Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and is in the south-east corner of the country. Approximately 450,000 people live in this most charming city, which is also home to the Scottish parliament. It was built on an extinct volcano, part of which is called Arthur's Seat, a green hill where many of the city's residents go in their free time to walk, relax and get some fresh air.

The climate here is mild, rarely below 0° in the winter and reaching the mid-twenties in the summer. This is surprising when you consider that it is on the same latitude as Moscow!

When you walk around the city you'll notice the National Gallery among other buildings with a very particular architectural style. You can now understand why Edinburgh is sometimes called 'The Athens of the North' - it's certainly not for the climate!

There's a lot to do here and when most people arrive they immediately go to The Royal Mile. This is the historic centre of the city. At one end is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official home of The Queen when she is in Scotland. At the other end is the wonderful Edinburgh Castle. If you visit from Monday to Saturday around lunchtime you'll hear the One O'clock Gun, a canon which is fired now to maintain the tradition but was previously a time signal to the ships in the harbour.

The whole of the old town is simply great, full of Scottish charm and with a truly unique atmosphere. However, sooner or later you must leave here and visit the new town, a series of streets built to a grid system with predominantly Georgian architecture. The main shopping street is Princes Street, full of chain stores and souvenir shops. Take something tartan home with you.

If you come here in August you'll be lucky enough to experience the Edinburgh Festival, a 3 week long arts festival where every venue hosts shows all day and the streets are alive with street performers of all kinds. But don't expect to find accommodation at this time unless you book a long time in advance.

If you are in Edinburgh on the 31st December you'll celebrate Hogmanay, the traditional Scottish way to welcome the New Year. I can assure you that it's unforgettable.

13 million people visit every year, second in the UK only to London, but you never feel that you are in a crowded place. The people are warm, the atmosphere special and you're sure to want to come back.

Oh, and finally - you'll commonly hear the following local words. Wee means small, bonny means beautiful, aye is yes and bairn is a baby.