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Edinburgh is Scotland's compact hilly capital. While
tours and hop on hop off buses are readily
available, we found it easy to get around on foot.
This panorama viewed from Edinburgh Castle takes in
the core areas of Prince's Park, the New
Town, and the port of Leith.
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Edinburgh is dominated by Edinburgh Castle, home to
Scotland's crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny used in the
coronation of Scotland's rulers. Several museums onsite
outline Scotland's military and royal history.
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Edinburgh's medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian
New Town are UNESCO world heritage sites with over 4500
listed historical buildings.
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Calton Hill is topped with monuments and statues and overlooks
the city.
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The Mound is an artificial hill that was created in 1765
connecting the Old and New Towns and forming today's Princes
Street Gardens.
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Greyfriars Kirkyard is the cemetery
located on the southern edge of Old Town where several notable
Edinburgh residents are interred. It is the site of the popular
story of Greyfriars Bobby.
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In the heart of Old Town is the Grassmarket area, a convivial
and picturesque area of independent merchants, artisans and
restaurateurs.
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The Royal Mile extends from the Castle to Holyrood House. Along
the main thoroughfair lie Tron Kirk, the Scotch Whiskey
Experience, Camera Obscura, Deacon Brodie's Tavern and numerous
historical markers.
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Edinburgh is known for
its historic pubs dating back 600 years. This pretty
Victorian pub caters especially to the theatre-goers at the
Playhouse next door.
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Holyrood Palace has a collection of
treasures related to Scottish royalty such as Mary Queen of
Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and is the Queen's official Scottish residence.
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In 1997 the Scottish electorate voted
to devolve powers from Westminster Great Britain. Since 2004
the Scottish Parliament has met in this unique building in
Holyrood. We observed debate in the chamber.
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A view from the battlements of the castle takes
in Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, the main peak of
Edinburgh's hills. |
St. Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile is
the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of
the Order of the Thistle. |
CanongateTolbooth was a centre of
admininstration and justice, now home of the People's Story
Museum.
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The historical port of Leith has retained
its character as it has been transformed into a dockland
with residences, restaurants and recreational facilities.
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With its redevelopment Leith has gained the
business of cruise lines operating around the British Isles
and Scandinavia. It houses the royal yacht Britannia.
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Edinburgh's magnificent and free public museums include the
National Gallery with its collection of world masterpieces and
Scottish artists.
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While we were visiting, there was a delightful art class
encouraging participants to sketch images of the classical
sculptures.
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The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
portrays the scientists, inventors, authors, philosophers, economists,
athletes, politicians and common people who have shaped
Scotland's history and character. (photo courtesy of
National Galleries of Scotland)
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This
portrait of the Scottish-American actor Alan Cumming offered
an enchanting combination of classical and modern
interpretations.
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