Edinburgh
By: Karen Burns
Now that the festive season is over many people start to think about where they might visit when
the weather here becomes uncomfortably hot and humid. If it is fresh air, sunshine, cool breezes
and gently falling rain (or bracing air, amazing grey cloud formations, brisk winds and steady rain)
you are seeking, look no further than Edinburgh!
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland is a city like no other. Accredited in 1995 as a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO, it is steeped in history. Edinburgh seamlessly blends old and new. From the
spectacular Edinburgh Castle, built high on an impressive 700 million year old extinct volcano
called CastleRock, in the middle of the city which in parts dates from the 12th century, to the new
crossing across the Firth of Forth which opened only last year, Edinburgh has something for
everyone and is particularly child friendly.
Edinburgh is a small city, easy to walk around and with excellent public transport. A bustling and
vibrant city, steeped in history and host to a variety of colourful festivals throughout the year,
there is no shortage of things to do.
Edinburgh Castle is linked to the Palace of Holyrood (the Queen’s official residence in Scotland) by
The Royal Mile
You will need a minimum of 3 hours to walk down and visit some of the historic sites. Gladstones
Land - a preserved 16th century house, The museum of Childhood, The Camera Obscura, Mary
Kings Close (and the ghosts!) to name but a few.