U P C L O S E

HEDINBURGHI

Welcome to Edinburgh,the lovely capital of Scotland! Exploring these streets youll

find quaint shops and delectable eateries, impressive museums

and jaw-dropping galleries, plus magnificent scenery and enter-

taining gatherings. As a matter of fact, youll also find all those

things and more in the pages of this guide! So prepare yourself

for a whirlwind of a journey, and keep in mind, whether gaz-

ing high or low, never forget to explore Edinburgh UP CLOSE.

HISTORYNestled in the contours of seven hills, the city of Edinburgh stands as a monument to the history of Scotland and development of Western civilization. From its inception, the city has circled around Castle Hill, where Edinburgh Castle has rested proudly for hundreds of years. Evidence directs our attention to humans having lived in these hills since the Iron Age, but it wasnt until sometime in the 13th century when the city was actually established by King David I. The city flourished as a well-known port and for many centuries has remained a main hub of activity in Scotland.

Although Glasgow would eventually surpass Edinburgh in size and population, the walled city remained the centre of the country, even with the Union of the Crowns in 1603. Then about a century later, the Union of Parliaments joined Scotland and England in the relationship still held today (though perhaps for not much longer). By the 18th century, it was clear that Edinburgh was very important to the new Kingdom of Great Britain, but it was also desperately unhygienic. For the sake of the town and her people, construction began on the New Town, which continued until the mid-1800s.

It was also around the extensive period of the New Towns construction that the famous Scottish Enlightenment took place. This great phenomenon produced many famous names, such as David Hume, Adam Smith, and James Hutton, plus the great wealth of literature that the city is now known for. The Enlightenment paraded Edinburgh and Scotland into the 19th century, which saw general improvements throughout the city. As much of the wealthy population had moved out of the Old Town, the New Town quickly became a major business district. The Old Town continued on as the slums of Edinburgh until the 1860s, when impressive improvements were made, turning the area into the familiar sight it is today. Although the economy stagnated during the early 1900s, as no big surprise, the country took on serious efforts to improve and reverse the slide backwards.

Commercial development in the late 20th century strengthened the city and has helped keep Edinburgh the second largest administrative and fiscal centre in the United Kingdom. To this day, Scotlands capital is a source of pride for the people of Scotland, and with good reason. Edinburgh was the first UNESCO City of Literature, having produced famous authors and poets like Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Great scientists pour from her Victorian buildings, such as Alexander Graham Bell and Peter Higgs. Artists are still inspired by her winding streets and temperamental weather. Travellers the world over flock to Edinburgh to experience the gorgeous arts and rich history of Scotland, infused with this charming city, this once Auld Reekie.

Emily Smith

104

IMPRESSUMMany Thanks To:

Anne and Janis - you were inspiring, Paul, Mary, Lutz, our tour guide James, Open Street Map contributors, and the many helpful busi-ness owners and interview partners!!

105

Carina, writing & editing: Carina is proud to say that she has not been hit by any cars, bikes, buses or trams while on the look-out for perfect cafs and alternative entertainment in Edinburgh.

Emily, writing & editing: When Emily isnt busy getting lost on picture-taking sprees throughout Edinburgh, youll find her reading, eating, or drinking! (Not necessarily in that order.)

Gemma, writing & editing: Dreamy and atmospheric Edinburgh is the perfect city for book-loving Gemma, whose ideal pastime is exploring the historic haunts of her favourite Scottish authors and their characters!

106

Hannah, writing & layout: Hannahs curiosity in the macabre has sent her around the numerous kirkyards and haunted places of Edinburgh.

Lina, writing & layout: If it wasnt for all the bruises and sore feet, Lina would be reeling around at a Ceilidh every night.

Annabel, writing, layout & photo editing: This fierce little American enjoys snapping photos and her fingers to some live Scottish folk music.

107

Anne, writing & layout: When Anne is not getting totally lost around Edinburgh, you can find her in one of the citys many cafs or bookshops!

Aline, writing: Aline is probably the only one who actually came to Edinburgh because of the weather apart from that, the pubs and bars are her favourite places to go.

Susanna, writing: Susanna could blissfully eat her way through all the scones in Edinburgh and walk them off exploring the lively streets of the Old and New Town!