EDINBURGHdiscover

‘SCOT TO BE FUN

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 rightVanessa NovisRebecca ChristophSamira HänskaElisabeth SeideAnna-Lena HänelÁngel Villascusa CerezoIrene Schippl Carrera

Bottom left to rightViviane JacklJohanna LammRachel NewtonChristine MöllerFranziska LangeMarie-Joëlle Gallinge

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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 drive on the left side of the road. Be sure to look 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

Opening hours for pubs and restaurants vary, so make 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: 999Tourist information: 0845 225 5121Edinburgh dialling code: 0131UK dialling code: +44Police: 101Taxis: 0131 228 1211

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

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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.orgList of Bed and Breakfastswww.Edinburghfirst.co.ukApartmentswww.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. Prices for the hostel do increase in 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

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Not later than a week after visiting museums and galleries, of stuffing 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 HILLEveryone 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

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EDINBURGH ZOOEdinburgh’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 GARDENGoing 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 LEITHThe 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 STORESGo 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

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Idon’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, you can spend your days 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 entrance charge 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

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FEED YOUR MIND

EDINBURGH CASTLE / BYRONV2

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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 HEARTIf 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 the crest of the Edinburgh football 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 BOBBYRight 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 GARDENThe Secret Garden? It is not that much of a secret, but it still feels like a small discovery when you step off Canongate into the garden 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

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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

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THE SCOTT MONUMENTThe 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 &GALLERIESAfter just one stroll through Edinburgh’s picturesque streets,

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 though I was transported back hundreds of years in time. 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

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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 t r ave l -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. -AVChambers 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 the most famous and beloved dog 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 s t ruc ture 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. -VJ142-146 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. -CMLady Stair’s Close

CITY ART CENTRE

Entering the bright and airy foyer of the building which was originally 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, prints and photographs 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

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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. -FL2 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 of famous Scottish painters from Alan 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. -AV1 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. -AVThe Mound

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THE SKATING MINISTER BY HENRY RAEBURNNATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND