Many Many Years of History
by scottishvisitor
Edinburgh is a great city to step back in time. I loved the connections of historic places and the cities great landmarks all huddled so close together. The building in the picture is The Bank of Scotland set high up on The Mound which connects the old and the new town. The bank is the head offices of the Bank of Scotland and has been overlooking Princes Street since 1801. Long before the head office was built The Bank of Scotland was created by a Scottish Act of Parliament in 1695.
Edinburgh Old Town - Enjoy These Stone Buildings
by scotlandscotour
I just love looking at, and being amongst these old buildings. It never ceases to amaze and excite me - I get like a child exploring rock pools at the seaside!!!
So, come to Edinburgh but allow extra time to just wonder these streets and soak up the history. Let your imagination free, and travel back in time, to when these stones echoed with the shouts and clatter of medieval street life. To really enjoy these streets and houses, walk the whole length of the Royal Mile, and then return, nosing in at little half hidden closes and alleyways. Coming back uphill its easy to slow down and ponder!!!
The Tolbooth is on the left hand side, lower down the Royal Mile, towards Holyrood and close to the Edinburgh Museum and Peoples' Story, both really interesting.
An age old custom
by scottishvisitor
The Heart of Midlothian was set into the cobbles of the old High Street outside St. Giles Catherdral but it has no connections with the Cathedral as some people think. It's purpose was to mark the position of the 15th. century Tolbooth which was demolished in 1815. When the Tolboth occupied this site the criminal faternity of Edinburgh spat on the door as they walked past this hated & cruel institution. Thankfully not many spit now I am sure you will be relieved to know.
I can appreciate that this...
by Mickster
I can appreciate that this maybe isnt everyone's cup of tea but one of my favourite things in Edininburgh is the second hand bookshops. They are everywhere and well worth an afternoon nosing about. The old town and southside are your best bet - there is one on Victoria Street which has a collection of maps and prints of Edinburgh from 1700 onwards as well as a wonderfully messy collection of piles of books, I have spent hours digging about in there and hunting out a bargain. Try Southside Books on Nicholson Street and McFeely's on Buccleuch Street too.
LEITH
by hevbell
Leith is a port on the north side of Edinburgh which is now home to the Royal Yacht Brittania at Ocean Terminal, a big new shopping centre. It also has a lively restaurant scene, particularly known for its seafood places.
I used to live there as a student and the docks area in particular has undergone a lot of developement and regeneration. Well worth a visit and easy to reach by bus from Princes Street.