Features

Edinburgh: Scottish Splendour

4 Jul 2017 by Business Traveller India
Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags. These structures rise from the generally flat landscape of the Lothian, with the sheltered shoreline of the Firth of Forth to the north. When you look down at the city from the edge of Edinburgh Castle, you will see medieval lanes and sweeping terraces that hold over a thousand years of history, mystery and tradition. You will also see a modern, dynamic capital where international festivals attract the world’s leading performers, galleries display cutting-edge art, and bars, restaurants and clubs create a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a distinctly Scottish twist.

Edinburgh Castle

Begin your day at Edinburgh Castle, a World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval Old and Georgian New Towns. The historic fortress is situated on Castle Rock that overlooks a mesmerising skyline of Edinburgh. Take a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle to delve into the rich history of this site and you will learn that Castle Rock formed after a volcano eruption over 340 million years ago. Its significance rose as the tensions between the English and Scottish monarchies nearly always centred here. The king who ruled over this castle, ruled over Edinburgh and hence over all of Scotland as it is the country’s capital. Therefore, like any stronghold of importance, the castle was constantly under siege. Today, a number of facilities including two cafés, shops, and various historical displays draw tourists from around the world. Queen Anne Tearoom at the top of the castle is where you can enjoy a traditional Scottish meal.

An ideal time to visit is during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August that takes place in front of the castle on its grand esplanade after sunset. The Scottish regiment parade in traditional kilts as Scottish songs are played on hundreds of bagpipes and drums. The entire event culminates with spectacular fireworks. Open daily 9:30am-5pm; entry fee £16.50/₹1,349; edinburghcastle.gov.uk

Edinburgh Vaults

These vaults were formed over a hundred years ago under the 19 arches of South Bridge with a width of 100 feet. Far from forgotten, they receive tourists in multitudes who are instantly trapped in the stories of the city’s dark past. Certain vaults throve as populated red light districts, others held taverns that served travellers, and some lay open as hunting spots for serial killers. It is believed that they even served as the site for various workshops, and also as stables to the Royal Family’s bodyguards. With time, the bridge that was never waterproofed due to tight budgets started leaking, forcing businesses to move out. From being a bustling marketplace below the city, these manmade spaces became home to the homeless and immigrants. The bridge’s health continued to deteriorate and to save it, city officials had the vaults filled with rubble to hold it up. In the 1980s they were accidentally  “found” again. Since then the vaults have been carefully restored, cleaned and preserved so tourists can enjoy a thrilling experience of Edinburgh’s history. Mercat Tours (Historic Underground): daily at 4pm and 5pm; £12/₹972; mercattours.com

The Scotch Whisky Experience 

Tours to a Scotch distillery lasts anywhere from 50 minutes to three hours. Each tour includes a barrel ride (vehicle, designed as a barrel) through the different production stages of Scotch whisky starting from the barley fields to the bubbling pot, which is the last step in producing this  “golden elixir”. The guide introduces the audience to the aromas of the regional whisky, allowing you to sniff through part of the world’s largest collection of Scotch whiskies. Each visitor is gifted a crystal whisky tasting glass and is offered a dram of Scotch whisky. The Silver Tour: open January-March and August-December 10am-5pm, April-July until 6pm; entry fee £15/₹1,216; scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Edinburgh Castle

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Situated in the Ocean Terminal at Leith race, The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the  “floating royal residence” of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II from 1954 until 1997 sailing over 10,00,000 miles around the world. Now berthed in Edinburgh, the iconic yacht is open to public viewing and often holds popular events. Trace the footsteps of royalty and discover one of the most special residences of the crowned. Begin your exploration with Britannia’s free audio handset tour that covers the yacht’s five main decks. At the bridge, walk into the state apartments, crew’s quarters and conclude your trip at the engine room. Don’t leave without indulging in a  “freshly prepared home-made meal” as well as speciality teas and coffees at Royal Deck Tea Room. Open daily 10am-3:30pm; entry fee £15.50/₹1,267; royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

National Museum of Scotland 

In 2006, the merger of New Museum of Scotland with Royal Museum, formed National Museum of Scotland. The former’s Scottish antiquities relating to culture and history along with collections of science and technology of the latter make this an interesting stop for intellectual stimulation. Discover Scottish archaeological finds, medieval objects, and other artefacts from around the world that span across geology, natural history, science, technology, art and culture. From meteorites to monsters from the deep waters below, the Natural World galleries exhibit lesser known stories of planet Earth, while the World Cultures galleries let you travel out of Scotland without leaving the museum. A number of free and guided tours of the museum are available through the day. Until June 25 runs the Scottish pottery exhibition that displays everyday ware to exotic decorative pieces established by Scottish entrepreneurs. Open daily 10am-5pm; free entry; nms.ac.uk

Royal Botanic Garden

Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden was founded in 1670 as a physics garden near Holyrood Abbey by Dr Robert Sibbald and Dr Andrew Balfour. With the help of enthusiastic gardeners and botanists, the collection grew to over 10,000 specimens between 1905 and 1932. Today, it offers visitors 72 acres of untainted nature, not far from the city centre. The garden overlooks fantastic views of the capital’s skyline, including a panorama of Edinburgh Castle. Visitors can discover its fascinating history dating back to 300 years that include tales of travellers behind the plants’ display throughout this beautiful landscape. Open year round, the garden hosts a popular programme of events, exhibitions and guided tours as well. It also houses restaurants including Gateway Restaurant and Terrace Cafe, and the Botanics Shop that retails a wide selection of gifts, souvenirs, crafts and plants. Open daily 10am-6pm; free entry; rbge.org.uk

The Kitchin

One of the four Michelin star restaurants in Edinburgh, The Kitchin has an interesting take on modern British seasonal cuisine. The restaurant’s philosophy — from nature to plate — reflects Tom, the eponymous chef-owner’s passion for fresh, quality Scottish produce. The best way to make the most of your time here is to opt for the sample set lunch. It includes amongst many dishes, crispy pork belly cannelloni served with roasted parsley root, capers and a shallot dressing; roe deer pithivier served with quince puree, ox tongue and roast vegetables; and apple crumble souffle served with vanilla ice cream. A three-course set lunch begins at £33/₹2,674; thekitchin.com

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