Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle stands up high overlooking the city on the remnants of a volcano, the oldest structure of the castle was built by the Normans upon which each generation since has added their piece.

It is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish National War Memorial and Mons Meg, a giant 15th century siege gun. Each afternoon a cannon is fired at One O'clock with military precision.

The Black Dinner was held at Edinburgh Castle, at which the Sixth Earl of Douglas was invited and murdered.

It’s role changed in 1603 with the Union of Crowns, when James VI of Scotland ascended to the English throne becoming James I and unifying the two countries and relocated the royal Court to London

Holyrood House   Royal Palace

Holyrood House is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland although the Royal family use Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire when not non official duties in Scotland.

Set within in the city limits in the Queen’s Gardens, Holyrood Park is an estate of mixed terrain from rural wilderness and open parkland to homely tended gardens around the house.

Holyrood Park was the hunting grounds used by the Monarchs and includes Arthur’s Seat the highest point which overlooks the park and house.

Open to the public daily when Her Highness or family members are not in residence.

Scottish Parliament Building

Scotland has once again it’s own Parliament after 400 years of rule from London, said to be the most important building erected in Scotland in over 300 years.

Located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, open to the public year round.

Royal Botanical Gardens 

A year round attraction for all, a place to relax in the peace and quiet by the pools and waterfalls in the Rock Garden or to examine the various varieties of foliage in the many green houses.

The Palm House and Japanese Garden are but a few of the points of interest within the landscaped gardens covering more than 70 acres.

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh’s long established Zoo is a global leader in wildlife conservation and has largest penguin pool in the world.

Located on Corstorphine Hill on the west side of Edinburgh Zoo is a full days enjoyment for the whole family, open year round.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Based in Leith Docks amid the old whiskey warehouses, which is an area of interest and entertainment. The Royal Yacht is open to the public, to view the hand craftsmanship involved in past shipbuilding industry.

Used by the Royal families during the 20^th century the Yacht shows the grandeur of Royal life when travelling the world on state business and private vacations.

Museums and Galleries

Edinburgh is the cultural capital of Scotland and boasting many free Museums and Galleries, exhibiting many of the worlds finest paintings and artefacts.

The National Gallery has paintings by Rembrandt, Raphael & Rubens, while the Royal Scottish Academy has an ever changing display of paintings and sculptures including architectural drawings by RSA members.

Royal Museum of Scotland has exhibits with natural history and geology from the past, plus science of the present and future.

The Scottish Gallery of Modern Art has sculpture by Robert Moore and paintings by Picasso and Matisse, to name but a few noteworthy artists of the 20^th century on display.
 

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

During the Jazz & Blues Festival Toe tappin and finger snappin is the is beat of Edinburgh, with over 100 events across the city in music venues and pub back rooms.  Starting in July the International performers are prelude to Edinburgh’s

August is Festival Month in Edinburgh with the Military Tattoo & Fringe Arts Festival followed by the International Book & Film Festivals.

The Tattoo is family event and has been held yearly since 1950 in the castle entrance courtyard with two performances per day, featuring Pipe and Drum Bands from around the world.

The Fringe Arts Festival is both Professional & Amateur with theatrical events across the city at over 200 venues, with equal prominence give to new talent as old established thespians.

The 60^th International Film Festival host the movie world for two weeks in August, with Premiers and Advance Previews of films from around the globe with interviews with celebrities and film makers.

Edinburgh Book Festival

Charlotte Square in August is the venue of the World’s Premier Book Festival, with authors from around the globe exhibit and give readings of their work. A sure place to pick up your next book which you may not have otherwise found.

Edinburgh Capital Christmas 

Below the castle in Princes Street Gardens, the largest open-air ice rink is available to all during the Festive Season.

Curling and Ice Hockey competitions along with Professional Ice Skating are a welcome break to the Christmas Shopping on Princess’s Street.

Hogmanay

New Year “First-Footing” where dark stranger arrive at midnight with a lump of coal, (which means good fortune for the new year).  The tradition originating in Scotland has now spread nationwide with an open invitation to visit thy neighbours.

In Edinburgh the highlight is the church bell ringing at midnight and fireworks display above Edinburgh Castle, those who survive can be part of the Loony Dook with a swim in the Firth of Forth.