Edinburgh’s unique charm and inhabitants are so inspiring that the city is the birthplace of many stories and artworks. You can visit galleries exhibiting classics as well as emerging artists and visit places that influenced the works of various writers, such as Robert Louis Stevenson and J.K. Rowling. We have also been very inspired by Edinburgh’s atmosphere. So now it is your turn to discover! We have put together the best of the best, the crème-de-la-crème. Have fun and enjoy your visit in Edinburgh! Team Curso/CTR Edinburgh

1. EDINBURGH
discover
‘SCOT
TOBE
FUN

2. INTRODUCTION
Edinburgh is a city that guarantees fun for everyone. Whether
you are an active person or someone who wants to savour
the culture with all their senses, whether you want to discover
Edinburgh’s heritage or enjoy a night out in one of the pubs,
whether you are interested in sports or fashion, in this guide you
will find everything you need to experience a real Scottish time.
In the weeks we have spent here, we have encountered the Scots
as open-minded, friendly people who will be pleased to buy you
a drink and tell you stories about their beloved Edinburgh in a
pleasant little chat. This is also the best way to find out which
pub serves the most delicious haggis and which has the biggest
selection of beer.
To get a good impression of the city, use your own feet. Just walk
around Edinburgh, but beware of the cobblestones. Some of us
kept tripping. So make
sure you pack the right
footwear and also put on
several layers of clothes,
as the weather here is
unpredictable. We have
experienced different
seasons all in one day.
Once you have adapted,
you are ready to enjoy
all the possibilities
Edinburgh offers: you
can take a break in
one of the many parks
and gardens or become
active, just like the people who are jogging, taking their dog for a
walk or playing football there.
Edinburgh’s unique charm and inhabitants are so inspiring that
the city is the birthplace of many stories and artworks. You can
visit galleries exhibiting classics as well as emerging artists and
visit places that influenced the works of various writers, such as
Robert Louis Stevenson and J.K. Rowling. We have also been
very inspired by Edinburgh’s atmosphere.
So now it is your turn to discover! We have put together the best
of the best, the crème-de-la-crème. Have fun and enjoy your visit
in Edinburgh!
PS: If you are tired and cannot walk any further, always bear
William McGonagall’s poem in mind: “Feeling tired and need a
seat? Sit down here, and rest your feet”.
Franziska Lange & Christine Möller
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRACTICAL INFORMATION 5
FUN ON FOOT 8-11
PILLOW TEST 6-7
FEED YOUR MIND 12-19
PIES, PUBS AND POSTCARDS 20-27 MADE IN SCOTLAND 28-39
EDINBURGH TIMELINE 40-41 EDINBURGH MAP 42-43
SCOT TO BE FUN TEAM
Top left to right
Vanessa Novis
Rebecca Christoph
Samira Hänska
Elisabeth Seide
Anna-Lena Hänel
Ángel Villascusa Cerezo
Irene Schippl Carrera
Bottom left to right
Viviane Jackl
Johanna Lamm
Rachel Newton
Christine Möller
Franziska Lange
Marie-Joëlle Gallinge
download full E-Book: http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/scot-to-be-fun/14123676

3. 5
MONEY
The currency of Scotland is the British Pound
Sterling (£). English and Scottish bank notes
look different but are worth the same and
used throughout the country. Credit cards
are widely accepted, though sometimes
have a minimum charge. You can also find
cash machines on every corner, but make
sure to check with your bank for extra fees.
TRAFFIC
In Edinburgh, just like the rest of the UK, you
driveontheleftsideoftheroad.Besuretolook
right then left before crossing the street. If you
are unsure, just look down as directions are
painted on the road. Driving is not necessary
in Edinburgh as everything is in walking
distance. A single bus ticket costs £1.50 for
an adult, a day ticket £3.50. Bus drivers do
not give change so have the exact amount
at the ready. Most sightseeing tours begin at
Waverly Station. The best way to get from the
airport into town is the Airlink bus, which runs
every 30 minutes. There is also a night bus
between 0:45am and 4:15am covering all
places one might have to reach late at night.
OPENING TIMES
In general, supermarkets are open seven
days a week. Hours vary depending
on the location and type of store.
To find out the opening times for specific
shops, visit www.shopping-time.co.uk.
EATING OUT
Openinghoursforpubsandrestaurantsvary,somake
sure to check before you head out. In most places it is
customary to order and pay directly at the bar. Tipping
is not mandatory but about 10% for good service is
appreciated. Free wifi is available almost everywhere.
TO BRING
The most important thing to pack for your
trip is an adapter for the GB socket. Bring
clothing for all seasons, since the weather is
unpredictable. Instead of an umbrella, opt for a
rain jacket to protect yourself from the elements.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency call: 999
Tourist information: 0845 225 5121
Edinburgh dialling code: 0131
UK dialling code: +44
Police: 101
Taxis: 0131 228 1211
PRACTICAL
INFORMATION

4. 7
Edinburgh, a city filled with tourists, welcomes guests from all
around the world and offers a wide range of accommodations for
any budget. Generally, young travellers opt for inexpensive hostels or
free couch surfing. There are also plenty of Bed & Breakfasts and nice
hotels. Additionally, furnished apartments are available.
PILLOW TEST
Check out this list of various accommodations in Edinburgh:
Couch Surfing
www.couchsurfing.org
List of Bed and Breakfasts
www.Edinburghfirst.co.uk
Apartments
www.cityapartments-edinburgh.com
BUDGET
BACKPACKERS
Located at the end of
the Grassmarket, Budget
Backpackers Hostel contains
over 220 beds that are
constantly filled with young
travellers. Upon arrival, you are
greeted by a diverse welcoming
staff quick to tell you about the
city. Check-In time is 1:00pm. If
you arrive early, complementary
luggage storage is available.
Budget Backpackers offers
breakfast from 7:00am to
11:00am with everything under
£5.00. After breakfast, a free
walking tour is available to
get to know your way round
Edinburgh. The hostel is close
to the Grassmarket, which is
full of pubs, bars and cafes.
In the evenings, Budget
Backpackers offers a trivia
night followed by a pub-crawl
that brings together both
residents and staff. The 18+
hostel encourages mingling
with other travellers and offers
free Wi-Fi in the common areas,
including the kitchen and lounge.
With rooms ranging from 30-bed
mixed dorms to 2-bed privates,
Budget Backpackers offers a
wide range of accommodation
for a reasonable price (starting
at £14.00). Other amenities
include linen and towel rental.
Be sure to book this hostel early
as its prime location makes it a
hot commodity among travellers.
Pricesforthehosteldoincreasein
the peak seasons of the Festival
and Hogmanay. With a rich ten-
year history, Budget Backpackers
has solidified its place as a home
for travellers on a budget. -VN
37-39 Cowgate; P: +44 0131
226 6351; 24-hour reception;
www.budgetbackpackers.com
THE POINT HOTEL
EDINBURGH
Located on Bread Street, just a
short walk from the Grassmarket,
The Point Hotel Edinburgh is
an up market accommodation
offering luxury rooms for the
traveller looking to enjoy views
of the city at a reasonable price
(from £69.00). The Point, also
known for its centre for events,
houses two restaurants on site
and offers complimentary Wi-Fi.
While waiting to check in,
utilise the free luggage storage
and go off to explore the city by
walking a short distance to the
Grassmarket and the Royal Mile.
With rooms ranging from singles
up to suites, The Point Hotel has
quiet retreats that you can relax
in after spending the day in the
busy city. Each room offers the
basics but also includes Satellite
TV, 24- hour room service, tea
and coffee and an option for
newspaper delivery.
Some rooms boast spectacular
views of the city, but no matter
where in the hotel you end up
you are bound to enjoy a relaxing
stay. -VN
34 Bread Street; P: 0131 221
5555; 24-hour reception;
www.PointhotelEdinburgh.co.uk

5. 9
N
ot later than a week after visiting
museumsandgalleries,ofstuffing
my belly at restaurants and shops
and drinking through the whole whisky-
tour, there comes the question: what
about my fitness? You may have the
desire to get physical and to discover the
city beyond just walking around day after
day. It is not all about literature, history,
live music and shops in Edinburgh, but
there is a lot to explore by climbing,
hiking, cycling and jogging as well. There
are many parks everywhere in Edinburgh,
and you do not even have to look for long.
The central and lively Princes Street has a
big and blooming green oasis right next to
it. Those who wish to reach new heights,
head for Holyrood Park to get to the top of
Arthur’s Seat. Even the Meadows south
to the university, and the Inverleith Park
right next to the Royal Botanic Garden
are never far away. Run through the long
shady alleyways until you have felt the
calories burn, then take a break, rest on
the soft grass and just enjoy the view of
the city and the activities around you.
If it is raining, head to Portobello Swim
Center, just a 20-minute bus ride toward
the coast. For those looking to practice
climbing, Edinburgh International
Climbing Arena is open daily and offers
stunning routes. All of them are perfect
places to stretch your legs. Sitting in the
park for five minutes or travelling to a
nearby gym shows you the variety of the
local exercise opportunities. On a sunny
day in the park, there are sword fighters
swinging their tools and joggers crossing
your view every second. Boys play soccer
and rugby, while a group of girls is juggling
with cloths and balls. There is a woman
doing yoga next to me and a man passes,
dragging his golf equipment in a little
trolley. A young family, including a little
dog, plays Frisbee together. This all shows
that exercise here is fun, multifaceted
and inviting!
Johanna Lamm & Elisabeth Seide
CALTON HILL
Everyone needs a short escape
from the busy city life or a break
to put down the heavy shopping
bags: so keep walking to the
end of Princes Street and you
will come to Calton Hill. While in
earlier days the top of the hill was
the site of medieval tournaments
and festivals and a little later it
was used for public executions,
it became one of Britain’s first
public parks in 1724.
Spectacular views over the
Firth of Forth, Arthur’s Seat
and Edinburgh itself please the
tourist’s eye and monuments
built during the Scottish
Enlightenment quench one’s
thirst for historical knowledge.
Or you can just go for a jog, take
your dog for a walk or fly a kite on
the windy hilltop, after all David
Hume, an influential philosopher
at the time, intended the roads
to be built “for the health and
amusement of the inhabitants”.
It is easily and quickly accessible
by a flight of stairs at Regent
Road on the South side or Royal
Terrace on the North side and if
you are a bit lazy you can even
drive up there. Located very close
to the City Centre it is a must
see and a good place to recover
from the exhausting sightseeing!
-AH
CRAMOND
This is a beautiful old village on
the waterfront with houses built
in the 18th century. It is situated
seven kilometres southwest
from the city centre. The Roman
Fort Craer Almond was originally
arranged here, founded by the
Roman Emperor Antonius Pius
in 142 AD. From here, there is
a promenade along the forested
lovely river with a little cascade.
During low tide, you can cross
the kilometre long path to reach
the nearby Cramond Island. But
when the tide is high, this path is
submerged. This makes crossing
impossible. So make sure
you will not be trapped on the
uninhabited island and check the
tide times before your trip. You
can hire little boats to visit this
island. There are buses running
from Edinburgh to Cramond. -JLCALTON HILL / C. RAY DANCER
FUN ON FOOT

6. 11
EDINBURGH ZOO
Edinburgh’s zoo lies a fair distance west
of the town centre, so it may be better
to take a bus. It has monkeys, big cats,
penguins, rhinos, painted hunting dogs
and many other animals, but the stars
of the zoo are the giant pandas. To see
them one must either wait until they
come out into the open or pay extra for
an entrance to the panda house.
There is the chance to take a 30 minute
ride on a safari tour wagon. Kiosks and
toilets are almost around every corner of
the zoo, which means that queues are
rarely long here. The whole zoo is very
family friendly with several playgrounds
and no stairs. There are educational
tables filled with activities such as feeling
a koala’s fur. Apart from the animals, the
location of the zoo provides visitors with
a few nice viewpoints and easy routes to
the hilltop.
Opening times are 9am – 6pm during
summer. The ticket for an adult costs
£16, with a donation of £1.50 already
included, but it is also possible to get the
ticket without the donation if you ask for
that at the entrance. -ES
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
Going for a walk in Edinburgh’s Botanic
Garden is a really calming experience,
even when it is raining – it actually makes
the plants look greener. It is one of the
most quiet and peaceful places within
Edinburgh and is also educational. With
the Royal Botanic Garden being a leading
scientific centre for botanical research,
one can find many rare tropical plants
and information about them here. In the
middle of the garden is the Terrace Café,
which provides visitors with refreshments
in a peaceful and calm atmosphere.
While the outside area is free to visit,
there is a small entrance fee to the
glasshouses. -ES
WATER OF LEITH
The small meandering river that runs
through Edinburgh is the Water of Leith.
Walkers and cyclists can follow it for
about 28 miles (43 kilometres). The
area around Dean Bridge is one of the
most interesting parts of the way. Apart
from the Dean Gallery and the Gallery of
Modern Art being nearby, the area itself
is beautiful due to its natural surrounding
and picturesque old and newer buildings.
Shops and tourist attractions are more
likely to be found on the higher level, but
the path under the bridge by the river is
perfect for a peaceful walk close to the
city centre. -ES
PRINCES STREET GARDENS
... is the most central park in Edinburgh.
Located directly between Castle Hill
and Princes Street, the Nor Loch served
as a natural defence back in medieval
days. In 1759, however, the area was
drained and became a beautiful place
for walks, lunch breaks and events.
In summertime, the many trees and
flowerbeds, which contain mainly
roses of all colours, turn the Gardens
into a great venue for concerts or a
place to restore your energy level. In
wintertime, the 154,000m2 (over 37.5
acres) become a winter wonderland
with a Christmas market, an ice rink
and a ferris wheel (33m/108ft). There
is a playground at the west end and a
couple of places to buy snacks. Public
toilets are also to be found. The park is
below street level, which makes access
with a wheelchair
or a pram a little
difficult but which
creates the illusion
of distance to the
buzz of a busy town
and thus offers
a relaxing park
feeling despite
its location right
in the centre of
the city. There are
147 benches in
the West Princes
Street Gardens
alone, from some
of which you have
a great view of the
castle. This is also
a perfect place
to watch the 1
o’clock gun being
fired and to enjoy
the surprise on
ignorant tourists’ faces! -AH
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS / BYRONV2
CRAMOND ISLAND / SCOT TO BE FUN
PRINCES STREET GARDEN / SCOT TO BE FUN
OUTDOOR STORES
Go Outdoors are the UK´s biggest Outdoor Stores.
They offer the finest, lowest priced clothing and gear,
as well as helpful and friendly advice. The staff is
trained to know their stuff and these stores offer
tent repair, a climbing wall, a boot fitting area, cycle
servicing, gait analyses with a machine and much
more. They sell everything to suit every outdoor
activity, from caravanning, skiing and fishing to
cycling, walking and travelling. There is also a North
Face store in the City Centre (16 Frederick St) as well
as several running and outdoor equipment shops
along the Princes Street. -JL

7. 13
I
don’t want to go home. I
haven’t seen half the beauty
this city has to offer.” These
are the words that keep popping
up in my head, now that the time
stated on my return ticket has
moved into countdown distance.
Time flies like an arrow, especially
in Edinburgh. There is so much
to see, and no matter how long
you are staying – for only three
days or for three entire weeks –
you will not run out of sights and
things to discover.
Depending on your taste in
travelling,youcanspendyourdays
climbing hills, jogging through
parks or studying one museum
after the other. Personally, I had
the best of times simply enjoying
the medieval atmosphere of
the Old Town. While everything
beyond Princes Street is a thriving
hub of modernity, walking along
the Royal Mile will take you a few
hundred years back in time.
Ambling down the cobblestoned
street, which is framed by
beautiful old houses, you start
at Edinburgh Castle and it takes
you past St Giles Cathedral, a few
museums and a bagpiper or two
in full attire, all the way down to
Holyrood Palace. But while the
obvious sights, often bursting
at the seams with tourists, are
quickly checked off on the to-do
list, you can spend days on end
exploring the small closes that
lead off the main road between
the houses, climbing up a flight of
stairs, into a courtyard or finding
a secret garden far from the busy
vibes of tourism.
The city seems to draw the
vigilant and curious eye into the
very heart of its existence and
you almost expect someone
to shout “Gardyloo” out of a
window above (fr. Regardez l’eau,
medieval expression. used to
warn passers-by before throwing
the contents of your chamber
pot out of the window). If you
know your way around, some
of these closes can be used as
short cuts, cutting through the
hill the city was built upon and
the houses that seem to grow
out of it, but I still lose my sense
of direction and find myself at
a very unexpected, yet another
very lovely spot in Edinburgh. I
haven’t grown tired of exploring
the various facets of this city, and
I am sure that this will not be my
last time in Scotland’s capital.
Anna-Lena Hänel
SIGHTSEEING
”
EDINBURGH CASTLE
When you are walking around
the city you will see the Castle
from every angle. The medieval
building stands on a volcanic rock
and was home to many Scottish
monarchs over the centuries. The
£16 entrancecharge is expensive
but there is a guided tour every
half an hour. The area of the
Castle is like a village itself. Many
small houses, military buildings,
the Royal Palace and the Scottish
National War Memorial lie within
the Castle walls. Standing by the
Argyle Battery, you will have an
amazing view of Edinburgh and
the surrounding landscape.
St. Margaret’s Chapel is
considered to be the oldest
building in Edinburgh. It was built
in the 12th century, and holds
only 20 people.
Probably the most popular aspect
of the Castle is the One o’clock
Gun, which is fired every day
except Sunday, and Edinburgh
citizens check their clocks and
watches by it.
The Castle hosts three museums:
the National War Museum, The
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Regimental Museum and The
Royal Scots Regimental Museum.
They all give an idea of what the
life of a soldier must have been
during the wars and how Scotland
developed throughout history.
If you are interested in history,
the military or a beautiful view,
this is a must-see. This place has
an aura of power! -CM
ST GILES CATHEDRAL
... is actually not a cathedral in the
formal sense since it is lacking a
bishop. Its official name is “High
Kirk of St Giles”, a dedication to
the patron saint of Edinburgh.
While everyone is welcome to go
to the daily service from Monday
to Saturday at noon or to Holy
Communion from Wednesday to
Friday at 8am, the church has
£ 16,00£ 9.30 AM
-5.00 PM
9.30 AM
-5.00 PM
FEED YOUR MIND
EDINBURGH CASTLE / BYRONV2

8. 15
become one of the main tourist
attractions in Edinburgh. Its
beautiful gothic appearance fits
the Royal Mile perfectly as well as
the heart of the city and makes,
on a clear day, a great picture
with the tiny glimpse of the
ocean in the background (looking
eastward). If you decide to have a
look inside, make sure you do not
miss the Thistle Chapel, which
was the chapel of Scotland’s
foremost order of chivalry, the
Most Ancient and Most Noble
Order of the Thistle. -AH
THE MIDLOTHIAN HEART
If you come across a place
in Edinburgh where you see
passers-by spitting into the
same place, then you have found
the Midlothian Heart! On the
Royal Mile just outside St Giles
Cathedral is a heart formed of
different coloured cobblestones.
It marks the position of the
Old Tolbooth, which was the
administrative centre of the
town. Back in the days when
Edinburgh was the county town
of Midlothian, people had to
come to the Tolbooth (toll=tax)
to pay their taxes. Later on, the
building became a prison and a
site of executions before it was
demolished in 1817. Nowadays,
the heart is most recognised as
thecrestoftheEdinburghfootball
team “Heart of Midlothian”. So
the origin of the spitting tradition
is unclear. While once it might
have started as a sign of disdain
of prisons, prisoners, executions
or taxes, nowadays it might
be because the spitters are
supporters of the rival football
team, but it is generally said to
be for good luck. So come by and
have a hearty spit whatever your
motives! -AH
GREYFRIARS BOBBY
Right at the end of George IV
Bridge, near the Greyfriars
Kirk and opposite the National
Museum of Scotland, the life-
size statue of Skye Terrier Bobby
sits on a column. The monument
is Edinburgh’s smallest listed
building and tourist attraction.
Behind this statue lies a
beautiful story about the faithful
dog Bobby. After his master John
Gray died, Bobby visited his grave
every day for 14 years in the
Greyfriars Kirkyard until his death
in 1872. The people were so
impressed by Bobby’s loyalty that
they buried him near John Gray.
Today you can also visit his grave
at Greyfriars and leave a ball for
him to play with in paradise. -CM
DUNBAR’S CLOSE GARDEN
The Secret Garden? It is not that
much of a secret, but it still feels
like a small discovery when you
stepoffCanongateintothegarden
in Dunbar’s Close. Originally laid
out as a back garden in the 17th
century and then built on in
the late 18th century, the early
1970s saw a reconsideration of
how to use this area. The garden
was cleared of buildings and,
after consulting with residents,
the landscape architect Seamus
Filor designed the garden in
1976 with a clear view of its
17th-century layout. Although
some compromises were made,
the plants would have grown
there three centuries earlier too,
emphasising the original spirit of
the garden. You can also enjoy a
fine view of Calton Hill or if you
just need a short break, you will
always find a bench to relax in the
different sections of the garden
after a long walk along the Royal
Mile. -FL
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT /SHELLEY BERNSTEIN
MIDLOTHIAN HEART / COMMONS
10.00 AM
-5.00 PM
ST GILES CATHEDRAL/ CASADEL
BOBBY/ SCOT TO BE FUN
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
In 1998, Tony Blair’s Government
legislated for the return of the Scottish
Parliament to Scotland after nearly 300
years. The location chosen for the new
parliament was an area of old buildings
close to Holyrood Palace and Arthur’s
Seat (at the end of the Royal Mile). After
demolishing the old buildings, a new one
was designed by the Catalan architect
Enric Miralles, and built between 1999
and 2004. His modern and brave design
generates both love and hate among
Scottish citizens.
The whole complex is full of symbolism.
The Parliament building has three
important themes: the nature, the sea
and the people. You can walk inside
the Parliament and discover the hidden
saltires, maps, and other metaphoric
signs like waves, boats and human
figures. The materials used are also
symbolic: oak, slate and granite from
Scotland.
The parliament can be visited from
Monday to Saturday until 6pm, even
when the chamber is in session. Visitors
can also go to sessions in the debating
chamber.
Access to the building is free. There is
a big lounge with information desks full
of multi-lingual pamphlets, and also
exhibitions throughout the year. -AV

9. 17
THE SCOTT MONUMENT
The Scott Monument, located
on Princes Street, is 61.11
metres high. It was built in 1846
to commemorate the famous
Scottish author, Sir Walter
Scott, and is one of Edinburgh’s
most remarkable symbols.
WALTER SCOTT MONUMENT / COMMONS
MUSEUMS &
GALLERIES
A
fterjustonestrollthroughEdinburgh’spicturesquestreets,
it is clear that art and history form the backbone and very
essence of this beautiful city. The Scottish people are
passionate about their past, traditions, and culture, and have
moulded Edinburgh into a hub of outstanding museums and
galleries. Tourists and locals alike have nearly limitless access
to exhibitions of various historical, religious, cultural, literary,
artistic, and scientific topics.
The larger galleries and museums include the National
Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish
National Portrait Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern
Art, and many more. These provide impressive, informative, and
thought-provoking exhibits that draw in thousands of viewers
annually. Edinburgh also has a selection of smaller museums
and galleries, which are no less interesting than their larger
counterparts. Some examples include the Writer’s Museum,
the Museum of Childhood, and the People’s Story Museum, the
latter of which I particularly enjoyed.
The People’s Story Museum gives visitors a peek into the lives
of Edinburgh’s ordinary people, starting from the late 18th
century. Adding to the museum’s historic feel, it is housed in the
16th century Canongate Tollbooth building. Upon entry, I felt as
thoughIwastransportedbackhundredsofyearsintime.Displays
of historically dressed models and authentic Scottish artifacts
are around every corner, and plaques of valuable information
line each wall. As I explored the 18th century exhibit, I could
feel the sightless eyes of the models on me as I tried to imagine
what it would be like to be a young woman in Edinburgh during
that time. Continuing on through the centuries, each display
emphasises the hardship the city’s people had to endure. Once
finished, I learnt that various locals had volunteered their time
to make this museum possible. That perhaps, is the best part—
the passion such people have for sharing their history with us.
Rachel Newton

10. 19
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF
SCOTLAND
This wonderful museum
essentially consists of two
different parts: the first one
is in an old Victorian building,
constructed at the end of the
19th century; the second is a
modern building built in 1996.
Visiting the National Museum
gives the visitor a very valuable
experience regardless of age.
The first part is especially
designed for children because of
its interactive nature. The little
ones will learn about science,
technology, natural history, and
world cultures. In the
second section
the vi-sitor
will live a
r e m a r k -
a b l e
e x p e r -
i e n c e
travel-
l i n g
through
t h e
history of
Scotland.
The museum
opens every
day at 9:45AM and
closes at 4:45PM. If you
have time you can drink a coffee
in the museum café, situated on
the second floor while you enjoy
the view of the Grand Gallery
with the magnificent cast-iron
construction and glass roof. -AV
Chambers Street
THE MUSEUM OF
EDINBURGH
Located between the numerous
souvenir shops which are
clustered along the Royal Mile,
the Museum of Edinburgh only
stands out because of its bright
red colour. Looking small and
insignificant from the outside, the
museum holds great historical
treasures of the city. Items like
Sir Walter Scott’s nutcracker,
the cannonball from the Siege of
Leith or Oliver Cromwell’s sword
easily draw you into Scotland’s
past. A fun way to become part of
that past is to try on clothes that
were worn in medieval times.
Another highlight, not only for the
kids, is a complete glass cabinet
dedicated to Greyfriars Bobby.
A cute life-like statue, drawings,
and documents tell the story of
themostfamousandbeloveddog
of Edinburgh. The admission for
the museum is free and it
is open from Monday
to Saturday from
10am to 5pm,
and in August
on Sunday
from 12pm
to 5pm.
Due to the
structure
of this 16th
c e n t u r y
b u i l d i n g ,
the upper
floors can only
be reached by
staircase, so they
are unsuitable for those with
disability or limited mobility.
Prices are for adults £4, children
(5 to 16) £2 and family £10. -VJ
142-146 Cannongate
THE WRITERS’ MUSEUM
Lovers of Scottish literature
will enjoy a visit to The Writers’
Museum. The old house in Lady
Stair’s Close displays a collection
of personal belongings from
three of the most famous writers
from Scotland: Robert Burns,
Sir Walter Scott and Robert
Louis Stevenson. Have a look at
Walter Scott’s rocking horse and
discover the places Stevenson
visited to get his inspiration for
his book Treasure Island. All
three of them wrote their stories
and poems in Scots.
The house itself is also worth a
look. The ceiling is beautifully
decorated with wooden
ornamentation and the stair walls
are painted in bright red with
golden lettering. The ground in
front of the house has flagstones
where you can read different
quotes from famous people.
If you want to prepare for your
visit, listen to the popular song
“Auld Lang Syne” and read the
poem “My Luv is Like A Red Red
Rose” by Robert Burns. You can
get a special version of one of
the books there too. The lady in
the shop will be glad to help you
find the right book to take to your
family and friends. -CM
Lady Stair’s Close
CITY ART CENTRE
Entering the bright and airy foyer
ofthebuildingwhichwasoriginally
erected as a warehouse in 1899
and has now been housing the
City Art Centre for over 50 years,
you are about to experience ever-
new temporary exhibitions with
selected artworks taken from
a collection consisting of over
4,500 works. In addition to the
in-house exhibits ranging from
paintings,printsandphotographs
to sculptures and installation art,
the gallery also displays pieces
from all over the world. The City
Art Centre is one of Edinburgh’s
main galleries with artworks
dating from the 17th century
up to the present. Beware of Sir
James Stewart of Coltness’ stern
17th-century Puritan scrutiny,
run for shelter with a family
10.00 AM
-5.00 PM
10.00 AM
-5.00 PM
10.00 AM
-5.00 PM
12.P00 AM
-5.00 PM
when a tempest is approaching the
beach in a 19th-century painting by
William McTaggart and observe a
street scene on Edinburgh’s North
Bridge in 1870. If you are exhausted
from diving into the stories behind
the individual exhibits, you might
enjoy one of the workshops, talks
and lectures the City Art Centre
also offers. After all, you could still
pick up postcards of some of the
paintings featured in the exhibition
in the gallery shop. -FL
2 Market Street
NATIONAL PORTRAIT
GALLERY
Visiting the National Portrait Gallery
of Scotland is one of the best ways
to enjoy art and learn history in
Edinburgh. The idea of the Gallery
came from many notable people of
the time, but was masterminded
and paid for by the owner of The
Scotsman, John Ritchie Findlay in
1882.
The gallery has three different
floors with twelve different rooms in
which the visitor can see portraits
of historical characters and Scottish
society through different eras. One
of the most significant and attractive
parts of the building is the Great
Hall, a brown and golden covered
cloister in neo-gothic style. Above the
pointed arches there is a fantastic
mural depicting a procession of the
main characters of Scottish history,
from the beginning right up to the
Enlightenment in the 19th century.
The whole collection includes works
offamousScottishpaintersfromAlan
Ramsay to Ken Currie and is sorted
by subject and periods. The upper
rooms contain the oldest paintings
whose theme is usually royalty while
the others show pictures of people
involved in sports, leisure activities
and science over the ages. -AV
1 Queen Street
NATIONAL GALLERY OF
SCOTLAND
The National Gallery of
Scotland is small compared
to El museo del Prado of
Madrid or the Hermitage of
St Petersburg. The collection
includes some of the most
wonderful and well-known
paintings in the world.
“The Skating Minister” by
Henry Raeburn and “The Old
Woman Cooking an Egg” by
Diego Velázquez are in the
National Gallery of Scotland.
There is also an enormous
room for special exhibitions.
The Gallery is located on The
Mound in the Royal Mile, in
a remarkable neoclassical
building. -AV
The Mound
10.00 AM
-5.00 PM
10.00 AM
-5.00 PM
THE SKATING MINISTER BY HENRY RAEBURN
NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND