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Edinburgh,
Scotland's historic and cosmopolitan capital, is embraced by the scenic coastline
and rich countryside of the Lothians.
Edinburgh
- The Heart of Scotland
In
most countries, the capital city reflects the history; culture and personality
of the nation. Nowhere is this more true than in Edinburgh.
From the first
view of the Castle, with its dramatic tales of siege, dark deeds
and intrigue, to the last long rays of sunshine over the restaurants
and bars of the port of Leith, Edinburgh represents the essence
of Scotland, its history and its modern day nationhood. Indeed,
it can be argued that this is where the heart of Scotland and the
Scots beats strongest.
The Edinburgh
Sheraton Grand and Spa is right in the heart of this magical
city and has delightful views of Edinburgh Castle from many of the
bedrooms and the restaurant.
Edinburgh
Castle, which is open all year, stands on a rocky crag which has been fortified
for over 2,000 years. Scotland's own crown jewels, the Honours of Scotland, are
on display within the castle along with an equally potent symbol of nationhood,
the Stone of Destiny on which Scottish monarchs were crowned. From
the castle, the Royal Mile sweeps down through the medieval Old Town, a warren
of closes, lanes and historic buildings, many of which now house attractions such
as Gladstone's Land, with its glimpse of local 17th century life, and the Scotch
Whisky Heritage Centre. At
the end of the Royal Mile stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty the
Queen's official residence in Scotland. Nearby, work will shortly begin on the
building which will house the new Scottish Parliament but, directly opposite,
work is now complete on Dynamic Earth, an exciting new attraction which tells
the story of how the earth was created.
To
the north of the castle, the shops and department stores of Princes Street mark
the beginning of the Georgian New Town, an area of handsome buildings and broad
avenues with attractions such as the Scottish National Gallery of Modem Art and
the Royal Botanic Garden. A little further to the north in the city at the port
of Leith is the recently berthed former yacht of Her Majesty the Queen, HMY Britannia
which is open to visitors.
Throughout
the city there are attractions which reflect Edinburgh's status as a European
capital. In the city centre the National Gallery of Scotland is one of Europe's
finest, while the new Museum of Scotland tells the complete history of the country
through displays of rare and beautiful artefacts, many of which have never previously
been on public display. In the suburbs are surprising treasures such as 15th century
Craigmillar Castle and the Royal Observatory Visitor Centre.
Edinburgh
is a compact city, ideal for exploration on foot either independently or with
one of the many guides who offer insights into all aspects of its history. Haunted
evening walks with ghostly guides are also available.
The Lothians - The Soul of Scotland
Bordered by
the seawaters of the Firth of Forth to the north and the unspoiled
Pentland Hills to the south, Edinburgh reaches out to the beautiful
coastline and rich countryside of the Lothians.
This is an
inspiring area which has shared the city's role in shaping the past
and the present day of Scotland
Historic
towns such as Linlithgow, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and Haddington,
a Royal Burgh since the time of King David I, are complemented by traditional
Scottish seaside resorts such as North Berwick and Dunbar and fascinating villages
such as Newtongrange, location for the Scottish Mining Museum, and Athelstaneford,
where the Scots adopted the Saltire as their flag after it was seen in the sky
during a 9th century battle.
The Lothians
are positively overflowing with grand historic houses, castles and
churches. In East Lothian, Tantallon Castle, 13th century Dirleton
Castle and Lennoxlove House are all within a few miles of the luxurious
Greywalls Hotel
in Gullane - a delightful property neighbouring the world famous
Muirfield Golf Course. In Midlothian, 15th century Rosslyn Chapel
houses the finest stone carvings in Scotland, while West Lothian
can boast Hopetoun House, designed by the famous Adam family of
architects, and the 17th century House of the Binns with its beautiful
furnishings and plaster ceilings.
And
these are just a few examples which join with other attractions such as the Museum
of Flight, John Muir House, the birthplace of the founder of the US conservation
movement, and Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery to create a treasure trove of places
to visit. But
the Lothians are also about open space, clean air and outdoor activities. A golf
pass makes it inexpensive to enjoy a round on almost two dozen of Scotland's finest
golf courses. Country parks and well marked paths provide easy access to unspoiled
countryside. Cyclists will enjoy meandering down quiet country lanes while ornithologists
will be astounded by the variety of bird life particularly around the Bass Rock,
the most impressive of the offshore islands and home to the third largest gannetry
in the world. The new Seabird Centre at North Berwick provides an exciting introduction
to the Bass Rock, its inhabitants and the seabirds of East Lothian. The
Lothians are linked to Edinburgh by modern roads and fast, efficient rail and
bus services. 'Where else in Europe can you so easily combine the buzz of a capital
city with the tranquillity of beautiful countryside?
Year-Round Festivals and Entertainment
Edinburgh
is truly Europe's festival city. Edinburgh International Festival, one of the
world's principal arts festivals, is enhanced by the lively Edinburgh Festival
Fringe and the city reaches an exciting peak when the Festival, the Fringe and
the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo are all in full swing towards the end
of August. The
Film Festival, Book Festival and Jazz Festival also add to the summer colour,
but other times of year are also well represented through the Science Festival,
Folk Festival and, of course, Edinburgh's Hogmanay, a celebration of the New Year
when the city becomes one big street party and much more. And
throughout the year, Edinburgh's cosmopolitan outlook attracts major music, theatre,
dance and art performances. From West End shows to experimental dance and from
traditional Scottish ceilidhs to the frenetic nightlife of alternative bars, Edinburgh
offers entertainment to suit all tastes and all ages.
Shopping
In
Edinburgh and Lothians you can enjoy the comforts of modern malls such as Waverley
Shopping Centre and Freeport Shopping and Leisure Village; the eclectic speciality
stores of urban villages such as Stockbridge and Bruntsfield; and the galleries
and antique shops of towns and villages such as North Berwick and East Linton.
Don't miss a visit to the Edinburgh Crystal Visitor Centre and Jenners, the world's
oldest independent department store. For
further information on this area please contact the relevant Area Tourist Board.
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