Edinburgh - Dùn Èideann

Edinburgh (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Èideann) is the capital city of Scotland (Scottish Gaelic; Alba). Human settlement in the Edinburgh area dates back at least to the Bronze Age. Edinburgh Castle is on top of Castle Rock and human habitation of the site of the extinct volcano goes back to the ninth century BC. Edingurgh Castle has been dated back to the twelfth century and continued to be a royal place of residence until 1603 and the union of the crowns. St Margaret's chapel is the oldest building in the castle and Edinburgh dating back to the twelfth century. Other buildings in the castle mostly date from the sixteenth century.

Edinburgh is a vibrant city and its medieval part stands alongside Georgian and modern architecture. It is the location for the Scottish Parliament (Scottish Gaelic: Parlamaid na h-Alba) the devolved national legislature of Scotland. The building in the Holyrood area of Edinburgh was designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles and the Parliament took up residence in 2004. It is open to the public and has guided tours. The city has excellent travel links to with air, rail, bus and road links.

Edinburgh is famous for it's festivals and artistic and cultural venues. The most notable festival is the Edinburgh Festival from the end of July until September. Along with the Edinburgh International Festival the Edinburgh Fringe has developed into a popular event with comedy developing in popularity. Other festivals include the The Edge Festival of music, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival. At the same time the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place at Edinburgh Castle and in April Edinburgh International Science Festival takes place. Other notable annual events include the Hogmanay celebration on the 31st December running into 1st January. On 30th April is the night time Beltane Fire Festival which is inspired by the ancient Gaelic Pagan festival of Beltane celebrated in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. In Brythonic Celtic culture in Wales, Brittany and Cornwall there are similar festivals.

Museums of Edinburgh. These include the National Museum of Scotland which merged with the Museum of Scotland in 2006. The collections cover antiquities, culture, history and with the Royal Museum next door they offer an insight into Scottish archaeology and heritage as well as geology and natural history. The Royal Museum re-opened on 29th July 2011 with sixteen new galleries added to the Victorian building with it's cast iron grand central hall. Other museums and libraries in Edinburgh include the National Library of Scotland, National War Museum of Scotland, Museum of Edinburgh, Museum of Childhood and Royal Society of Edinburgh. To get information about what else Edinburgh and the Lothians has to offer visit www.edinburgh.org.