Edinburgh Warnings and Dangers

Just a small shopping related warning. It seems that every other shop in Edinburgh is a souvenir shop of some kind, especially on the Royal Mile as you approach the castle. I noticed that these shops often sell the same branded items eg. shortbread, honey, haggis, tea etc. For some reason though, there is a great discrepancy in the price of some of these items in the different shops. My advice is to shop around so you do not get stung and put yourself in that annoying situation of seeing something that you've already bought at half the price at which you bought it!
On the plus side, I did enjoy shopping in the souvenir shops in Edinburgh and I bought a really nice hoody as a memento of my trip from one. Didn't bother buying a kilt though! :D

I have lived in Edinburgh as a student for four years now, and lived across the city in numerous flats and have to say it is one of the the safest places I have ever come across, having spent extensive time across Asia in my summer holidays. The rubbish you read here from these people is just that- rubbish. Of course be sensible whenever in a capital city, but I have never had problems here, not have known any friends to have trouble whilst living in the city. As a capital city, it is one of the safest.

I used this facility yesterday (3-1-12) because it's very close to Princes Street, and because I wasn't sure how long we'd be parked, I didn't want to take a chance on over-running on a meter.

BIG mistake.

Cost £6.50 for 1 hr 48 mins, and that's on a public holiday! Total rip-off.

Avoid at all costs, unless you have very deep pockets or like throwing your money away.

Dear fellow traveller. Let me assure you that Scotland is as safe a country as you´ll find. Of course in the major cities you need to show a bit more common sense, just like in any other big city in any country in the world, but this does not mean that you need to start being paranoid. Just avoid walking down dimly lit streets at 4 o´clock in the morning with your money belt strapped to your forehead and you´ll be fine. It´s all common sense stuff. Please do not be put off by the negative comments you may read on these pages.

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The ever popular Edinburgh Festival showcasing Classical Music Theatre Opera and Dance makes for the most visited time in Summer. This years dates are 13th. August to 3rd. September. Tourist accommodation is at a premium at this time but if you're stuck you could try The Scotsman's Penthouse Suite at £1,200 per night or a lowly Study Room at £200!! BTW Breakfast is an extra £17.50. Seriously if you are going to stay in Edinburgh at Festival time please book early!!

Although the local tourist board will quickly deny it, the United Nations has ranked Scotland as the most violent country in the world.

Violent crime rate is three times what it is in the States.

The evening streets in all the major cities even in the town areas are unsafe at night.

I was there last month, has several unpleasant experiences and I will not be visiting Scotland again. Ever..

I noticed during my May 2009 visit to Edinburgh that the City Centre isa bit chaotic due to all the roadworks going on. The bus service in Edinburgh is one of the best I have encountered, so it‘s all the more surprising that the local council has decided that Edinburgh needs a tram link from the airport. At the present time the main street in the centre, Princes St., is closed off to traffic due to the roadworks required for this tramlink so all buses are being re-routed via George St which makes things a bit chaotic and leads to delays. The single tram line will run from the airport through the centre then up to Ocean Terminal in Leith and is due to be completed by July 2011, or sometime in 2015 if you listen to most taxi drivers. So if you are visiting Edinburgh I suggest you leave plenty of time for travelling around and check the website below for latest updates on road closures.

Use caution when using cash points in the City Centre and try and ensure you make it hard for anyone tring to see your pin number. Also inspect the ATM and try to ensure that there is no devices attached to read your pin number.

It is best to avoid the Meadows Area near Tollcross & the old Edinburgh Royal Imfirmary hospital, as it an area known for assaults. Lothian Road area on a Friday / Saturday night should avoided in the early hours unless your there partying!

If you rent a car like we did, or just drive around Scotland - watch out for round - abouts.
Look at the picture and find a round about.
Yep, it is there one - this tiny lighter spot on the street. That's it !!!
Circles in Scotland are not visible, they are not big, they are not like "islands" on the streets. Sometimes they are not marked at all. So if you go tum - du - dum while driving through the ... intersection - well, you know that it wasn't an intersection.