Edinburgh Things to Do Tips by spidermiss

Scott Monument Scott Monument Review

I climbed up Scott Monument in September 1999 and it was worth the climb for the great city views at the top. The monument is named after the famous writer, Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), whose was know for his popular novels in Europe. George Meikle Kemp designed the monument and he was inspired by the Gothic designs of Melrose Abbey and Roslin Chapel. Sadly he did not live to see the completion of the monument and Sir John Steell added the marble statue of Scott and his dog, Maidan, on the platform before the monument structure.

The monument is 200 feet (or 61 metres) high with four levels made up of 287 steps. The monument was completed in 1946 and an inauguration ceremony too place on Scott's Birthday, 15th August 1840.

It cost 3.00 gbp (September 2012) to climb up the monument and is opened daily.

Address: Princes Street Gardens East

Directions: Between Princes Street and Princes Gardens

Other Contact: museumcollectionscentre@edinburg

Phone: 0131 529 4068

Website: http://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Scott-Monument

Edinburgh Castle Castle Review

On my very first trip to Edinburgh (June 1998) I paid a visit to the castle. The castle is on an extinct volcano and is associated as a powerful national system and comprises part of Edinburgh Old and New Town. Edinburgh Castle links via The Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace. It's a noticable part of the city's landscape and the city is associated for that.

I don't remember very much about my visit but it took us 3-4 hours to explore and you get to see the Great Hall, the Honours of Scotland, Mons Meg, The Royal Palace, Scottish National War Memorial, the Stone of Destiny and so forth. I remember hearing the loud One O'Clock Gun and seeing the wonderful views of the city from the castle above.

The visit isn't cheap. In October 2012 it cost 14.50 gbp (adult) to tour the castle but it's worth it for the highlights that are offered there. Please look at the website for further information.

Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

Directions: In the city centre

Other Contact: hs.ticketing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Phone: 0131 225 9846

Website: http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

City Art Centre

This City Art Centre is housed in a former warehouse and built in the late 19th Century originally part of the Scotsmen newspaper building. Today it has six floors of public galleries including special exhibitions (usually at a charge).

During my visit (September 2012) I saw The Scottish Colourists exhibition. The Colourist, known as the Glasgow Boys, had a strong influence on Scottish Art in the 20th Century and in prior centuries rejected Romanticism and enlightenment traditions. These painters looked to the European Continent for inspiration and expression. Their modernist agenda encourage vivid colour on the painted surface. Many artists in Edinburgh were influenced by The Colourists and shared their asethetic values through their development.

I enjoyed looking around the exhibitions. There were another exhibition, Leslie Hunter (A Scottish Colourist), but I didn't visit and there was an admission charge to look round. As well as public diaries there are the usual visitors facilities including shop, cafe and toilets.

Address: 2 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE

Directions: Behind Edinburgh Waverley railway station.

Phone: 0131 529 3993

Website: http://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/City-Art-Centre

Scottish National Gallery

I've passed the Scottish National Gallery on previous visits but never gone in. I took the opportunity to visit the art gallery on my recent trip to Edinburgh (September 2012) and it was nice having a wander round.

The galllery has three levels. I looked at paintings by Cezanne, Degas, Monet and Gauguin in the 18th and 19th Century European (The Impressionists) collections and also had a look around The Scottish Collection and saw paintings by David Wilkie, Peter Graham and William McTaggart.

The gallery has a cafe, restaurant and shop. The gallery is free of charge although donations are encouraged. As well as this gallery there are sister branches, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, which I yet have to visit on a future trip.

The Academy, another building next to the Gallery, usually holds major exhibitions at a charge.

Address: The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL

Directions: Off Princes Streets in the City Centre

Other Contact: nginfo@nationalgalleries.org

Phone: +44 0131 624 6200

Website: http://www.nationalgalleries.org/

Greyfriar's Bobby

Greyfriar's Bobby came about when John Gray had to have a watch dog when he joined the Police. However the Policeman had to look for another watchdog soon after. He chose a young puppy, a Skye terrier, around six months old. He was called Bobby because of links with the Police.

Bobby kept John Gray company through his working and personal life. He even guarded his master's grave until 1872 after 14 years. Bobby met many friends and was well respected in the community. Today you can see a monument in tribute on Candlemaker Row and also his graveyard in Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Address: Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Other Contact: joan@greyfriarsbobby.co.uk

Phone: +44 (0)151 420 5655

Website: http://www.greyfriarsbobby.co.uk/

Calton Hill Calton Hill Review

Carlton Hill goes back to the 15th Century when King James granted the land to Edinburgh by charter. Carlton Hill is part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes a number of iconic and historical buildings which link the the city's social history and its relationships with Europe at the time: National Monument, Parthenon (was partly constructed in memory to soldiers who fell during the Napoleonic wars in the early 19th Century), Nelson's Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, the New Parliament House, Robert Burns Monument, Political Martyrs' Monument and the City's Observatory.

There were plans for a Scottish Parliament to be situated on Carlton Hill but it's now near Holyrood House on The Royal Mile.

I visited Carlton Hill during my many visits to Edinburgh. Last time I visited Carlton Hill was in June 2002.

Please note the photo is scanned.

Address: Carlton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA

Directions: Off Regent Street in the City Centre

Other Contact: parks@edinbur gh.gov.uk

Phone: 0131 529 7061

Website: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory_record/10807/calton_hill

Holyrood Palace

The site of the Holyroodhouse goes back to the 12th Century and was originally used as an abbey. James IV converted the building into a palace in the 15th Century and subsequent developments were made by successive monarchs including reign of James VI (Had become James I of England) where extensive renovations were made, including conversion of buildings for civic use, took place.

Most famous residents who lived at the site of Holyroodhosue is Mary, Queen of Scots who came to live there from 1651 and also her son, James VI (James I of England), from 1579, who was involved in the extensive renovations. Since then it has been an official royal residence in Scotland and the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, resides there whenever she is visiting Edinburgh. It is also the location of royal ceremonies and events.

I visited Holyrood Palace in September 1999 and checked out the abbey and gardens as well. It was an interesting place but I felt I didn't get my money's worth for the admission price I paid. It cost 10.75 gbp (July 2012) including an audio tour but please be aware that there are only a limited number of rooms inside the Palace are opened. I don't think I'll make another visit in the future even if I'm glad I was able to visit then.

Please check the website for further information such as opening times.

Please note my photo is scanned.

Address: Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX

Directions: Off the Royal Mile and near the Scottish Parliament.

Phone: 0131 556 5100

Website: http://www.royalcollection.org.uk

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Garden is situated between Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. This Green Space is very popular for tourists and residents alike. At one of the Gardens there is Edinburgh Castle towering over on its rock and at the other end the city's offices, shops and civic centres - contrasts from where the Gardens are positioned. It's situated strategically for public transport with Waverley Station at the Western End and bus stops adjacent to Princes Street. It has been awarded a Green Flag from 2011 for its assets.

Notable features are the Floral clock, first planted in 1903, and a number of public monuments dating in the 19th Century to end of the 20th Century: Scott Monument, David Livingstone Statue, war memorials and a variety of sculptures and monuments including the Ross Fountain. Facilities including a cafe, kiosks and toilets are available in the park.

I've visited the Gardens over my many visits to Edinburgh over the years. It's a perfect place to relax after a hectic time sightseeing.

Address: Princes Street Gardens East and West, EH2 2HG

Directions: Adjacent to Princes Street and near Edinburgh Waverley Station

Other Contact: parks@edinbur gh.gov.uk

Phone: 0131 529 3030

Website: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/495/parks_gardens_and_open_spaces/1438/parks_in_edinburgh/12

Gladstone's Land (National Trust Scotland)

I visited Gladstone's Land on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town during my visit in May 2010. This Old Town tenement was owned by Thomas Gledstanes who was a wealthy merchant and rented floor to various tenants.

This property offers a visitor an opportunity to learn about how Gledstanes and his tenants lived in Edinburgh's Old Town during the 17th Century through its display rooms. There is original architectural features such as the painted ceiling and a shop booth which is reconstructed equipped with replica goods sold at that time.

It cost 6.00 gbp (July 2012) to visit but free to National Trust or National Trust Scotland Members (Please click onto the link for further information on membership).

Address: 477b Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2NT

Directions: Top end of The Royal Mile in Edinburgh City Centre

Other Contact: information@nts.org.uk

Phone: 0844 4932120

Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Gladstones-Land/

Georgian House (National Trust Scotland)

I visited this Georgian House, owned by National Trust Scotland, in May 2010. This townhouse was part of Edinburgh's New Town in the late 1700s where a lot of wealthy residents moved in this fashionable area from the original Old Town. The house's facade was designed by Robert Owen, in 1791, and the original owner was John Lamont. The house gives a visitor an opportunity for one to explore what life was like for John Lamont and wealthy counterparts in the city over 200 years ago!

It was interesting looking around the house and there was a visual presentation, 'Living in a Grand Design' which illustrated life in Edinburgh's New Town at the time.

It cost 6.00 gbp (July 2012) to visit but free to National Trust or National Trust Scotland Members (Please click onto the link for further information on membership).

Address: 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DR

Directions: West end of Princess Street in the City Centre

Other Contact: thegeorgianhouse@nts.org.uk

Phone: 0844 493 2117

Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Georgian-House/