Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is full of history and wonderful architecture. The city is mainly divided between the medieval Old Town with it’s winding closes and the impressive Castle, and the Georgian New Town. Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its literary connections from Sir Walter Scott to Ian Rankin, who set his popular Rebus series in the city.
Other famous people born in Edinburgh include the actor Sean Connery, comedian Ronnie Corbett, actor Alastair Sim (who played Ebenezer Scrooge in one of my favourite adaptations of Charles Dickens’ wonderful novella A Christmas Carol), author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and, of course, Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Waterstones is located in Princes Street, the main shopping street in the city. The building, which is very attractive, was completed in 1866 and was constructed by Peddie and Kinnear as The University Club. If you look at the top right of the building you can see the initials P&K, and on the left, the year 1866!
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, set high upon Castle Rock, a dormant volcano, is one of Scotland’s most renowned historic sites. Its history stretches back to ancient times, and over the centuries it has served as a royal residence, a fortress, and a military garrison. Today it remains a powerful symbol of Scottish heritage, home to the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, and is visited by people from all over the world. The views from the top are spectacular on a clear day.
Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby was a small Skye Terrier in 19th-century Edinburgh, famous for his loyalty. After his owner, John Gray, died in 1858, Bobby reportedly spent 14 years guarding his master’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard until his own death. His devotion made him a local legend, and a statue now stands near the cemetery in his memory, as well as one inside the kirkyard. I started reading the book based on him by Eleanor Atkinson whilst in the city and finished it a few days later. It was very enjoyable, although the broad Scots dialect in which it’s written took some getting used to!
St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, dates back to the 14th century. The cathedral is easy to spot thanks to its striking crown-shaped spire, and inside contains colourful stained glass windows, impressive memorials, and the ornate Thistle Chapel, home to Scotland’s highest order of chivalry. I foolishly forgot to take a photo of the front of the cathedral once we’d visited, so the photo of the cathedral on the top row is watermarked to credit Ian S and used under the creative commons licence.
Edinburgh by Day
Clockwise from top left – Victoria Street with its pretty cobbles, Parliament House, a traditional bagpiper in Highland dress. Victoria Street again, the Institut français d’Ecosse (French Institute of Scotland), Mercat Cross on the historic Royal Mile and Edinburgh City Chambers
Currently reading: Greyfriars Bobby by Eleanor Atkinson and The Face Pressed Against a Window: A Memoir by Tim Waterstone.
Janet's Adventures in Waterstones 
Did you go down to Holyrood Palace/the Scottish Parliament? Its a nice bit of the Old Town down there.
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Sadly we didn’t have time (we only had one full day in Edinburgh), but I’m sure we’ll go back in a few years time as we both love Scotland.
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