By Gina Campbell
Regal castles, proud bagpipers in kilts, premium whisky and hearty haggis are some of the iconic sights of Scottish culture that you can see and experience while on tour in Edinburgh. Equally beautiful in every season, any time of the year is perfect to visit. The beautiful history and rich tradition is felt everywhere you go in the Scottish capital city.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most photographed buildings in Scotland and a place once inhabited by kings and queens and their royal subjects. Roam around the castle grounds for a few lovely hours and let the history of the place sink into your traveling soul. Watch out of the ghost of the late Queen Margaret, who died there is 1093. Buy a few souvenirs to remind you of one of the most iconic stops on the tourist map of Edinburgh.
The Royal Mile, a Scottish medieval mile, starts at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and leads through the quaint old town of Edinburgh city right to the gates of the castle. Along the way you can admire the ancient stone architecture at a leisurely pace by stopping in shops, many of which sell traditional goods, and maybe pausing for a whisky break at a local pub with many options to choose from.
Leith is a happening port district with a trendy waterfront area, historical buildings, authentic restaurants and artsy shopping. The smell of sea salt lingers in the air, and even though it’s very close to the main city the pace of life seems to slow down in the interesting coastal area. There is a festival in Leith every June and Edinburgh is well-known for festivals throughout the year, with the most famous one being the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, which attracts thousands of people.
A leisurely hike to the extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat, will give you your exercise for the day and some amazingly gorgeous photos of the cityscape as well. Take a well-earned break and sit and enjoy the stunning views with a nice bottle of wine and some food. It will be the picnic of a lifetime.
citys Old Town.
Edinburgh is quite popular with foodies and has a huge array of top notch restaurants. Of course you have to try the national dish of haggis, at least once to say you did it. The pudding is made from sheep’s heart, liver and lungs. It’s mixed with onion, oatmeal, spices and seasoning and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach. The description isn’t exactly mouthwatering, but don’t knock it until you try it. It’s a famous and much-loved Scottish dish.
Edinburgh is a wonderful combination of a modern and happening city blended with an endless flow of culture and tradition. It is a beautiful and meaningful place to explore with friendly Edinburghers (Edinburgh locals), who love to share their city with visitors. It is no wonder there is a high rate of return tourists to this wonderfully interesting place
in the United Kingdom.
Photo captions
The former Highland Tolbooth Kirk, renamed the Hub, a public arts and events center located on the Royal Mile, the highest point in Edinburgh.
This article is from the EY September 2022 Issue