is the largest monument to any writer in the
world. The titular character of his 1814 novel,
Waverley, is also the name of Edinburgh’s
main train station — the only one in the world
named after a literary character.
To experience the Scottish passion for
literature more intimately, visit the
Storytelling Centre on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
The venue hosts live storytelling, theatre,
music, exhibitions and more. Workshops
also teach you to improve your own gift of
gab. The Scottish Poetry Library, just steps
from Scottish Parliament, does the same.
Join a poetry reading group (no preparation
required) or simply take in the works of locals
at a “slam.” Whatever the case, expect to
learn a lot about Robert Burns.
GREEN EDINBURGH
The rich Gaelic green of Scotland doesn’t stop
at the gates of Edinburgh. More than 130
public parks, gardens, greens and preserves
blanket and surround the city, totaling 49.2
percent of its total land area, making it the
greenest city in the United Kingdom.
In addition to the obvious parkland of
Arthur’s Seat and other hills, Edinburgh is
home to Britain’s largest rhododendron and
azalea gardens, covering a full 70 acres at
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Also
on site is an impressive Chinese garden, with
the largest collection of wild-origin Chinese
plants outside of China, and the vast and
steamy Tropical Palm House, which feels like
stepping into a rainforest.
For the quintessential “secret garden,”
look no further than Dr. Neil’s Garden next
to the 12th-century Duddingston Kirk on
Duddingston Loch. Created in the 1960s by
doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil, the garden
is replete with conifers, heathers, magnolias,
rhododendrons, azaleas and many other
shrubs, not to mention the classic Monet-
style bridge and waterlilies. In one corner
is Thomson’s Tower, built in 1825, to store
curling stones. Feel free to take your time
here. The goal here is less to appreciate the
greenery, but find beauty and peace. The
cinematic views of Arthur’s Seat make it easy.
Edinburgh
Credit: Shaiith via iStock
Edinburgh
Credit: Jui-Chi Chan via iStock
“
Several former villages
now incorporated into
the city also turn back the
clock . . .
”
GETTING THERE
Beginning in May 2018, United
Airlines will offer nonstop seasonal
service (ends in early October)
from Dulles International Airport
(IAD) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
SPRING 2018 29 FLYWASHINGTON.COM