In & Around Edinburgh Guide | Feb/March 2021

Edinburgh IN AND AROUND

City Guide

February / March Edition

Edinburgh Tours Virtual experiences History and storytelling Interactive Map Hotspots

Your complete guide to Edinburgh | City Centre | New Town | Old Town | Leith | Maps | Royal Mile |

We have declared!

Beside Edinburgh Castle!

Call 0131 226 3709 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND camera-obscura.co.uk

Edinburgh

Welcome ... #DreamNowTravelLater

W

elcome to Edinburgh’s only multimedia guide!

In the meantime enjoy the huge variety of things to plan for and lots you can enjoy online from home like the 2021 Glasgow The city and surrounding neighbourhoods Film Festival and many local virtual experiences that we list inside with live remain in Level 4 of Scottish Government video links to help inspire your future visit! restrictions which means staying at home and no unnecessary travel.

We have also declared a climate Until that changes we ask that you emergency! We have joined a community #DreamNowTravelLater and use our of over 190 travel organisations, companies guide to plan a future visit when you will and professionals who have come together be welcomed to Glasgow with (socially to plan a better, greener future for tourism. distanced) open arms!

Read about this initiative inside and see what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint too - we have by making this From January 5 Scotland moved into a guide digital and paper free! level 4 with Stay at Home regulations.

By law, in a level 4 area, you can leave your home (or garden) only if you have a reasonable excuse to leave your home except for an essential purpose.

Although you can leave home for these purposes, you should stay as close to home as possible. Shop on-line or use local shops and services wherever you can. Travel no further than you need to reach to a safe, non-crowded place to exercise in a socially distanced way. To minimise the risk of spread of Coronavirus it is crucial that we all avoid unnecessary travel. For Latest ScotGov Covid19 Guidelines & Restrictions Click HERE

So for now stay home, stay safe and look after each other. We look forward to being able to welcome you back soon!

Frank Willoughby, Publisher Downtown CityMaps & Guides 07743 989089 frank@downtowncitymaps.com www.downtowncitymaps.com Producers of the world’s first Augmented Reality powered visitor maps & guides

CONTENTS 04 Explore Edinburgh 06/07 Bright Bus Tours 08/09 Spooky Edinburgh 10/11 Introducing Edinburgh 12/13 City Highlights 14 The Old Town

16/17 Leith 18/19 The Grassmarket 20/21 The Royal Mile 22 City Map 23 Leith Map 24/25 Glasgow Film Festival

© Downtown CityMap Products 2021 - No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. Every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication to ensure the accuracy of the content. However, neither the publisher or its distributors accept any responsibility whatsoever for any errors or omissions, or the consequences thereof. Offers contained within any advertisements printed in this guidebook are made solely and exclusively by the individual advertisers concerned. Any queries relating to individual advertiser’s messages or offers made therein must be directed to the individual advertiser concerned and not the publisher and/or distributors of this guide.

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3

Explore Edinburgh

EDINBURGH AIRPORT

EH12 9DN 0844 448 8833 www.edinburghairport.com

SCOTRAIL

0845 755 0033 www.scotrail.co.uk

AIRPORT BUS SERVICES

CITY CABS TAXIS

EDINBURGH BUS STATION

EDINBURGH TRAMS

www.lothianbuses.com/our-services/airport-buses/ Elder St. EH1 3DX 0871 200 2233 https://bit.ly/2HaKi4B

Explore Edinburgh ...

MERCAT TOURS

28 Blair Street 0131 225 5445 www.mercattours.com Mercat tours will give you a true sense of Scotland’s past that no guidebook can give – whether haunted or historic. To make sure you can explore every nook and cranny of Edinburgh without missing any of the best sites or stories Mercat have a range of day or evening ghost & history tours covering the Old & New towns, above ground or exclusively, underground! Engaging, enthralling, and most of all, entertaining!

TIMBERBUSH TOURS 0131 226 6066 www.timberbushtours.com Timberbush Tours will take you out of the city and into the parts of Scotland that you have read and dreamed about! With small group departures you can enjoy a friendly guided tour that brings you right into the heart of Scottish life, sights and loves such as whisky tours and breath taking scenery.

RABBIE’S TOURS Waterloo Place 0131 226 3133 www.rabbies.com Award winning small group tour company offering guaranteed departures – you book, you go! Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers give you more time to experience the real, authentic Scotland with more time off the bus and with the locals. Book online or walk-in with tours covering one, two or three days.

EH3 8HP 0131 228 1211 www.citycabs.co.uk (Airport Link) 0131 475 0110 www.edinburghtrams.com

BRIGHT BUS TOURS St. Andrew’s Square.01506 534977 www.firstgroup.com/bright-bus-tours A fresh and vibrant new choice to the Open Top Bus Tour menu in Edinburgh. Enjoy the essentail historic and cultural sights and sounds of Edinburgh in the company of your tour guide.

Hop On and Off as often as you wish and enjoy free transport to Edinburgh Zoo when you show your BB ticket on any First Group service heading to the zoo. First tour departs Waverley Bridge at 9am with last at 16.00.

LITTLE’S CHAUFFEUR DRIVE

0141 883 2111 email reservations@littles.co.uk www.littles.co.uk Little’s is a UK award-winning family business headquartered in Glasgow and for over 50 years we have been looking after visitors to Edinburgh and Glasgow in style and comfort.

Making sure that you arrive safely at your destination, relaxed and on time is our priority and is the reason we are the first company of choice for travelling professionals, family groups and discerning travellers. Our expert team will ensure that everything is taken care of, whether you are looking for an airport transfer, a city tour or an extended sightseeing tour of Scotland.

With access to some of the best properties and restaurants in and around Scotland we can advise and inspire you on where the best places to suit your plans will be.

EDINBURGH BUS TOURS

St. Andrew’s Square 0131 220 0770 www.edinburghtour.com Experience the best of the city’s sightseeing with Edinburgh Bus Tours. Easy hop-on, hop-off open top bus tours covering a variety of themes.

All tours are conveniently located at Waverley Bridge right in the heart of the city.

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Check ScotGov Travel Restrictions Before You Go!

Edinburgh

N C P Up to 5 hours parking for only

£5.00

Available at NCP Castle Terrace car park, Edinburgh EH1 2EW

Register and

save 10% for the first month

> Download the ParkPass App and register prior to parking > Access this Saver Deal using your Saver Deal using your SaverID WINTERWARMER > Then pay for your parking using the app

P

P

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Download for free, and register in minutes

Terms and conditions apply, visit ncp.co.uk

5

Edinburgh Click here forVideo Edinburgh Castle

Grassmarket

Scotch Whisky Experience

Burns Monument

National Museum of Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

e h t ust

J

t e k Tic

Dynamic Earth

Family Ticket

Adult Ticket

Child Ticket

(aged 5-15, under 5s go free)

6

Royal Mile

(2x adults & up to 3 children aged 5-15)

Concession

(Over 60s & Students)

To truly explore the beating heart of Scotland’s capital, you have to explore Edinburgh.

Bright Bus Tours offers an authentic taste of the city, yours to take in from the comfort of our open top bus!

Hop-on and hop-off as much as you’d like over two days, your ticket is valid for 24 hours and Edinburgh is yours to discover!

We’re dog friendly, family friendly and you won’t miss us either! Look out for our bright orange buses, and friendly street team who will be more than happy to help you.

You can buy your tickets online in advance of your trip, or from our team on the day if you’d prefer.

We can’t wait to see you on board!

Edinburgh

The not boring bus tour

www.BrightBusTours.com

1 St Andrew Square 2 Lothian Road 3 Grassmarket 4 Chalmers Street 5 Johnston Terrace Lawnmarket,

6 Edinburgh Castle 7

Chambers Street

(National Museum)

Knox House, 8 John Royal Mile Museum of Edinburgh,

9 Canongate

Scottish Parliament,

10 Canongate

11 Dynamic Earth 12 Holyrood Palace 13 Regent Road 14

St Andrew Square

(This is the terminus and where the tour ends)

7

Spooky Edinburgh

Edinburgh - some ghostly stories! E 20% food discount with this map Great food served daily from 12pm to 9pm

monster shows every day at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm & 12am

26 George iv Bridge edinburgh eh1 1en | 0131 622 1818

frankensteinedinburgh.co.uk

dinburgh is a city of many moods and aspects. Its daily modern face is that of a bustling international city famed for its bright and trendy culture and creativity, a city where everything is possible and the future beckons.

But Edinburgh is also a city with a past, It is steeped in history and legend, of fables and legends set firmly in Scotland’s often bloody past.

And this history provides some of the most engrossing and entertaining tourist opportunites of any city in the world and there is no better time to enjoy them than at Hallowe’en when the veil is thin and ghosties and goulies are around every corner ...

Whether you take your chances in the haunted dungeons and underground alleyways of the od town, risk everything in Greyfriars Churchyard, learn about the spooky and terrifiying residents of Mary King’s Close, test your nerve in the subterranean passageways and chambers at Gilmerton Cove or discover the sinister side of Edinburgh’s Old Town, from villains to aristocracy and slums, prisons and execution sites Edinburgh will entrall you in her spooky majesty - but - be prepared to be afraid, very afraid!

THE EDINBURGH DUNGEON

MERCAT TOURS

31 Market Place, Edinburgh EH1 1DF 0131 240 1041 www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh’s darkest history, using live actors, theatrical sets and thrilling rides. Full-on immersive 360 sets; Live actor shows from a professional cast; An underground journey through Scottish history; State of the art theming and special effects; Thrilling underground rides. The shows are laced with tongue in cheek, gallows humour typical of the Dungeon brand.

28 Blair Street, 0131 225 5445 www.mercattours.com Mercat tours will give you a true sense of Scotland’s past that no guidebook can give – whether haunted or historic. To make sure you can explore every nook and cranny of Edinburgh without missing any of the best sites or stories Mercat have a range of day or evening ghost & history tours covering the Old & New towns, above ground or exclusively, underground! And whether you choose one of our history or ghost tours, you’ll see a side to Scotland’s capital that most visitors miss.

THE CADIES & WITCHERY TOURS 28 Blair Street & 84 West Bow Edinburgh, EH1 2HH www.witcherytours.com The award-winning Cadies & Witchery Tours invite you to join our fearless phantoms for a suspenseful and mirth-filled tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Step back a few hundred years as Adam Lyal (deceased) and his spooky chums bring the Capital’s grisly past vividly to life. Established in 1984, the Cadies have been scaring people from all over the world almost every single night since, and our walking tours have become one of Edinburgh’s must-see attractions. If you would like a personalised experience, just contact us and tell us about it.

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Check ScotGov Travel Restrictions Before You Go!

0131 225 9044 www.cityofthedeadtours.com Black Hart Entertainment runs the world famous City of the Dead walks in Edinburgh featuring: The Haunted Graveyard Tour, Underground City of the Dead and Double Dead Tours. Their walks are written and researched by the historical author and award winning novelist, J A Henderson and their guides are a mixture of historians and professional entertainers. AND they have sole access to two of the worlds most haunted locations. Damnation Alley, a section of Edinburgh's legendary Underground City and The Covenanters Prison - lair of the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist - the world's best documented supernatural case.

Check before You Go! Book in Advance!

Spooky Edinburgh

CITY OF THE DEAD TOURS

9

Edinburgh

Edinburgh ...

E

dinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth on the East Coast.

Edinburgh attracts more than a million overseas visitors a year and is the second most popuar tourist destination in the UK. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its unique divide of Old Town and New Town.

Centuries of history have left their mark on this city, giving you the atmosphetic and medievalOld Town alongside the elegant Georgian New Town.

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Each August, the city hosts the biggest annual international arts festival in the world.This includes the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, International Festival and Book Festival.

With so much to see and do it can be hard to know where to sgtart. Top attractions include Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral, The Scottish National Gallery, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Scottish Parliament building and the area known as the Grassmarket.

Excellent restaurants, elegant cocktail bars and great shopping abound in Edinburgh.

Check ScotGov Travel Restrictions Before You Go!

Scotrail (www.scotrail.co.uk) operates frequent services through the day from Glasgow Queen Street. Journey time is less than one hour with trains stopping at Edinburgh Haymarket (West End) and Waverley (city centre) stations.

Edinburgh

BY TRAIN

BY BUS CityLink (www.citylink.co.uk) operate fast and frequent (every 15 minutes) coach services throughout the day between Glasgow Buchanan Street Bust Station and Edinburgh Bus Station which is located in the city centre close to St Andrew's Square. Tikets can be purchased online to the best fares.

BY CAR Journey time by car is usually less then one hour depending on traffic. Follow signs for M8 motorway which is the most direct route by road to Edinburgh.

Free

HOT FUDGE SUNDAE DESSERT

SHOW THIS AD AND RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY HOT FUDGE SUNDAE WITH THE PURCHASE OF ONE ADULT MAIN ENTRÉE.

Cannot be used with any other offers. One per person per visit.* Other restrictions may apply.* Valid at Glasgow and Edinburgh Cafe locations only. Offer expires 01/05/2022.

#HardRockCafe | hardrockcafe.com Edinburgh | 20 George Street | +44 131 260 3000 Glasgow | 179 Buchanan Street | +44 141 353 8790 ©2019 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.

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11

Edinburgh

Edinburgh city highlights ...

GREY FRIARS BOBBY No visit is complete without rubbing the nose of Edinburgh’s most famous canine companion!

The story is legend and you can find Bobby’s statue just across the street from The National Museum Of Scotland. Once you have found him make sure you visit Greyfriar’s Kirk and graveyard where history abounds as well as amazing views of Edinburgh Castle from different photographic angle.

30b Grindlay Street. (off Lothian Road) 0131 248 4848 www.lyceum.org.uk The Lyceum is one of Scotland’s largest and most successful producing companies. The main output is drama during the September to May period. The theatre is also host to touring companies and entertainment during The Edinburgh International Festival shows.

USHER HALL

THE MUSSEL INN

SCOTT MONUMENT

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Lothian Road 0131 228 1155 www.usherhall.co.uk The Usher Hall is one of the most outstanding performance halls in the world. The Usher is Edinburgh’s key venue for visiting national and international orchestras and has been the main venue for the Edinburgh International festival since 1947.

Princes Street Gardens 0131 52 4068 www.edinburgh.gov.uk Located on princes Street and dominating the landscape the Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world commemorating Sir. Walter Scott. The monument is open from April to September and offers amazing views from the top across the city skyline.

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LYCEUM THEATRE

61-65 Rose Street 0131 225 5979 www.mussel-inn.com Visit The Mussel inn seafood restaurant on Rose Street, just one block from Princes Street, and enjoy delicious, fresh seafood and other selections at affordable prices while watching Edinburgh’s city centre hustle and bustle after a full day of sightseeing.

18-22 Greenside Lane 0131 524 3333 www.atgtickets.com Located at the top of Leith walk the Edinburgh Playhouse is famous for hosting popular plays and musicals plus other big acts when they come to town. Some of the biggest names in show business have played here. It’s a must visit venue.

THE STAND COMEDY CLUB

5 York Place (just off St. Andrew’s Square) 01310131 558 7272 www.thestand.co.uk Built into a basement of a Georgian tenement on the edge of the new town, The Stand is an intimate space with a superb atmosphere. All of the biggest names in comedy make The Stand their venue of choice and so should you. Open seven nights, including a free Sunday lunchtime improv show. Food and bar available at pub, not club prices!

THE EDINBURGH DUNGEON

31 Market Street 0131 240 1001 www.thedungeons.com The ultimate thrill filled journey through Scotland’s past. 11 live shows, and 80 minutes of laughter, screaming, theatre, history and special effects. The black comedy of attractions; dark, ironic and very very funny.

Check ScotGov Travel Restrictions Before You Go!

Edinburgh

CALTON HILL A short walk from Prince’s Street brings you to carlton Hill and some truly outstanding Edinburgh views. Some of the best photographs of your trip will be taken as you walk up to the top and admire both the wider cityscape but also te stunning view towards Leith and the River Forth.

VAPIANO 7 South St. David Street EH2 2BD 0131 285 6123 www.vapiano.com A fresh, vibrant Italian pizzeria, restaurant and bar right in the heart of the city serving the finest fresh produce and beautifully prepared wood oven pizzas and wonderful pasta dishes with guests enjoying face-to-face interactions with chefs as they cook their dish to order, exactly as they like it.

SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY

THE DOME

14 George Street 0131 624 8624 www.thedomeedinburgh.com Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town since 1996 The Dome is well known to many as a stunning bar and restaurant. It has become established as a first choice venue to meet friends and colleagues for coffee, cocktails, lunch or dinner.

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

20 George Street 0131 260 3000 www.hardrock.com Celebrating over 15 years in the city, The Hard Rock welcomes you with the style and mantra of Love All Serve All. Enjoy great music, fine cocktails and Hard Rock’s world famous burgers and other food selections. Indulge yourself or buy great presents to take home from the retail store.

CAFÉ ROUGE

43 Frederick Street 0131 225 4515 www.caferouge.co.uk Conveniently located minutes from Princes Street and yards from George Street, Café Rouge is an ideal spot to relax over a coffee, lunch with friends or indulge with an intimate dinner and enjoy watching life in Edinburgh throughout the day.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

The Mound 0131 624 6200 www.nationalgalleries.org The gallery has an amazing permanent collect and even more amazing, entry is free. The gallery is located right at the bottom of The Mound in the centre of Prince’s Street and a short walk from Waverly Station and minutes from The Royal Mile.

Chambers Street 0300 123 6789 www.nms.ac.uk Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology and Scottish history, all under one roof at the National Museum of Scotland. The museum of open daily and admission is free.

PRINCES MALL SHOPPING CENTRE

Princes Street & Waverley Bridge 0131 558 9111 www.princesmall-edinburgh.co.uk Princes mall Shopping centre is a high quality centre hosting a great variety of top brand stores as well as an extensive and inexpensive dining area. The centre is conveniently located at on the south side of princes Street and next to Waverley Railway Station.

WAGAMAMA

Castle Terrace (Lothian Road) 0131 229 5506 www.wagamama.com Delicious noodles, rice dishes, salads and freshly squeezed juices all brought together in a vibrant busy restaurant makes Wagamama a great family destination.

CHAOPHRAYA, EDINBURGH 4th Floor. 33 Castle St. EH2 3DN 0131 634 0023. www.chaophraya.co.uk/Edinburgh/ Located in the heart of the city a few minutes walk from Prince’s Street and boasting stunning rooftop views this stunning restaurant blends contemporary Thai design with an impressive modern interior design to create some of the best private dining and meeting spaces in the city. Combine with truly authentic culinary themes inspired by Thailand you will love every minute of your visit to Chaophraya!

Remember Social Distancing & Face Coverings!

13

Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh Old Town ...

T

he Old Town is the name popularly given to the oldest part of Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh. It is a protected World Heritage Site and has preserved its medieval street plan.

The street layout is especially picturesque in Edinburgh, where the castle perches on top of a rocky crag, the remnants of an extinct volcano and the main street runs down the crest of a ridge, known as the Royal Mile. This is a superb example of a “crag and tail” landform, which was created during the last Ice Age. The hilltop crag was the earliest part of the city to be developed, which eventually became Edinburgh Castle.

The Royal Mile is the main route in the Old Town, which runs downhill from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Notable buildings in the Old Town include St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Museum of Scotland and the University of Edinburgh. This area has numerous underground streets and vaults.

The Old Town became home to some of the earliest “high rise” residential buildings, due to space restrictions caused by the narrowness of the Royal Mile. During the Edinburgh Festival, the High Street and Hunter Square become gathering points where performers of the Fringe advertise their shows.

The upper section of the Royal Mile is known as the Lawnmarket. Fascinating side alleys or closes, lead off on either side and are well worth exploring. Look out for Lady Stairs’s Close, where Robert Burns lived and also the site of the Writer’s Museum, which celebrates Burns together with Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

On approaching the Castle, there is a grand forecourt area. This is used for the Military Tattoo during the Festival. At other times, it offers splendid views across much of the city, as well as being the site of some fine statues.

EDINBURGH CASTLE

Castlehill 0131 225 9846 www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk Edinburgh’s most visited attraction, the castle dominates the Edinburgh skyline and its story has shaped the nation’s history. Home to the one o’clock gun and many historic artefacts, the castle attracts thousands of visitors every year. Top tip is to book your tickets online and get Fast Tracked at no extra cost.

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

Canongate. Royal Mile 0131 556 5100 www.royalcollection.org.uk The Palace of Holyroodhouse or as it is more commonly know, Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of The Queen in Scotland. Flying of the Royal Standard indicates whether The Queen is at home, but the Palace itself remains open throughout the year and is an interesting and enlightening visit.

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Check ScotGov Travel Restrictions Before You Go!

WHISKI

119 High Street 0131 556 3095 www.whiskibar.co.uk Whiski is a stunning multi award winning whisky bar and restaurant on the Royal Mile. Whiski serves fresh, locally sourced seafood, lamb, beef and venison and has a selection of over 300 malt whiskies to keep any connoisseur happy!

BELLA ITALIA

55 North Bridge 0131 225 2044 www.bellaitalia.co.uk Drop by for a warm welcome and delicious, homely Italian food. We’re brilliantly located on the corner of the Royal Mile & North Bridge – just yards from St. Giles Cathedral and a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse..

THE JAZZ BAR

1a Chambers Street 0131 220 4298 www.thejazzbar.co.uk For something more relaxed and entertaining why not visit The Jazz Bar. Operated by locally based jazz drummer and organiser Bill Kyle, this venue brings to Edinburgh some of the best names in Jazz throughout the year. Classic jazz atmosphere with a great bar and nightly music programme.

THE HUB CAFÉ & RESTAURANT

0131 473 2000 www.thehub-edinburgh.com The Hub, an iconic Edinburgh landmark, towers above the heart of the city dominating the skyline of the Royal Mile. The Hub’s interior pulsates with colour, full of style and verve.

Food is served all day and the menu is packe fine use of locally produced ingredients.

EdinburghOld Town

History, Ghosts, Parliament, Castle, Tours, Whisky ...

CAMERA OBSCURA & WORLD OF ILLUSIONS Castle Hill, Royal Mile 0131 226 3709 www.camera-obscura.co.uk Located right next to Edinburgh Castle. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is the only spot in Edinburgh where you can explore the whole city without even leaving the room! Five floors of fascinating, interactive, hands-on exhibits.

Where 21st -century tech meets classic illusions and historic science.

It’s a great day out.

FRANKENSTEIN’S BAR & RESTAURANT

26 George IV Bridge 0131 622 1818 www.frankensteinedinburgh. com Three floors, three bars & one monster! They have great food, a lively atmosphere and every day you can enjoy a one of a kind experience.

Lights, music and sound effects accompany the animatronic Frankenstein monster as he descends from the ceiling and awakens!

WHISKI ROOMS & WHISKI SHOP

North bank Street (top of The Mound) 0131 225 7224 www.whiskirooms.co.uk Visit Whiski Rooms (around the corner from The Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle) for a great experience of all day dining. The restaurant serves the very best of Scottish food and drink in stunning surroundings including the Whisky Bar and Ardbeg Embassy Dining Room. Perfect for lunch or dinner after a days sightseeing or why not book a private dining room and enjoy a bespoke, personal dining experience.

ROBERT GRAHAM’S WHISKY SHOP

254 Canongate. Royal Mile 0131 556 2791 www.robertgraham1874.com Located on the Royal Mile, Robert Graham is one of the country’s oldest tobacco and whiskey merchants where expert advice and knowledge about both whiskey and cigars make choosing the right product an enjoyable experience.

Enjoy browsing and examining the huge range of branded malts as well as Robert Graham’s own aged bottlings, as well as a fine selection of Cuban cigars.

RABBIE’S TRAIL BURNERS

207 High Street. Royal Mile 0131 226 3133 www.rabbies.com Award winning small group tour company offering guaranteed departures – you book, you go! Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers give you more time to experience the real, authentic Scotland with more time off the bus and with the locals. Book online or walk-in with tours covering one, two or three days.

Remember Social Distancing & Face Coverings!

15

Leith

Leith ...

T

he district of Leith rests on the shores of the Firth of Forth at the mouth of the Water of Leith. The original harbour dates back to the 14th century and has been the port of Edinburgh for hundreds of years.

Today Leith has developed into a picturesque waterfront area, lined with bistros, stylish bars and excellent restaurants. There are independent galleries and cultural festivals, such as the Leith Festival. Main attractions include the Royal Yacht Britannia, berthed at the quay and the Conran designed Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.

Tourists come in huge numbers every year to board the decks of the Royal Yacht, where four Royal couples spent their honeymoon, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana. She has sailed more than a million miles around the globe and was finally decommissioned in 1997, marking the end of a Royal Yacht. Britannia was voted “Best Visitor Attraction in the UK” in 1999.

If you feel like a good walk, then this is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are still remains of the past in Leith, with old piers being a reminder of the Victorian Age. The Victoria Dock, Albert Dock and Edinburgh Dock have barely changed from the way they were in the past.

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THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA

Ocean Terminal 0131 555 5566 www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk No visit to Leith or indeed Edinburgh is complete without stepping aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia. A floating home to Her Majesty, The Queen and The Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over 1,000,000 miles, the vessel is now on permanent display in Leith where you can follow in the footsteps of royalty and discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.

The Royal Yacht has won Best Attraction in the UK 2020, as voted for by Which? members. The Queen’s former floating palace, berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, came out on top when nearly 5,000 Which? members were asked to rate the UK’s 50 most visited attractions.

OCEAN TERMINAL SHOPPING CENTRE

Ocean Drive 0131 555 8888 www.oceanterminal.com Ocean Terminal is a unique shopping experience at Edinburgh’s waterfront in Leith. With over 70 big brand and individual shops as well as Debenhams and Marks & Spencers Simply Food, the centre is regarded as a fabulous mix of relaxed shopping combined with a wide selection of bars, cafes and restaurants.

TAPA BARRA Y RESTAURANTE

19 Shore Place 0131 476 6776 Tapa: Leith is an authentic Spanish Tapas experience set among white washed walls that make you feel at home in a Spanish style bodegas. Choose from a fantastic selection of freshly made dishes together with a fine wine list and then relax and enjoy the vibrant but casual atmosphere.

FISHERS IN LEITH

1 Shore 0131 554 5666 www.fishersrestaurants.co.uk/fishers-leith/ The original Fishers, nestled on the historic Shore. Fishers in Leith is still winning awards 20 years after it first opened. Two beautiful indoor dining areas or a summer terrace, the choice is yours while you enjoy the fabulous atmosphere along with their fantastic seafood selections.

Check ScotGov Travel Restrictions Before You Go!

Leith

FINGAL

Alexandra Dock, Leith 0131 357 5000 www.fingal.co.uk Owned by the Trust that also owns the Royal Yacht, Fingal opened in January 2019 in the historic Port of Leith, a five-minute walk from The Royal Yacht Britannia. A former lighthouse tender, each of Fingal’s 23 luxury cabins are named after Stevenson lighthouses and are inspired by her rich maritime heritage. Hosting up to 60 guests, Fingal’s Ballroom features a raised gallery for music and entertainment with a moveable skylight. The Lighthouse Bar is a stylish yet relaxed setting for enjoying Afternoon Tea, cocktails or supper.

HEMMINGWAYS 1 Commercial Street, Leith 0131 554 5272 www.hemingwaysedinburgh.co.uk Having opened in May 2019 Hemingsways is a relaxed, casual dining experience in the heart of Leith Harbour. With a modern twist on classic dishes, Hemingways offers a warm welcome with freshly prepared food and great cocktails, craft gin & locally brewed craft beer as well as an extensive wine list.

THE KITCHIN

78 Commercial Quay 0131 555 1755 www.thekitchin.com The Kitchin, owned and run by Tom and Michaela Kitchin offers diners modern British seasonal cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques. Awarded a Michelin Star in 2007, the restaurant constantly exceeds expectations with its appreciation of the best quality ingredients available from Scotland’s fantastic natural larder.

MIMI’S BAKE HOUSE

67 Shore 0131 555 5908 Mimi’s is a family run bakehouse located in the Shore area, specialising in fabulous cakes, fluffy scones and quality teas and coffee. They also serve breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, seven days a week. This is a perfect stop during your visit with lovely things to tempt you.

THE SHIP ON THE SHORE

PIZZA EXPRESS

24-26 The Shore 0131 555 0409 www.theshipontheshore.co.uk When the sun shines you can enjoy The Ship’s delicious seafood menu outside on the shorefront terrace beside the Water of Leith. When it doesn’t, enjoy the atmospheric, relaxed restaurant and bar that awaits you inside.

38 The Shore 0131 554 4332 www.pizzaexpress.com The creators of fabulous pizza. Choose from a rich variety of pizza, pasta and salad options made freshly using the finest ingredients and served to you in a beautifully relaxed and casual atmosphere. Perfect for families or a lunchtime stop while sightseeing.

TISO OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

ROSELEAF BAR CAFÉ

41 Commercial Street 0131 554 9101 www.tiso.com Tiso is Scotland’s number one outdoor clothing and equipment specialist shop. Whatever you plan to do outdoors, visit Tiso and find a huge range of leading brands such as Berghaus, North Face, Icebreaker and many more housed in a spectacular outdoor retail centre.

23/24 Sandpoint 0131 476 5268 www.roseleaf.co.uk A cosy, family run, fun bar and café in the historic Port ‘o Leith. From the bar there are crisp pints and real ales as well as juices, leaf tea and great coffee. From the kitchen you can enjoy wholesome food from 10am right through until 10pm. A warm welcome awaits.

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The Grassmarket

The Grassmarket District ...

T

he Grassmarket was once the site of public executions!Thankfully the last of these was in 1784 and the area is now a lively, bustling area packed full of great places to eat and drink as well as an interesting collection of boutique shops.

Today Leith has developed into a picturesque waterfront area, lined with bistros, stylish bars and excellent restaurants. There are independent galleries and cultural festivals, such as the Leith Festival. Main attractions include the Royal Yacht Britannia, berthed at the quay and the Conran designed Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.

Tourists come in huge numbers every year to board the decks of the Royal Yacht, where four Royal couples spent their honeymoon, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana. She has sailed more than a million miles around the globe and was finally decommissioned in 1997, marking the end of a Royal Yacht. Britannia was voted “Best Visitor Attraction in the UK” in 1999.

If you feel like a good walk, then this is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are still remains of the past in Leith, with old piers being a reminder of the Victorian Age. The Victoria Dock, Albert Dock and Edinburgh Dock have barely changed from the way they were in the past.

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Check ScotGov Travel Restrictions Before You Go!

CADIES & WITCHERY TOURS

84 WEST BOW 0131 225 6745 www.witcherytours.com The caddies & Witchery Tours take a light hearted look at Edinburgh’s darker side including tales of witchcraft, plague and torture. Your ghostly guide will blend history with humour and facts with fables, while “jumper-ooters” provide guaranteed ghostly appearances!

MAMMA'S AMERICAN PIZZA

30 Grassmarket 0131 225 6464 www.mammas.co.uk Serving great pizza since 1986 Mammas specialise in freshly prepared stone baked and gluten free pizzas. With over 40 toppings to choose from including cactus, marshmallow or chocolate, you will find the perfect pizza and relaxed atmosphere to your liking.

FINNEGAN’S WAKE

9b Victoria Street 0131 225 8634 www.finnegans-wake.co.uk Finnegan’s Wake is a long established, quintessential Irish Pub located in a handy spot right on the egde of The Grassmarket and yards from the Royal Mile. There is live music most evenings as well as sports events screened at the venue.

O’OLIVIERO – ITALIAN KITCHEN 0131 226 3706 www.olivieros.co.uk Classically sophisticated but relaxed Italian dining awaits you at o’Oliviero on the Grassmarket. Only steps away from Edinburgh Castle, this places packs flavour into a variety of specialities made from quality ingredients, some brought directly from Italy! Enjoy classic homemade pasta dishes as well as a range of mains including Salmon alla Griglia, Risotto and homemade Tiramisu for dessert. A perfect end to a day of exploring.

MUSSEL & STEAK BAR

110 West Bow 0131 225 5028 www.musselandsteakbar.com This family run restaurant specialises in mussels, oysters, scallops and prime Scottish beef which are all supplied by well known farms from the West Coast area. You can pop in for a kilo of mussels or the signature “surf and turf” speciality.

The Grassmarket

Great independent shopping, entertainment & dining, al fresco Edinburgh!

TORO LOCO 60 Grassmarket 0131 629 1050 www.toroloco.co.uk Authentic and tasty Mexican Street Food.

Slow cooked meats freshly prepared on the premises each day together with beans, salsas and guacamole all made daily. Enjoy a full range of great food to sit in and enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere with an awesome chilled margarita to sip or take away something warm to enjoy as you explore the Grassmarket!

MAXIES BISTRO & WINE BAR

5b Johnston Terrace 0131 226 7770 www.maxis.co.uk Maxies is a unique family-run restaurant with a delightful outlook over The Grassmarket. There is something for everyone from luxurious seafood platters to sizzling steaks. Combine this with a an extensive wine list and you have the perfect place to relax with friends or family.

OINK HOG ROASTS

4 Victoria Street 07771 968233 www.oinkhogroast.co.uk If you are looking for a deliciously different lunch or snack then treat yourself to a freshly carved hog roast roll with succulent meat freshly prepared daily. Try the sublime crackling and enjoy with gravy or apple sauce. A really enjoyable lunch experience.

Remember Social Distancing & Face Coverings!

19

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile ...

T

he Royal Mile runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a base of volcanic rock, with the splendorous Palace of Holyroodhouse, resting in the shadow of Arthur's Seat.

The Mile is overlooked by impressive, towering tenements, between which cobbled closes and narrow stairways interlock to create a secret underground world.

Scattered with superb attractions such as The Real Mary King’s Close or the Scottish Storytelling Centre, historic sites including St Giles' Cathedral and some of the best eating and drinking spots in the city, the Royal Mile offers much to see and do.

For a glimpse of recent history, be sure to visit the ultra-modern Scottish Parliament, a striking building boasting a cutting-edge design.

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EDINBURGH CASTLE

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

Castlehill

Canongate. Royal Mile 0131 556 5100 www.royalcollection.org.uk The Palace of Holyroodhouse or as it is more commonly know, Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of The Queen in Scotland. Flying of the Royal Standard indicates whether The Queen is at home, but the Palace itself remains open throughout the year and is an interesting and enlightening visit.

0131 225 9846 www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk Edinburgh’s most visited attraction, the castle dominates the Edinburgh skyline and its story has shaped the nation’s history. Home to the one o’clock gun and many historic artefacts, the castle attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Top tip is to book your tickets online and get Fast Tracked at no extra cost.

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING

Canongate. Royal Mile 0131 348 5000 www.scottish.parliament.uk Tours of the parliament building are free of charge and usually include a visit to the Debating Chamber, The Garden Lobby and Committee Room. They include detailed information about the work, history and procedures of the Scottish Parliament. Tours operate at scheduled times on Monday to Saturday subject to Parliament business. Check online for information or to book a tour.

ST. GILES CATHEDRAL High Street 0131 225 9442 www.stgilescathedral.org.uk Admission to this landmark, stunning cathedral is free and volunteer guides are on duty to welcome and assist visitors with guided tours on request. The Cathedral shop stocks a variety of souvenirs, gifts and books, some relating to the cathedral itself. The Cathedral is a tranquil stop during a hectic day of sightseeing.

Check ScotGov Travel Restrictions Before You Go!

The Royal Mile THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE OUR DYNAMIC EARTH Holyrood Road, EH8 8AS 0131 550 7800 www.dynamicearth.co.uk A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth. It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on an Adventure around the world. Voted one of Edinburgh's best attractions on many occasions, it's a must visit for all the family of ages of a fantastic location to stage your next big event!

CAMERA OBSCURA & WORLD OF ILLUSIONS Castle Hill, Royal Mile 0131 226 3709 www.camera-obscura.co.uk Located right next to Edinburgh Castle. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is the only spot in Edinburgh where you can explore the whole city without even leaving the room! Five floors of fascinating, interactive, hands-on exhibits.

Where 21st -century tech meets classic illusions and historic science. It’s a great day out.

354 Castlehill, The Royal mile. EH1 2NE 0131 220 0441 www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five star visitor attraction at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where they have been inspiring visitors to Edinburgh about the joys of Scotch whisky for over 30 years. With over 3500 bottles of whisky from down the years on display, the stunning Amber Restaurant & Whisky bar to enjoy, whether you take a tour, visit the shop or enjoy an event or tasting, you are guaranteed a sensational experience.

Check before You Go! Book in Advance!

21

T

he focus for 2021 is creating three Climate Action Blueprints - for Tour Operators, Accommodation Providers and Destinations.

They will enable anyone in these sectors to deliver their Climate Action Plans.

The blueprints will combine the frameworks, tools, best practice and resources required for delivering Climate Action Plans that align tourism with the need to reduce global emissions by at least half by 2030 and keep global warming within 1.5 degrees C. Tourism Declares will work with our members inside the Tourism Declares community to co-create the Blueprints transparently and collaboratively, and according to our climate equity and justice commitments.

We’ll post updates in our newsletters, and will regularly share content on the main website to encourage wider consultation and contributions. Even if you haven’t declared, we want to hear from you.

We’ll publish the three Blueprints by COP26 in November as free resources for anyone to use. We hope they will be adopted as the standard approach to transforming our industry.

Tell us what you need or know, so your challenges, experiences, expertise and solutions help frame the content and ensure our Blueprints are relevant and useful.

In addition to making these resources available, the Tourism Declares community will work, throughout 2021 and beyond, to create solutions that will help accelerate adoption of the Blueprints - including training offers and consultation services to spread and strengthen knowledge of best practices in climat

Share access to the tools and resources you use, own or have created. Where we find gaps, help in the co-creation of the tools and resources that are needed.

We want engagement from all across our industry to ensure a truly diverse range of experiences and voices are represented.

There are many ways to get involved, including:

Help us coordinate and deliver regular Learning and Action Events

Declare a climate emergency - all member of your organisation will then be able to join our growing community of people working in tourism coming together to share challenges and solutions.

The Grassmarket

Tourism Declares aims to inspire and encourage all sectors of the travel industry - including Operators, Agents, Platforms, DMCs, Tourism Boards, Trade Associations, Hotel chains, Academia, Airlines, Media and Service Providers - to acknowledge the climate emergency and develop appropriate action plans.

Support us with research, editorial, translation, tech or design and help us maintain momentum by highlighting TD climate actions

Support our outreach by encouraging your network to get involved.

Contribute financially to accelerate the process and ensure we deliver the best Blueprints possible.

... HAS DECLARED

To know more, click here

Tourism Declares supports tourism businesses, organisations and individuals in declaring a climate emergency and taking action to reduce their carbon emissions.

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Edinburgh Map

Edinburgh 24

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25

Celtic Connections

G

lasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced the full programme for its 2021 festival, with screenings hosted on Glasgow Film’s new online viewing platform Glasgow Film At Home.

The programme contains six World premieres, two European premieres and 49 UK premieres. GFF is committed to bringing incredible cinema from filmmakers all around the world to our audiences. Tickets will go on sale from 12 noon on Monday 18 January online. More information is available at www.glasgowfilm. org./festival.

Back to the Wharf

Originally planned as a hybrid in-cinema and online festival, GFF21 will now take place online only, due to the lockdown restrictions affecting most of Scotland and the rest of the UK. The festival will open on Wednesday 24 February with Lee Isaac Chung’s autobiographical drama following a Korean-American family Minari, starring The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun, and close on Sunday 7 March with Suzanne Lindon’s debut feature Spring Blossom, a coming-of-age tale set against a dreamy Parisian backdrop.

This year’s Industry programme will run online between Monday 1 and Saturday 6 March. We are thrilled to announce a new scheme to support filmmakers around the UK, aged under 30, to access our full Industry programme for just £10, sponsored by MUBI. Passes are limited and we actively encourage applications from individuals currently under-represented in the screen industries, which includes writers, directors, and producers from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled and D/deaf people, the LGBTIQI+ community, and women. Industry passes are available to purchase now at www.glasgowfilm.org./festival.

GFF is one of the leading film festivals in the UK and run by Glasgow Film, a charity which also runs Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT). GFF is made possible by support from Screen Scotland, the BFI (awarding funds from the National Lottery), Glasgow Life and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

26

Big vs Small

For full info and to book visit glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-film-festival

T

he Film Festival welcomes back Scottish filmmaker Anthony Baxter (Flint, GFF 2020) for the World premiere of Eye of the Storm, which follows one of Scotland’s most gifted painters, James Morrison, through the last two years of his life.

With animation from Catriona Black and a soundtrack from Karine Polwart, the result is a fond, affectionate portrait of the man and his legacy.

As a festival that has always been strongly rooted in our home city Glasgow, we are excited to bring the World premiere of Creation Stories to our audiences.

Written by Irvine Welsh and starring GFF favourite Ewen Bremner, Creation Stories charts the rise of the infamous founder of Creation Records, Alan McGee. Directed

by Nick Moran, the incredible cast includes Jason Isaacs, Suki Waterhouse and Rebecca Root. Creation Stories will be available on Sky Cinema from March 20.

Yer Old Faither, from Adelaide Fringe director Heather Croall receives its UK premiere.

Narrated by playwright and actor Gary McNair, it explores the life of her father, Glaswegian John Croall, who moved to Australia in 1970 and bought hundreds of children into the world as a local obstetrician.

Stacey Lee’s uplifting documentary Underplayed is an intimate and revealing look at gender inequality in the electronic dance music scene, which features the city of Glasgow and local DJ Nightwave.

David Whitney’s Killing Escobar reconstructs Scottish mercenary and exSAS operative Peter McAleese’s mission to assassinate Pablo Escobar, as McAleese, now 78, reflects on his demons.

Bridging the Gap – Turbulence will showcase four shorts from the Scottish Documentary Institute’s emerging talent initiative including: Against the Tide;

Harmonic Spectrum; Racing Stock and Everyman.

They are joined by Limbo, which was supported by the BFI Film Fund and is the critically adored British debut feature from Scottish director Ben Sharrock and the first feature film to ever shoot in Uist.

Celtic Connections

Scottish highlights

A deadpan comedy-drama following a Syrian refugee (Amir El-Masry) who finds himself in a refugee centre on a remote Scottish island Also jooning the group is an extended edition of Iorram (Boat Song), the first feature documentary filmed entirely in Scottish Gaelic.

Directed by the award-winning Alastair Cole and with an original score composed and performed by folk musician Aidan O’Rourke, it is a haunting evocation of life among the fishing communities of the Outer Hebrides.

Limbo

Iorram (Boat Song)

Yer Old Faither

For full info and to book visit glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-film-festival

27

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