Andrea Weil - Edinburgh – Sights and Secrets

edinburgh – the beauty in the north

Edinburgh. Nestled in an idyllic natural landscape between the shores of the Firth of Forth and the volcanic hills that are the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. A small capital, on the fringe of Europe – but so much more, and with so much more to discover.

Climb King Arthur’s Seat for a view of the rugged scenery that surrounds the city. Discover buildings, streets and areas with histories richer and deeper than Edinburgh’s emblematic castle. When the weather turns, take shelter in breathtaking museums and galleries like the National Museum of Scotland or the little Writers’ Museum – many of them absolutely free.

Partake of a pub experience like no other, or join a traditional Ceilidh dance evening. Around every corner, the charm of small shops, cafes and restaurants invite you to abide and wander. No doubt you’ll want to join in a malt whisky tasting – or perhaps you’ll even pluck up the courage to try Scotland’s famed and infamous national dish, Haggis?

But for all this delightful city’s charms, don’t miss your chance to venture out and discover the treasures that wait just outside it. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze in Portobello – the Brighton of the North. Lose yourself in the mystic atmosphere of Rosslyn Chapel, immortalized in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code .

Enjoy discovering!

the scottish parliament – green from the roof to the loo

text sabrina wendling, photo werner gritzbach

It’s a sparkling gem amid rolling wildflower meadows, ponds, and woods of wild cherry and lime trees. Viewed from above, the Scottish Parliament building even looks like the leaves of a tree. That’s by design – nature is the recurring theme in its architecture, and the building itself merges with the landscape. Or, as the architect Enric Miralles puts it, the parliament “grows out of the land.”

Even inside the building, you will find the shape of leaves almost everywhere. In the garden lobby, you stroll under a forest canopy of leaves – in glass and steel – adorning the roof.

But there’s also real nature inside the parliament: gutters at the windows bring rainwater down to the lavatories – where it is used to flush the toilets. A building green from the roof to the loo.

Even in the debating chamber, where the 129 representatives discuss issues such as agriculture, environment and health, you will feel close to nature. The representatives have a spectacular view to the hills, which the visitors can also enjoy. But do plan to visit early – the Scottish Parliament is a hot spot for both tourists and locals. In fact, often there are more visitors than representatives in the chamber.

Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP.

Tickets: Tickets for First Minister’s Question Time can only be booked by telephone on 0131 348 5200 or freephone 0800 092 7600. Textphone users can use 0800 092 7100. Tickets for other debates can be booked online: www.scottish.parliament.uk

Guided tours are free. There are also theme tours on art, history and literature.

edinburgh castle – symbol of the city

text and photo michaela schneider

Steeped in history, Edinburgh Castle dominates the Old Town skyline, brooding atop its great volcanic rock. It is the very symbol of the capital and the turbulent history of Scotland itself: kings were born here, prisoners imprisoned, guests assassinated and treasures hidden. Visitors passing through its granite gates can stand alongside the heavy guns here to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Entering the castle, visitors are greeted by the twin statues of freedom fighters William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce.

The first castle was built here in the Middle Ages, but apart from St. Margaret’s Chapel and one section of David’s Tower, little remains from this era. Close by lies the heart of the castle, Crown Square with the Royal Palace, the Great Hall and the Scottish National War Memorial. Not to be missed is the museum, where visitors will find the Honours of Scotland. The beautiful crown, sceptre and sword are the oldest crown jewels on the British Islands, and the legendary Stone of Destiny has been part of the coronation ceremonies of the Kings of Scotland, England and the United Kingdom for more than a thousand years. But the modern and descriptive exhibition of the history of the Scottish Kings also make a visit to the museum more than worthwhile: where else can you meet the historic monarchs of Scotland, like Robert the Bruce and Mary Stuart?

While you’re here, also look into the royal apartments – today used for official receptions. For those interested in military history, there are no less than three military museums on the castle grounds, and the National War Memorial, bearing the names of every fallen Scottish soldier from World War I, is a place for silence and reflection.

Another of the castle’s attraction is the firing of the gun – every day (except Sunday) at one o’clock. In the 19 thcentury, the people of Edinburgh set their clocks by the shot, and sailors on the Forth would calibrate their chronometers by it. But why at one o’clock and not at noon? Conventional wisdom has it that it’s down to the Scots’ legendary frugality: why fire twelve cannonballs, when one will do?

The best approach is to discover the castle on a guided tour or with an audio guide. Budget at least three hours.

Tip: If you love animals, take a walk to the dog cemetery - for over 150 years, the final resting place of the regiment’s mascots and officers’ dogs.

Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG.

1 Apr - 30 Sep 9.30am - 6pm, 1 Oct - 31 Mar 9.30am - 5pm.

£16, audio guide £3.

www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

holyroodhouse – the queen’s official residence

text and photo michaela schneider

Holyroodhouse is more than an imposing historical site. Rebuilt in neoclassical style, the palace is one of the official residences of the royal family today. An audio guide is available in several languages to give visitors much of the historical background, but you will also hear voices from the past, like the ancient castle stewards, conveying their first-hand knowledge of the place. Visitors are welcomed by Prince Charles’s voice.

Following the traditional route of procession, visitors discover each room more magnificent than the last. You pass heavy Gobelin tapestries, richly ornamented stucco ceilings, and elegant Victorian furnishings until reaching the jewel of the route, the King’s Bed Chamber, a room where once only the most privileged guests were permitted.

A narrow spiral staircase leads to the oldest part of the castle. Here Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, was forced to watch the assassination of her secretary and close confidant David Rizzio - a thrilling story of jealousy, conspiracy and political intrigue.