Edinburgh

[The boy formerly known as Evil Muzz 27]

Many people won't be surprised that I have started this thread, to many it will be "another of Muzz's rants about Scotland". But I'd prefer to see it as an information thread, telling you why you should (if you get the chance to) spend some time in Scotland's capital. I will bring you pictures through the course of the thread, as the weather improves, I hope to get into Edinburgh and take some pictures myself, and I'm in no way a prefessional photographer, so hopefully this pictures will sell to you the true appearance of Edinburgh.

To get us started, here is a breif history of Edinburgh:

The original settlement was started in a 9 mile wide bowl between the Pentland hills to the south west, and the Firth of Forth to the north east. The first place for the settlement was on top of a high bassalt plug, which protruded from a small valley in the middle of this bowl. Naturally, this high point had many advantages, defensive primarily. As Scotland grew, so did Edinburgh, and the area attracted the attention of the Romans. It's a common misconception that the Romans never went into Scotland, but they did for a short period of time. However, they showed no interest in conquering this primitive settlement on the hill. Soon after the Roman's left, and Scotland was alone again. As it continued to grow, it also attracted the attention of the growing English to the south. Edinburgh's position was again prime for quelling English raids and advances into Scotland, as the city is significantly closer to the English border than any other Scottish city. Eventually, after the Act of Union, and English raids were therefore non-existant, Edinburgh developed the need to grow from it's tiny hill, and plans were established for a competition to design the New Town. The winner was a young man, and his design incorporated the Grid Iron street layout that would become so popular around the world, particularaly in the USA. Ever since then the city has expanded in concentric rings, towards the centre we have more historical buildings, and as we move further out, things get more modern. Of course there is the unpredictable pattern of urban renewal as well, the more industrial areas of Leith have been massively improved since the 40's-60's when they were part of Scotland's huge role in shipbuilding ( a practice that continued in nearby Glasgow until the 80's). The centre has also seen much renewal, while the best looking and most popular buildings remain, some have been replaced or renovated with something a bit more modern.

There's my version of Edinburgh's history. It may not be 100% accurate, but anything that isn't correct is only minorly wrong. It should at least give you enough background of the city to understand it.

I will hopefully get some pictures up to day, and in the next few weeks get some pictures that I have taken!

Thanks for reading!

-Muzz

[sc4portugal 10]

Intersting

I once got to the top of arther's seat THEN found out that there was a path... so meny thorns... but the veiw was rewarding

[Uumke 0]

very interesting. I love Edinburgh! I want to go there fast.

[SystemUK 0]

Edinburgh has one of the best skylines in the world. It is so elegant it has no need for countless skyscrapers. Anyone who has looked up at Edinburgh Castle from Princess Street or walked up the Royal Mile will no doubt agree to some level.

It isn't all about the past either. It has the modern building of the Scottish Parliament, Leith and many other buildings. It also has Europes 5th largest financial sector - in a city of only 500,000.

[sc4portugal 10]

Originally posted by: SystemUK Edinburgh has one of the best skylines in the world. It is so elegant it has no need for countless skyscrapers. Anyone who has looked up at Edinburgh Castle from Princess Street or walked up the Royal Mile will no doudt agree to some level.quote>

 

Yes, I agree

[saltandsauce 0]

Edinburgh (as a city) has class in a good way the scottish parliament building is a skidmark on a white cloth

[josefmayor 8]

I have pictures from my recent trip to the British Isles.

Here are some:

Robbie and Edinburgh Castle: If you go on a tour I recommend him, he is the funniest, coolest, nicest guy I ever met.

Muzz is going to have to tell you where these are because I don't exactly remember

This is by the train station

Castle from outside

This was the best tour I have ever been on, it was the Edinburgh Ghost tour and if you are visiting I strongly suggest you go to this, it was INCREDIBLE.

Here is the info for that : Adam Lyal's Witchery Tales www.adamlyal.com www.witcherytours.com Tel: 0131 225 6745

Hope all that is accurate, anyways I loved Edinburgh, it was so cool, and amazing.

[The boy formerly known as Evil Muzz 27]

Josef: Well done for getting around to posting pics before me! I have neglected this thread, but I will get rounf to some of my own pictures soon.

The first one I don't recognise. It's probably on the High Street somewhere, or was he actually based at the Castle? Could be either.

The glass slats in the second one is the roof of Waverley station, and the building in the background is the Scotsman hotel.

Next is obviously the castle, and the blue seats are there for the tattoo performance which happens every evening. In the next few weeks it will begin I think.

That next one is coming onto Princes Street, and the Jenners shop which is exclusive to Edinburgh. That piper in that picture is ALWAYS there, I see him everytime I go there, or everytime there is a news report there with him in the background, I'm sure he is the same guy.

The fifth one is the High Court in Edinburgh, not especially interesting unless you like law.

Sixth is a street. Lol, well I don't recognise it, but I think it's pretty close to Charlotte Square, and it maybe comes off George Street.

Seventh is right outside Camera Obscura, a great place but maybe not with the weather you seem to have had! I've always wanetd to do a ghost tour of Edinburgh, they sound really fascinating.

Thanks for sharing those pictures, Joe!