Keir Sword – Serving cigars on the Royal Mile

The Cigar Box has built up a strong reputation for quality cigars in the heart of Edinburgh. Ian Buxton spoke to proprietor Keir Sword

I caught Keir Sword, proprietor of Edinburgh’s The Cigar Box in ebullient mood. Not because the Scottish Executive had suddenly relented on its plans for a public smoking ban; not because he’d confirmed a massive order; but because his wife had just given birth to their first child, Oliver.

Unsurprisingly, he was at his most positive and upbeat – qualities his friends and customers naturally associate with this friendly and entrepreneurial Scot.

The Cigar Box enjoys an enviable position on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, pretty well equidistant between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (and, indeed, the new Parliament). Tourists and residents alike pass Keir Sword’s front door, drawn by the varied attractions of St Giles’ Cathedral, the exclusive Advocates Library (haunt of Edinburgh lawyers) and the Edinburgh City Council Chambers. Given this highly desirable position it’s no surprise that The Cigar Box is flourishing, but I began by asking Keir how it all got started.

As you might expect in Scotland, the answer involves whisky and golf. “My first shop, Royal Mile Whiskies, was originally set up in 1991,” he says now. “One summer, unable to find a job in a vineyard, I ended up working there. I loved the place, and quickly grew more interested in whisky than wine. In 1997, the opportunity came up to buy RMW – along with its sister teddy bear shop a few doors down.” “I managed to avoid having to buy any teddy bears, but had to come up with a use for the very small p.....

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By Ian Buxton

Section : Spotlight

Page number : 24

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 3 on 01/05/2005.

This article is 69 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	Keir Sword – Serving cigars on the Royal Mile The Cigar Box has built up a strong reputation for quality cigars in the heart of Edinburgh. Ian Buxton spoke to proprietor Keir Sword I caught Keir Sword, proprietor of Edinburgh’s The Cigar Box in ebullient mood. Not because the Scottish Executive had suddenly relented on its plans for a public smoking ban; not because he’d confirmed a massive order; but because his wife had just given birth to their first child, Oliver. Unsurprisingly, he was at his most positive and upbeat – qualities his friends and customers naturally associate with this friendly and entrepreneurial Scot. The Cigar Box enjoys an enviable position on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, pretty well equidistant between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (and, indeed, the new Parliament). Tourists and residents alike pass Keir Sword’s front door, drawn by the varied attractions of St Giles’ Cathedral, the exclusive Advocates Library (haunt of Edinburgh lawyers) and the Edinburgh City Council Chambers. Given this highly desirable position it’s no surprise that The Cigar Box is flourishing, but I began by asking Keir how it all got started. As you might expect in Scotland, the answer involves whisky and golf. “My first shop, Royal Mile Whiskies, was originally set up in 1991,” he says now. “One summer, unable to find a job in a vineyard, I ended up working there. I loved the place, and quickly grew more interested in whisky than wine. In 1997, the opportunity came up to buy RMW – along with its sister teddy bear shop a few doors down.” “I managed to avoid having to buy any teddy bears, but had to come up with a use for the very small p..... To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door. By Ian Buxton Section : Spotlight Page number : 24 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 3 on 01/05/2005. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 69 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2010. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.