![]() |
![]() |
||
![]() |
20 November 2008 | Our local time: 09.44 GMT | ||
![]() |
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, its second-largest city and is situated on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Because of its rugged setting and vast collection of Medieval and Georgian Architecture including numerous stone tenements, it is one of the most dramatic cities in Europe.
One rocky outcrop called Castle Rock houses the Old Town. Edinburgh Castle stands at the highpoint and the Royal Mile follows the narrow crest of the steep-sided tail, descending from the castle to ground level at Holyrood Palace.
The Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Train Station are nearby and mark the boundary with the New Town. Princes Street is the main area for shopping with a large selection of high street shops plus the famous Jenner’s Department Store, while parallel Rose Street is renowned for its many bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Edinburgh is well-known for the annual Edinburgh Festival, a collection of official and independent festivals held annually over about four weeks from early August. These include the Edinburgh Fringe, The International Festival, the Military Tattoo and the Film Festival. Other notable events include the Hogmanay street party on New Year’s Eve and the rugby internationals at Murrayfield Stadium.