Edinburgh

Establishment of new brass band in Edinburgh city centre

Edinburgh Brass Band rekindles city's strong brass band tradition

12 Apr 2012

A group of young musicians have established a new brass band in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, which will offer new opportunities for brass musicians in and around the capital. The Edinburgh Brass Band will hold it's first rehearsal on Friday…

Edinburgh's Beltane Fire Festival marks 25th anniversary

Carnival of fire and light with roots in mythology

5 Apr 2012

2012 marks the 25th anniversary of Edinburgh’s Beltane festival. Over 12,000 revellers are expected to attend the event on Calton Hill as the Beltane Fire Society marks the passage from Spring into Summer. This Carnival of Fire and Light takes place on…

Edinburgh gets first IMAX screen

Cineworld Fountain Park to launch IMAX cinema with Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

20 Dec 2011

Cineworld Fountain Park is to introduce Edinburgh's first IMAX screen from 21 December. The new cinema promises, 'ground-breaking, crystal clear digital projection, cutting edge audio technology and one of the largest screens around'. With 3D…

Neighbourhood Watch: Tollcross, Edinburgh

A rough guide to the West End/Southside neighbourhood

19 Sep 2011

What’s it like? Nice and old. Flats are mostly Victorian tenements, with Napier University setting some students loose in three halls of residence in the area. Aside from the youths, there are plenty of places to get sweet eats, indie shops and good…

The rough guide to Portobello, Edinburgh's seaside

Neighbourhood Watch: The best bits by the beach

24 Mar 2011

What’s it like? An utterly charming, slightly wonky area of Edinburgh, characterised by the city’s only beach and a very distinct, anti-corporate local community ethos. Formerly the holiday destination of most Central Belters, a lack of investment in…

The best parks and green spaces in Edinburgh

Extinct volcanoes, hidden gardens and urban parks in the capital

16 Feb 2011

Edinburgh is a capital blessed with an abundance of green spaces, from extinct volcanoes to hidden gardens – all ideal spots to take time out and recharge your batteries

A guide to the best ghost tours of haunted Edinburgh

The best of the spooky and haunted side of the historic Scottish capital

16 Feb 2011

In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson, one of Edinburgh’s most famous literary sons, ‘Only a few inches separate the living from the dead.’ And nowhere is that more true than in the Old Town. From Burke and Hare to Half-Hangit Maggie, the city has more…

A guide to Edinburgh Castle

The capital's most iconic landmark is a must-see for any visitor

16 Feb 2011

Castle Rock, the plug of an extinct volcano, is estimated to be 350 million years old. Archaeologists say that its grassy shoulders were the site of a settlement at least as early as 900bc, and by ad600 there was probably a feasting hall on the…

The best Scottish castles you can stay in near Edinburgh

Many Scottish castles are open to residents looking to live like royalty

16 Feb 2011

Voted favourite UK city by Condé Nast Traveller magazine in 2010, and named Britain’s best city for tourists – for the 11th year in a row – in the Guardian and Observer travel awards, you might wonder why anyone would ever want to leave the city that…

The historical events that shaped Edinburgh

An overview of Edinburgh's history provides further insight into Scotland's capital

16 Feb 2011

In prehistoric times, our ancient ancestors hunted and farmed on the plain between the Forth and the Pentland Hills, and settled on the heights of Castle Rock and Arthur’s Seat, strengthening these rocky outcrops with primitive ramparts. Later, in the…

Edinburgh's Royal Mile takes in hundreds of years of history and drama

A haven for tourists and the centrepoint of historic Edinburgh

16 Feb 2011

The Royal Mile begins as you leave the castle. On the right is the Scotch Whisky Experience – the perfect introduction to the history and alchemy of Scotland’s national drink – complete with a dram at the end. On the left, the tower with the…

Why Edinburgh remains unrivalled as a festival city

A huge number and variety of festivals take place each year

16 Feb 2011

In 1961, a theatre director made a proposal. It was his opinion that the Edinburgh Festival Fringe was getting too big. It would be much better, he said, ‘if only ten halls were licensed’. Nobody listened. Had the director been able to travel…

A guide to the architecture and design of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s architecture from medieval tenements to the ultra-modern

16 Feb 2011

Should you happen past Enric Miralles’ Scottish Parliament building at the foot of the Royal Mile and hear raised voices from a group of otherwise peaceful-looking types, don’t be surprised. It’ll just be yet another architectural tour that has…

Where to explore the world of Scotch Whisky in Edinburgh

The best single-malt whisky tastings, tours and shops

16 Feb 2011

The purpose of Scotch whisky is to give pleasure,’ says Charles MacLean in his Whiskypedia: A Gazetteer of Scotch Whisky, and Edinburgh is the place to pursue this principle. You can literally immerse yourself in a whisky barrel at the Scotch Whisky…

The best golf courses in Edinburgh

Edinburgh and East Lothian courses include Musselburgh Links, Turnhouse, Gullane and Muirfield

16 Feb 2011

The game of golf got its first written mention in 1457, when King James II was so worried that his subjects were busy playing golf rather than practicing their archery that he issued an act of parliament, banning the game, with severe penalties for all…

A guide to Edinburgh's New Town

The largest example of Georgian town planning in the world

16 Feb 2011

Sitting elegantly to the north of Princes Street Gardens is Edinburgh’s grand and leafy New Town, the largest example of Georgian town planning in the world, which provides a well-ordered contrast to the chaos of the city’s medieval Old Town.

The most significant works of art in Edinburgh

Scotland's National Galleries are home to many major works

16 Feb 2011

What’s your idea of true art? The perfect peachy bums of The Three Graces? Football mastermind Sir Alex Ferguson rendered in cut-up red postcards? A stern-faced ice-skating minister? Whatever tickles your artistic fancy, you can be sure to find it in…

A guide to Edinburgh's authors and books

Edinburgh, first City of Literature, boasts some of the world’s most famous and well-loved authors

16 Feb 2011

Challenge anyone who doubts Edinburgh’s claim to be a literary city to come up with another capital whose main station is named after a novel (Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley), one of whose football teams is named after another (The Heart of Midlothian…

Why the best way to discover the beautiful city of Edinburgh is on foot

A guide to the best walking tours of Scotland's capital

16 Feb 2011

Wandering around a city without a map can either turn up serendipitous gems or leave you hopelessly lost and frustrated with none of your must-see list ticked off. That’s when it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a walking tour guide who’ll whisk you…

Bus trips to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

How to explore the best of the rest of Scotland

16 Feb 2011

Edinburgh has culture, history, shops and sustenance, but there’s a whole country beyond to be explored and it would be a shame to limit a visit to Scotland to the capital alone. If you visit just one other part of the country, make it the Highlands…

Getting around Edinburgh by bus, bike and on foot

The hilly streets of Scotland's compact capital are easy to navigate

16 Feb 2011

Edinburgh’s volcanic terrain means you’re never far from a steep hill, and while getting around the city centre is simple on foot or by bike, taking a bus tour is an easy way to see the sights, especially if your time is limited. The city’s main tour…

The best independent shops and designer boutiques in Edinburgh

From Harvey Nichols and Iain Mellis to Analogue Books and Demijohn

16 Feb 2011

Multrees Walk is the place to go if you want to splash the cash – Edinburgh’s high-end designer shops all rub their expensive shoulders together in one street. Harvey Nichols is here – it has five floors of designer goodies including womenswear…

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh

Newly renovated NMS showcases Scottish achievements

16 Feb 2011

A country with as many scientists, inventors and explorers as Scotland needs a place to show off all its achievements – and nowhere does the job better than the newly renovated National Museum

The Scottish clothes designers making a name for themselves

Jonathan Saunders, Christopher Kane, Deryck Walker and Holly Fulton

16 Feb 2011

Scotland has always been at the head of cutting-edge design – and today’s selection is just as good

The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

Holyroodhouse is to Scotland what Buckingham Palace is to England

16 Feb 2011

Holyroodhouse is to Scotland what Buckingham Palace is to England – but it is much older, dating from a time when England’s kings still lived in the Tower of London. Holyrood Park was originally a royal hunting preserve beneath the towering crags of…

Why the Water of Leith is one of Edinburgh's best kept secrets

The 12-mile stretch of walkway through the heart of the Scottish capital

16 Feb 2011

Take a stroll along the Water of Leith and you’ll feel as if someone is watching you. That’s because they are. It’s not the occasional posse of feral youths but, rather, naked men standing knee-deep in the water, staring. Before you dial 999, however…

The best shops in Edinburgh for cashmere, tweed, knits and tartan

Some of the world’s finest textiles come from Scotland

16 Feb 2011

See-You-Jimmy hats and kilt towels are all good fun, but if you want the real deal sartorial souvenir from Scotland, it’s got to be cashmere, tweed, knits and tartan. So give the trashy tourist haunts on the High Street a swerve and head instead for the…

A guide to the best cheese shops in Edinburgh

The finest purveyors of Strathdon Blue, Dunlop Cheddar and many more Scottish cheeses

16 Feb 2011

In the popular parlour game of ‘if you had to give something up for life, what would it be?’ (Strictly Come Dancing or X Factor, partner or friends, stilettos or trainers), many have foundered over the choice between cheese or orgasms. You think it’s an…

Where to find traditional music nights in Edinburgh

The venues full of traditional live Scottish music every night of the week

16 Feb 2011

Every night of the week, the walls of the Royal Oak bar reverberate to the sound of live music, most of it with a Scottish, folk and traditional flavour. Long a focal point for folk music in the city, this cosy little bar also attracts other acoustic…

Edinburgh's Royal Yacht Britannia gives visitors a flavour of life at sea

After 44 years in service, the royal yacht can be visited in Leith Docks

16 Feb 2011

Britannia is the one place I can truly relax,’ said the Queen of the floating home that took her and the rest of the royal family across the world’s oceans, from the North Atlantic to Antarctica, during 44 years in service. Since retiring from active…

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

A place to retreat from the crowds in the city centre

16 Feb 2011

The Botanics, 70 acres of landscaped gardens a mile north of the New Town, are well known to locals as a place to retreat from the crowds in the city centre. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon meander, you can also go hunting for some of the 5,000…

Ratho climbing centre in Edinburgh offers world-class facilities

World’s largest indoor climbing complex is just outside Edinburgh

16 Feb 2011

If you’re in the capital looking for adventure but the windy city’s climate has you running for cover, you’ll find activities to get your adrenalin pumping at the world’s largest indoor climbing complex at Ratho. Built in an old quarry by a stretch…

Sports, activities and exercise in Edinburgh

Wide range of public sports and leisure centres in Scottish capital

16 Feb 2011

The people of Edinburgh are an active bunch, and the city has an enviable range of public sports and leisure centres that don’t cost the earth to use. The good news is that most of the facilities run by Edinburgh Leisure offer one-off classes and…

Five of the best books set in Edinburgh

Five books set in the Scottish capital, including Kidnapped and Trainspotting

16 Feb 2011

1: Confessions of a Justified Sinner - James Hogg Don’t be put off by the title, this is a compelling and surprisingly modern novel which confronts the hypocrisy of the self-righteous. It inspired numerous later works, including Robert Louis…

Duddingston - The village within Edinburgh

12th century village home to Sheep Heid pub and loch from Henry Raeburn painting

16 Feb 2011

Duddingston, next to Holyrood Park on the southeastern slope of Arthur’s Seat, is a pretty village that dates back to the 12th century and is a dedicated conservation area. The village’s oldest surviving building is Duddingston Kirk, which still…

The best beaches near Edinburgh

Pease Bay, West Sands, Yellowcraigs and Gullane beach among highlights

16 Feb 2011

Whether you want to surf, have a bracing walk or just enjoy the long summer days, Edinburgh’s coastal location means that a number of stunning beaches are easily accessible for a day trip. For great surfing head to Pease Bay, just down the coast from…

Edinburgh's Pentland hills offers great walking and cycling

Routes for walking, cycling, wildlife, fishing and even skiing

16 Feb 2011

Easily accessible by car or public transport, the Pentland hills are enjoyed by thousands of visitors who come every year for the walking, cycling, wildlife, fishing and even skiing. There are information centres providing maps and visitors’ guides…

Boat trips from Edinburgh to the islands in the Firth of Forth

Isle of May, Bass Rock and Inchcolm Island by boat

16 Feb 2011

The Firth of Forth, separating Edinburgh and the Lothians from Fife, is well known for its abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery, and is best experienced by taking a trip out on the water.

Top five day trips to make from Edinburgh

There are many other towns and cities within easy reach of Scotland's capital

16 Feb 2011

1 North Berwick The launch of regular rail services from London in the 1880s established this seaside town as the ‘Biarritz of the North’. Today it is a great day trip, especially for golfers and families. 2 Glasgow It’s often said that Glasgow…

The five best Edinburgh viewpoints

The best high places from which to see Scotland's capital

16 Feb 2011

1. Scott Monument The largest monument to a writer in the world, the Scott Monument on Princes Street stands over 200ft high. Those fit enough to tackle the 287 steps to the top are rewarded with spectacular views over the Forth to Fife. 2.

The best attractions in Edinburgh for children

Edinburgh is a great city for travelling with children

16 Feb 2011

1 Our Dynamic Earth Just up the road from Holyrood, Our Dynamic Earth is perfect for a rainy day, with lots of interactive exhibits to keep the whole family amused. 2 National Museum of Scotland Museums may not be top of your children’s must-do…

The best places to go horse riding near Edinburgh

Plenty of choice for places to explore the area on horseback

16 Feb 2011

Whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete novice, there’s plenty of choice in and around the city for saddling up and exploring the local area on horseback For sightseeing with a difference, try trekking at Tower Farm Riding Stables in…

Modern day Leith is now home to Michelin-starred restaurants

Port outside Edinburgh shakes off long-held seedy reputation

16 Feb 2011

Vibrant, colourful Leith has shaken off its long-held seedy reputation in recent years to establish itself as an area of stylish urban regeneration and a must-visit destination for foodies. A world away from the seamy side of Edinburgh life…

Top five Michelin-starred restaurants in Edinburgh

The Kitchin, Martin Wishart, The Plumed Horse, Number One and 21212

16 Feb 2011

1: The Kitchin The menu here reflects chef/owner Tom Kitchin’s passion for locally-sourced Scottish produce with French interpretations. One of Edinburgh’s A-list restaurants, it won its accolade just six months after opening in the summer of 2006…

The best places for hot chocolate in Glasgow and Edinburgh

The cafes and chocolatiers who serve up the sweet stuff

20 Jan 2011

Temper Chocolates 148 Woodside Terrace Lane, Charing Cross, 07886 215209 This tiny café-cum-shop-cum-factory makes for a pilgrimage for hot chocolate lovers. Chocolatier Kirsty Shepheard’s own blend of 70 per cent organic dark chocolate with chilli…

Campaign to save Inverleith Park from housing development

Proposal looks to build six homes in public space

19 Jan 2011

A new year dawns and the city’s spaces are in jeopardy once again this fortnight as Edinburgh fights over another unique corner. In an unexpected development late last year, it emerged that Edinburgh City Council may try to build luxury houses on a…

Edinburgh arts space The Forest under threat after landlord's bankruptcy

Volunteer-run space raising money to buy building

19 Nov 2010

It’s important not to be fatalistic about these things, because nothing ever really ends; yet, the potential loss of the Forest Café and the Roxy could be a big setback for the vibrant underground music and arts scene scene in the capital. In terms of…

Hervé brings genre-bending set to Edinburgh

Henry Northmore catches up with the prolific Hervé as he guests at Fuse

19 Aug 2010

Fuse have slowly built up their reputation as a serious contender on Edinburgh’s club circuit. Tucked away in the West End of the city at the recently rebranded Lane (formerly Berlin), as the name suggests they have been fusing music with scant regard…

Aberfeldy - Somewhere To Jump From

15 Aug 2010

(Tenement Records) At last, at long last, the ’Feldy are back. Edinburgh’s favourite MOR-pop sons (and daughters, although the band’s female membership has been changeable of late) have returned with their third album since 2006’s Do Whatever Turns…

Edinburgh in August: Ten-step survival guide

Essential insider knowledge you'll need to survive the festivals

5 Aug 2010

Niki Boyle has compiled a list of festival insider tips to help you survive August as if you were from the city itself. Avoid queues at ATMs, dealing with flyerers, umbrellas, and places to relax.