Edinburgh City and the Area
The City of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is truly inspirational.
Scotland’s inspiring capital city is a fusion of fabled streets and historic buildings, contained within a vibrant modern city. Quite simply, it is a brilliant destination in which to hold an international conference.
Voted the best city in the UK by a survey of 10,000 people (2009), it’s stunningly beautiful and also compact, with a wonderful atmosphere and very friendly people.
It’s the perfect fusion of old and new. To enjoy the historic wonders of the Old Town, visitors can trail from the iconic Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile all the way down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh, and the new Scottish Parliament.
Across the green expanse of Princes Street Gardens lies the elegant Georgian New Town, with its stunning architecture, leafy gardens, stylish boutiques and fantastic restaurants
In the midst of these gracious surroundings, Edinburgh is alive with inspiration and innovation.
For centuries it has nurtured some of the greatest minds in philosophy, economics, finance, literature, law, medicine, engineering and architecture. Often referred to as the ‘festival city’, Edinburgh offers a year round programme of arts and cultural events.
Edinburgh is home to the Scottish Parliament, holds the national museums and national collections of art, has four universities, the national headquarters of banks and financial institutions and a thriving new sector in life sciences and bio-technology.
See the 'attractions' section for further details.
The Lothians
A million miles away from the bustle of city life, yet close to Edinburgh, the Lothians are the perfect place to relax and unwind. The area consists of three distinct regions – East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, which together make up Edinburgh’s surrounding coast and countryside.
East Lothian
East Lothian is the ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With peaceful, unspoilt beaches, rolling hills and ancient ruins, this is the perfect holiday destination.
http://www.visiteastlothian.org/
Midlothian
Lying less than ten miles south of Edinburgh city centre, Midlothian is probably best known for being the home of Rosslyn Chapel. The medieval stone building, perched on a rocky promontory at the foot of the Pentland Hills is featured in Dan Brown's blockbuster book, The Da Vinci Code. The chapel's extraordinary Gothic stone carvings were the backdrop for a Hollywood film crew's visit here for the making of the film, resulting in the world's spotlight firmly focusing on Midlothian.
http://www.visitmidlothian.org.uk/
West Lothian
History comes alive during visits to Cairnpapple, a prehistoric burial ground, and Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Nature is just waiting to be explored at Polkemmet Country Park and West Lothian's many other wildernesses. You can even try your hand at horse riding, motor racing, skateboarding, fishing and golf, without ever leaving the area.
http://www.visitwestlothian.co.uk/