FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Photograph courtesy of Eoin Carey
A Scottish Treasure
Like an engrossing novel by its famous son, Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh is an island of treasures teeming with all the aspects of a classic cultural adventure that just longs to be discovered.
A real-life Jekyll and Hyde tale, the enchanting cityscape entwines the medieval wynds and closes of the Old Town with the wide and open neo-classical streets in the New Town to create a stunning city that has become one of the UK’s top tourist destinations whatever time of year. From the iconic, historic Royal Mile to the 12th Century castle perched dramatically atop the plug of an extinct volcano; luxury fashion houses that line Multrees Walk to the grand and elegant Georgian architecture that has dubbed Edinburgh the ‘Athens of the North’ - it is clear to see why Auld Reekie brings in over four million visitors a year.
A sightseer’s paradise, the city’s historic allure is partly responsible for its enduring popularity,
‘‘Scotland’s capital takes things up a notch during the festive season as the smoke disappears and the city transforms into a dazzling haven of festive frolics soaked in eclectic heritage’’
with both the Old and New Towns given UNESCO World Heritage status in the 90s. Leading down from the Castle to the royal residence Palace of Holyroodhouse, the ancient Royal Mile is the backbone of the Old Town and is a must-see for all visitors. Just a short walk from the Waverley Train Station, here you will find Edinburgh’s famous landmarks including the Scottish Parliament building along with remnants of the city’s past. Take a bracing amble up the 250-metre hill that is Arthur’s Seat and you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views across the city and further afield to the sleepy seaside villages of East Lothian.
Among the city’s top sights to visit are the 18th Century underground vaults where visitors can explore the city’s dark past. Above ground, there are plenty of museums in the Old Town that depict life as it was in Edinburgh including the Surgeons’ Hall Museum which houses a fascinating collection of all things pathological and anatomical. Over in the New Town, the sweeping streets have become the home of Scottish enlightenment and are buzzing with art galleries, trendy bars and a range of independent and high street boutiques
that make it a shopper’s paradise including the famous Jenners department store, dubbed the ‘Harrods of the North.’
A city break isn’t complete without some serious eating and Edinburgh is becoming notorious for its exceptional selection of cuisine. Those looking to seek out traditional Scottish fare – no, not just haggis and deep-fried Mars Bars! – can meander along to the Grassmarket area which boasts an impressive range of cafés and restaurants serving up local delights. Stovies, for example, is a beloved and hearty Scottish stew that is just the ticket for those bitter winter days. Food fanatics looking for more a more refined taste should venture to Leith where an alluring collection of Michelin star restaurants serve up some of the UK’s most sumptuous seafood. The area is also awash with trendy bars and pubs; well, it would be rude not to sample a few drams of the local single malt whisky. Although magical throughout the year, Scotland’s capital takes things up a notch during the festive season as the smoke disappears and the city transforms into a dazzling haven of festive frolics soaked in eclectic heritage. From Friday 16th November, a buzz of seasonal splendour will take over the city as Edinburgh’s Christmas marks its sixth year with a jam-packed six-week calendar of family events happening across the heart of Edinburgh. The action kicks off in style with Light Night on Sunday 18th November as Edinburgh singer and this year’s The Voice contestant, Saskia Eng, has
Photograph © Digital Triangle Creative Ltd 92
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
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