge area and the demolishing of a nearby brewery, the James Bond star said: “Growing up in Fountainbridge played a major part in my early experiences of Edinburgh. Its industrial legacy left an important imprint on my life – and on the rest of the city. I am pleased that now, at last, the walls are coming down.”

For my tour, I started by turning right at the junction of Lothian Road and Fountainbridge when walking up from Princes Street, walking along towards the new development at Springside.

The tour can be followed from there in 007 simple steps (see what I did there?) using the map and/or the slideshow below. By opening the map into fullscreen you can then switch on the text commentary.

Here’s another view of the tour for those not able to see the slideshow: