EUSA City Guide by Edinburgh University Students' Association

Edinburgh City Guide 2009

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Your essential Guide to Edinburgh

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Contents 06

History

Basics

Where to Stay

Eating Out

Nightlife/Entertainment

Sightseeing

Getting Around

Shopping

Take the time to discover Edinburgh’s lively, fascinating, and occasionally dark history.

Introduce yourself to Scotland’s colourful culture, and some helpful tips on getting by.

Whether you’re just looking for a place to crash or a luxurious room in an exclusive hotel, Edinburgh can cater for all needs.

Experience a fantastic range of fantastic food in Edinburgh, from traditional Scottish fare to treats from further a field.

Meet the unions, pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas here to keep you entertained.

With so much to see and do here are some of the most intriguing, exciting and interesting places to visit.

Make the most of your exploring in, near and far from Edinburgh.

The best places to head whether you’re buying essentials or are looking for something unique.

Published by: EUSA 5/2 Bristo Square Edinburgh, EH8 9AL www.eusa.ed.ac.uk Editors: Lee Bunce, Anne Miller

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Sub-editors: Culture and Where to Stay: Jen Bowden Eating Out: Claire L Jarvis Exploring: John Sannaee Features: Neil Simpson Nightlife: Kimberlee Maclaughlan Copy Editor: Sam Cable Design: Karen Bennett Marketing and Communications Manager: Tony Foster Photo Editor: Holly Priestman Additional Photographers: Sean Skinner, David Webster

Contributors: Maddie Battersby, Amy Brewer, Sam Cable, Harriet Cole, Summer Crombie, Sara Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Arcy, Juliet Evans, Christopher Farrenholz, Caroline Fischer, Clare Flatley, Lara Greer, Bonny Hung, Naomi Hunter, Christine Johnston, Tom Macdonald, Rosie Nolan, Hannah Ramsey, Susan Robinson, Jess Seymour, Alistair Shand, Sean Skinner, Alexandra Taylor, Maddie Walder

Welcome

Edinburgh, known affectionately as ‘the Athens of the North’, is unquestionably one of the great European cities. This international reputation enhances day to day life in Edinburgh with world class festivals, celebrations and numerous visiting exhibitions. Edinburgh embodies a zest for life which is evident through the many cafes, restaurants, bars and shops that line its winding streets. At the same

time, the natural beauty of Edinburgh is evident through such green spaces as the Meadows, Princes Street Gardens and Arthur’s Seat. With so much to explore we know this guide can only scratch the surface, but we hope you enjoy reading it and discovering this wonderful city. Have fun! Anne and Lee Editors 2009

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Welcome to the EUSA City Guide, a new addition to the EUSA roster of publications. We hope you will find this a useful accompaniment to your time in Edinburgh, however long or brief your stay may be.

History

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Notable alumni from the University of Edinburgh include Charles Darwin, Kirsty Wark, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Sir Walter Scott, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson and Ian Rankin.

The University has moved a long way from the late eighteenth century. The then-principal William Robertson noted that ‘a stranger, when conducted to view the University of Edinburgh might, on seeing such courts and buildings, naturally enough imagine them to be almshouses for the reception of the poor.’ Yet the University of Edinburgh could later boast Teviot Row House as the first purposebuilt student union in the world, and the Pantheon-like McEwan Hall, funded appropriately enough by beer money from McEwan’s Brewery. For today’s students there is no shortage of groups to join and places to buy beer. The University is also within easy reach of the National Museum, Library and Galleries of Scotland – all of which have free admission. As a city, Edinburgh is a wonderful stylistic contradiction of the classical, medieval and modern. Originally built along the volcanic ridge that is the Royal Mile, Edinburgh developed an ad-hoc building process which resulted in the creation of precarious skyscrapers before Chicago even existed. All new students should try going ‘walkabout’ (i.e. getting totally lost) and see where it takes them. Getting to know the city this way often provides a welcome break from the constant introductions, small talk and

The city also continues to be, as it has always been, a mixture of the very high virtues of science, learning, refinement and the vice of alcohol consumption. As David Hume noted, however, the latter can and should be pursued, although with relish for proper ‘ambition, study and conversation’ and not at the expense of ‘some virtue’ (i.e. 9am lectures). Needless to say, there is a vast array of bars in Edinburgh usually serving the (recommended) Edinburgh favourite, Deuchars. Neon lights, cheesy music and alcopops are also available… The Edinburgh Festival, which turns the centre of Edinburgh into a heaving circus of gregarious street entertainers during the summer continues to provide a range of excitement, with Beethoven or Bach being regularly served up for breakfast, and extreme circuses being available for dessert.

History

Welcome to the University of Edinburgh, a place which former Prime Minister Lord John Russell was made to attend in the nineteenth-century, as, according to his (English) father, ‘there was nothing to be learned at English universities’. Edinburgh University continues to hold a world-class reputation, and you will be following intellectual giants like Charles Darwin, David Hume, and Sir Walter Scott, as well as more recent figures such as Ian Rankin and Gordon Brown.

Facebook requests of first year. There are also plenty of cheap second-hand bookshops for the ambitious scholars among you.

Edinburgh’s consistent lack of consistency makes it a brilliant city to be studying in and there is a huge amount to keep you entertained, learning and socialising. Enjoy!

National Gallery

McEwan Hall

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Getting Started

History

Edinburgh at dusk

City of Dark

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Edinburgh, as Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, noted has a dark side. ‘To none but those who have themselves suffered the thing in the body, can the gloom and depression of our Edinburgh winter be brought home.’ Indeed the casual summer festivalgoer may easily be lulled into thinking Edinburgh is a place of sun, revelry and café culture. In winter, however, as the tourists go home, the reality of the bleak Calvinist fortress of the north becomes apparent. David Hume’s description of the enthusiastic Scottish clergyman who is ‘occupied in his inwards life’ and flees from ‘every intercourse of society’ or ‘amusement which could soften or humanize the character’ closely resembles the city’spersonality in winter. Scratch the surface of Edinburgh’s history and unpleasant realities are soon exhumed. It is, for example, a structurally layered city with tours available which go underneath the city into the “haunted” medieval buildings which much of the current Royal Mile is built over. The vast Meadows also mask what used to be a putrid loch, used for disposing victims of the Plague.

Edinburgh Castle at night

The dark city reaps returns from its ghost tours which usually start on the Royal Mile, appropriately enough, outside the Tron Church. It was here that Thomas Aiken, an eighteen year old student, was said to have commented ‘I wish right now I were in the place Ezra called hell, to warm myself there’. He was hanged for this mockery of Edinburgh weather by the church in 1697. The story of Burke and Hare, who sold dead bodies to surgeons, undercutting their competition by murdering and selling bodies rather than digging up graves, also provides one of Edinburgh’s most infamous horror stories. West Bow near the Grassmarket, is apparently the most haunted street in the city and the ghost of Major Weir, who was hanged and burned in 1670, apparently patrols the street in a carriage driven by four headless chargers. None of this is necessarily a bad thing – once you become acclimatised. It is worth noting many ‘haunted’ sites are adjacent to pubs. While Edinburgh is full of often unpleasant history and weather, your humour will inevitably darken and you will develop a Spartan ability to survive cold North winds.

Despite the initially superficial appearance of Edinburgh as a tourist destination of clichéd Scottish paraphernalia, the city has primarily defined itself through thought and a period of intellectual ferment which was global in its implications. During the eighteenth century Voltaire noted that it was to Scotland ‘that we look for our ideas of civilization’. This ‘golden age’ of enlightenment was centred on Edinburgh, and figures such as Adam Smith, David Hume, Adam Ferguson and William Robertson. As Newton had attempted to draw up a universal natural science, these figures proceeded in drawing up a universal science of man. What is remarkable about this flowering of intellectual thought is the culture of Church orthodoxy, draconian rules and punishments from which it had emerged. Men like Hume, who challenged the established ideas of ‘revealed’ knowledge from the Bible, began to argue that knowledge can only be gained through experience and evidence. Edinburgh also became a more polished and cosmopolitan city with its output of literature, philosophy, and poetry. Scots also developed a confidence in progress which can be seen, especially in Hume, who argued for the benefits of cities on manners, conversation and the ‘power and faculties’ of the brain. Adam Smith’s

hugely influential “The Wealth of Nations” also rejected the need for governmental interference in wealth creation, and in doing so laid the intellectual foundations for free trade. In contrast to the Old Town – where buildings were crammed in and literally stacked on top of each other – the ‘New Town’ was also developed along more coherent and rational lines by James Craig. Architects such as Playfair replaced medieval chaos with an ordered style of buildings borrowed from Greek antiquity in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This earned the city the title ‘the Athens of the North.’ It is not surprising amongst this rapid progress that ideas of the ‘conjectural history’ – where societies develop along consistent paths from savagery, to pastoralism, feudalism and finally refined commercial civilization – took root at the University of Edinburgh. It is thus an excellent place to study and many of the foundations for subjects such as history, philosophy, sociology and economics were laid here.

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City of Light

History

Meadows in bloom

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Teviot

History

George Square Arguably, Edinburgh is a contradictory city. Cobbled streets thread themselves around contemporary areas such as the Edinburgh Quartermile, past buildings like the Scottish Parliament, and onto the Royal Mile. All this nestled under the watchful eye of Edinburgh’s gem, the Castle, standing timelessly above the city lights.

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George Square and the immediately surrounding area is no exception, partly due to the crowd it attracts. Nonconformist students bustle hither and thither with everything from satchels to suitcases under their arms, and with all manner of opinions from vegetarianhumanitarian-libertarians to the ultimate in tweed-clad Tories. The interior of George Square, a beautifully maintained expanse of greenery, bespeckled by trees and sleeping students, offers escapism from greying lecture theatres and power struggles in lifts. But be warned: in winter it is often little more than a deceptive swamp – one step on the grass and you’re knee-deep. Teviot wins the prize for most impressivelooking building in the area, standing purposefully above the swarm of students below. It has housed all sorts of events; from the celebrations of Barack Obama’s inauguration to the embarrassments of the Eurovision Song Contest; societies

George Square Gardens

meet, friends meet, first dates meet. From the inside, all you could want in a Student Union; from the outside, turrets and brick-work hanker back to Edinburgh’s historical past, and are a refreshing alternative to the modern layers of Potterrow. A wander through Bristo Square will take some dedication; avoid the teens on wheels, the skateboarders who fly in every direction, and refrain from any direct eye contact with the assortment of tramps that frequent the area. They’re generally harmless, but usually drunken and wanting to chat. You will eventually find yourself in George Square which boasts former residents such as Sir Walter Scott, Thomas Carlyle and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The University of Edinburgh’s instalment of modern buildings such as David Hume Tower, the Appleton Tower and the University Library are classic embodiments of 60’s block architecture, and although they are efficient and crucial sections of the University, they stand in stark contrast to the Georgian architectural gems which loom beyond in Buccleuch Place. It is this very architectural co-existence which reflects the University’s atmosphere, and an extension of Edinburgh life more generally; cobbles and concrete, towers and turrets, function and festivity.

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1. Edinburgh Castle Sitting high above the rest of the city, Edinburgh Castle forms both the iconic centrepiece Edinbrgh’s skyline and the seat of much of Scotland’s history. (p 58)

6. Mosque Kitchen Stop to eat in the famous Mosque Kitchen, where authentic and delicious curries are served at excellent value at the Edinburgh Mosque (p 31)

2. Camera Obscura Have fun with a host of illusions and amusements in one of Edinburghs most popular tourist attractions. (p 58)

7. The Witchery Treat yourself to a culinary treat at the magnificent Witchery restaurant, just yards from Edinburgh castle.

3. Arthur’s Seat No amount of time in Edinburgh can be complete without a brisk walk up Arthur’s Seat for some of the best views of Edinburgh on offer. (p 57)

8. Edinburgh Zoo Spend the day exploring at one of the worlds finest zoo’s, including the recently renovated primate enclosure (p 60).

4. Royal Botanic Gardens Take a break from the bustling city centre with a trip to the calming botanic gardens, just a mile and a half from the city centre (p 58)

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5. Museum of Scotland Feast on Scotland’s history at this formidable collection of artefacts. Highlights include the reliquary Robert the Bruce carried into battle and Dolly the cloned sheep. (Page 59)

9. Take an Edinburgh Ghost Tour Feeling brave? Then take a tour of Edinburgh’s most haunted sites. (p 59) 10. Princes Street Looking for retail therapy? Take a walk down Princes Street for some of Edinburgh’s best shopping. You can also take a break in the beatiful gardens, right after recreating that famous scene from Trainspotting.

20 Things to do in Edin

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12. Edinburgh Festival Edinburgh is a year-round festival city with the International Book Festival and world famous Edinburgh Fringe in the summer and the Winter Wonderland for when the nights draw in. (p 64) 13. Edinburgh Dungeon Explore the spookier side of Edinburgh at this popular attraction. (p 58) 14. Scottish Whisky Heritage Centre Discover the stories behind the whisky making process, take part in a tasting or browse the extensive collection of various bottles of Scotland’s “water of life.” (p 59) 15. Royal Yacht Britannia Step aboard and experience the grandeur of this prestigious yacht which carried the Royal Family around the world for 44 years. (p 60)

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16. Our Dynamic Earth Step back in time and uncover the story of how our planet came to be. (p 58) 17. Scottish Parliament Having celebrated its tenth anniversary in July 2009, Scotland’s Parliament is an impressive creation settled at the end of the Royal Mile. (p 62) 18. Holyrood Palace Visit the Queen’s official Scottish residence which is perhaps best known for being the home of Mary Queen of Scots and the setting for many dramatic historical events. (p 59) 19. Rosslyn Chapel Explore the myths and theories about this historic chapel which was featured in the novel and film“The Da Vinci Code.” (p 60) 20. Royal Mile Take a stroll down this bustling street which stretches from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Mile is full of shops, activity and numerous street performers during the festival in the summer.

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11. Scott Monument This 200-foot tribute to author Sir Walter Scott offers exquisite craftsmanship and stunning views from the top. (p 63)

Basics

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Edinburgh has 112 public parks and more trees per person than any other British city.

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• Edinburgh has a population of 460000.

• Sir Alexander Graham Bell, inventor

pharmacies and doctors’ surgeries at the end of this guide.

Queues

of the telephone, was born in Edinburgh.

Standing in orderly lines to queue is the norm in the UK and “queue jumping” is frowned upon.

IV Bridge - Greyfriars’ Bobby is said to have sat faithfully on his master’s grave for fourteen years.

Manners

• There is a statue of a dog on George

• Famous alumni from the University of

Edinburgh include politician Gordon Brown, astronaut Piers Sellers and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes.

• Edinburgh has 112 public parks and

more trees per person than any other British city.

• Scotland’s capital city was voted best place to live in the UK by Channel Four for 2007.

British people are known for being quite reserved. A simple “Hello”, “Hi” or “Good Morning” serves as a greeting as does a handshake with the right hand. “Please”, “Thank you” and “Excuse me” are expected and women and men both hold doors open for each other, depending on who reaches the door first.

Pubs and alcohol You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol. Pubs serve a range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and many also serve

Bsics

Facts

The Scottish Government holds powers which have been devolved from the parliament at Westminster, including healthcare, education and prisons. The Parliament is elected through a proportional electoral system known as the Additional Member System (AMS) and in 2007 the Scottish National Party (SNP) won 47 of the 129 seats giving them a majority of one over the Labour party who came second with 46 seats. The SNP have formed a minority government and are a nationalist party in the sense that they promote Scottish identity and their ultimate goal is to create a Scotland that is Independent from the rest of the UK. However Scotland and the UK as a whole is very welcoming to people from all countries and walks of life.

Health Care In an emergency situation dial 999. There is more information about hospitals,

Greyfriar’s Boddy statue

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Government

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Portobello Beach

food. Pubs and shops often have a policy of asking for identification if in doubt of your age.

Smoking

Bsics

In Scotland you must be 18 or over to purchase tobacco. It is illegal to smoke in public buildings including hotels.

Safety

• It is advisable to keep the number

Transport Journeys can be planned through travelinescotland.com and directions can be found at multimap.com.

of a trusted taxi firm handy. Check the taxi is licensed by looking for its licensed plate which often includes its registered number.

In the United Kingdom you must drive on the left hand side of the road and driver and passengers must wear seatbelts.

are not connected to the military. They are there to help and you must cooperate with them.

In restaurants it is customary to tip around 10% of the bill. Taxi drivers can be tipped if they are especially helpful - it is sometimes easier to round up the amount to the nearest pound.

• The police are usually unarmed and

• Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended as there have been cases of drink spiking.

• If you feel you are being followed

cross the road and make your way to a public area.

• Don’t carry drugs unless they have been prescribed by a doctor.

• It is illegal to carry weapons including knives, guns and stun guns.

Temperatures www.eusa.ad.ac.uk/cityguide

a tram network which is due to be operational by 2011, linking the waterfront to the city centre and airport to help reduce congestion and improve the city’s transportation system.

Temperatures, e.g. on ovens and weather forecasts, are usually measured in Celsius.

Trams Edinburgh is currently preparing for

Tipping

Water Mains water is safe to drink, if in doubt check. Generally water in kitchens is fine but not necessarily so in public bathrooms.

Weather Scottish weather is known for being unpredictable and rapid shifts from sun to wind to hailstones are not uncommon. It is useful to carry an extra jumper or umbrella in case the weather changes.

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Bank of England notes feature the Queen on one side with a historical figure on the reverse such as Charles Darwin, author of Origin of Species who appears on the ten pound notes or Edinburgh’s own Adam Smith, prominently placed on the new Twenties. The Bank of Scotland honour Edinburgh author Sir Walter Scott, who is on every note. The newest notes showcase Scottish landmarks on the other side such as the Falkirk Wheel on the £50s and the Forth Bridge on the £20s. The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) notes show Lord Ilay, the first governor of the bank along with various Scottish castles. Perhaps most striking is the image on Glamis Castle on the £10 notes and the view of Edinburgh Castle on the harder to find £1 notes.

The Clydesdale Bank features Scottish figures on such as Robert the Bruce who appears on the £20s and the Scottish poet Robert Burns on the £5 note. The Burns note depicts a mouse on the reverse, referencing the famous poem To a Mouse. People say that money is just money, but with the range of notes in Scotland you can pick up a little of the region’s history whenever you buy something.

Bsics

Whilst the Bank of England is the sole provider of banknotes south of the border, in Scotland there are three such issuers; the Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank. The notes are all of equal worth but it is sometimes the case that Scottish notes are met with suspicion in English shops. You’ll notice the difference in illustrations on the banknotes; comedian Michael MacIntyre commented that the Scots have their own money but chose not to have their own currency as “that’ll be too complicated mathematically. We’ll just have yours but put our pictures on it.”

Useful British and Scottish words and phrases Auld Reekie Blether Bothy Bonny Cannae Ceilidh Cock-a-leekie Dinnae Dreich Fae Fiver Fortnight Glasgae Hen Jumper Ken Lass Nae Numpty Queue Quid Tenner Wee

Nickname for Edinburgh, Old Smokey Talking Basic hut for climbers/mountaineers to camp in Pretty Can’t Social event with Scottish dancing Soup made of leeks and fowl Don’t (“I dinnae ken”) Dull, cold and misty (usually used to describe weather “It’s dreich today) From Five pounds (see tenner) Two weeks Glasgow Girl Long sleaved woollen garment/sweater. Know (“Ye Ken?” means “you know?) Girl No Fool, idiot Standing in an orderly line Pound Ten pounds (fiver, tenner but not twentier) Small

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Scottish Money

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Bands Scotland can boast a rich catalogue of popular bands, and not just The Proclaimers. Indie darlings Belle and Sebastian are frequently hailed as the nation’s finest, though groups like the post-rock Mogwai and post-punk Jesus and Mary Chain are close runners. The likes of Texas, Primal Scream, and Travis have all seen chart success in the recent past, and while Franz Ferdinand, The Fratellis and The View have been the most recent to bother the charts, the likes of Frightened Rabbit and Broken Records strike more of a chord with those in the know.

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Books As the city where JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series and where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born, Edinburgh is a literary wonderland. Edinburgh-based author Alexander McCall Smith is Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh, was named Alumnus of the Year in 2007, and has created a strong following through his much loved books including the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. Another notable alumnus of the University

of Edinburgh, Ian Rankin graduated in 1982 and then, according to his website “spent three years writing novels when he was supposed to be working towards a PhD in Scottish Literature.” Rankin is the UK’s best selling crime writer and his Rebus series, set in Edinburgh, namechecks many familiar places. The Scott Monument on Princes Street is a tribute to author Sir Walter Scott and Waverley station is named after his book of the same name. Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet wrote extensively and is celebrated annually on January 25th which is known as Burns’ Night and has been part of Scottish culture for around 200 years.

Comedians Frankie Boyle This foul-mouthed comedian gets away with it thanks to his fantastically deadpan delivery. Boyle is a regular on BBCs Mock the Week and is often noted for his resemblance to one of the members of the Proclaimers to which he responds “one of the Proclaimers? They’re twins!”

Getting to know Edinbu

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Films Edinburgh has played host to a number of iconic films, not least Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting with its famous run along Princes Street. Much of the rest of the film was in fact recorded in Glasgow however, so the recent Hallam Foe and thriller New Town Killers provide a more expansive portrait of the country’s capital. Further afield in Scotland, cult comedy Local Hero and the creepy Whicker Man both explore some of the region’s more scenic locations and Mel Gibson’s popular if not wholly accurate portrayal of the life of William Wallace in Braveheart is perhaps the biggest film recorded here.

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Television Monarch of the Glen A Scottish drama broadcast from 2000 to 2005 set in the fictional estate of Glenbogle in the Scottish highlands. Originally the programme followed son Archie as he became Laird of the land and had to choose between his life as a restaurateur in London or devoting his time to his childhood home. This programme was memorable as much for its stunning scenery as for its assortment of characters. Still Game At one stage Still Game attracted half the available audience in Scotland with viewers tuning in to watch the much-loved show following the lives of Glaswegian pensioners Jack and Victor, friends for sixty years, along with scheming Tam and local gossip Isa. Contains strong language although not as coarse as its predecessor Chewin’ the Fat.

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Billy Connolly Since starting off as a banjo player on the folk music scene in the 1960s, Connolly has become a king of comedy and is adored around the world, and especially in his native Scotland, for his ability to spin a yarn and produce side-splitting laughter.

Where to Stay

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Formally the headquarters of the newspaper of the same name, The Scotsman hotel is now home to one of Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most luxurious hotels.

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Argyle Backpackers Argyle Place, Marchmont 0131 667 9991 Argyle Backpackers is a budget hostel on the South side of the city in the popular student area of Marchmont. Accommodation is twin, double or dormstyle rooms, with self-catering kitchen and a TV room. Off-season prices are from £12 or £43 for a private room or during festival season from £18 or £60.

Ben Craig Guest House Craigmillar Park 0131 667 2593 Ben Craig Guest House has a range of rooms including twin, double, single, family and triple with cots available for small family groups. Group bookings are welcome and children under three stay for free. Rates are from £35 for single, £45 for a double and £75 for a triple, all of which include breakfast.

Botanics Bed and Breakfast Inverleith Place 0131 552 1526 Situated near the Botanic Gardens, Botanics B&B has recently been redecorated to offer a “home from home” experience. Although there are only 1-2 rooms let out prices start from £69 for a double room per night and the breakfast is self-service continental.

Castle Rock Hostel Johnston Terrace 0131 225 9666 Located directly under Edinburgh Castle, the Castle Rock Hostel offers separate and mixed dormitory style accommodation for £13 per night, as well as a limited number of private rooms starting from £15. It also has a fullyequipped kitchen and a free walking tour around the city every morning.

Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel Haddington Place 0870 155 3255 Bedrooms range from single and twin to eight-bed dorms. All come with lockers, are en-suite and come with secure keycard entry. A self-catering kitchen and dining area is available. Prices start at £15 and go up to £67. The hostel also has a licensed café/bistro.

Gerald’s Place Abercromby Place 0131 558 7017 Situated in New Town, Gerald’s Place consists of two double bedrooms on a private floor, complete with private bathrooms. Rates range from £69 for 7 or

Where to Stay

Budget friendly

Cowgate 0131 226 2153 In a great central location on Cowgate next to the Grassmarket, Budget Backpackers houses twin rooms, 4-12 bed dorms and 4 and 6 bed female-only dorms. With a brightly decorated kitchen and dining room the rates begin at £10 and go up to £22 for a twin room.

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Budget Backpackers

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8 nights with prices rising to £119 to meet the demand for festival accommodation.

Globetrotter Inn Marine Drive 0131 336 103 Located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth the Globetrotter Inn offers a free shuttle bus from the city centre. Rooms range from double and twin en-suite to 4-8 sharing, some with en-suite. Prices range from £15 for the 8 sharing rooms to £46 for twin and double rooms per person per night.

Where to Stay

Sherwood Guest House Minto Street 0131 667 1200 A small 4 star family-run guest house with 6 rooms in total, 2 double, 2 twin and 2 family rooms. All are en-suite or private bathroom. Rates are reasonable, from £50 per room from September up to £120 per room for August and festival stays.

Thrums Hotel Minto Street 0131 667 5545 Constructed from two Georgian houses many of the rooms in this hotel retain period features. Rooms are available in single, double, twin and family sizes with an extensive breakfast menu available. Prices start from £35 per night for a single room or £55 for a double, prices for family rooms are available on request.

Mid-Range

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Allison House Hotel Mayfield Gardens 0800 328 9003 Allison House Hotel offers 11 en-suite bedrooms with free parking in the traditional atmosphere of a Georgian Townhouse located on the south side of

Edinburgh. Rates range from £70 for a single to £120 for a double or twin room. All prices are inclusive of a Scottish breakfast.

Apex City Hotel Grassmarket 0131 300 3456 Situated right in the heart of the vibrant Grassmarket and surrounded by restaurants and cafés, Apex City hotel offers a range of rooms from City Twin and Queen rooms to Superior Rooms and Suites. It also offers 24-hour room service, a mail and message delivery service and quiet library spaces. Prices vary throughout the year.

Best Western Hotel Bruntsfield 0131 229 1393 With its convenient location near the Meadows, the Bruntsfield Hotel is well situated for those wanting a hotel within walking distance of the centre, but in a quieter and leafier environment. The hotel provides a comfortable experience of restrained opulence, with quality service and good food.

The George Hotel George Street 0131 225 1251 Having recently undergone refurbishment The George Hotel has rooms ranging from standard to superior deluxe. Located in the heart of the city the hotel boasts en-suite facilities as standard, a bar and restaurant with live music on a Sunday and the capacity to host meetings or other events.

Holiday Inn Express (Edinburgh Royal Mile) Cowgate 0131 524 8400 Located in the central area of Cowgate

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Jury’s Inn Market Street 0131 200 3300 All rooms are en-suite and can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children, three adults or a single person. Located close to the Royal Mile and Waverley Station the hotel also has a number of rooms suitable for wheelchair access. Rates vary depending on the time of year.

No. 53 Frederick Street Frederick Street 0131 226 2752 Handily located only a few minutes walk from Princes St. and Waverley Station this hotel offers single rooms with en-suite or separate bathrooms up to a 6-person apartment. Rates range from £45-£160 for bed and breakfast or self-catering in the apartment, while the rooms benefit from being newly decorated.

and two children. It offers a large range of facilities including WiFi and a swimming pool. Rates are available on booking.

Radisson SAS Hotel Royal Mile 0131 473 6590 Located right on the Royal Mile between Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle the Radisson offers 238 rooms and suites and complimentary access to the swimming pool and gym. Each room displays photographs from a local photographer. Rates are available on request and vary depending on the time of year.

Travelodge (Edinburgh Central)

Where to Stay

the Holiday Inn Express offers 78 air-conditioned guestrooms with a complimentary continental breakfast. Their meeting room can hold up to 40 people and there are seasonal deals on their rates. It also has free WiFi and a bar.

Royal Mile 0871 984 6137 Situated literally around the corner from

Lauriston Place 0131 656 3500 Novotel, situated close to the city’s West End, offers 180 comfortable rooms including an Executive Room, a Superior Room and a Suite suited to two adults

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Novotel (Edinburgh Centre)

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the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Central has a fantastic location for those looking to stay in the heart of the city. It has 193 single, double and family rooms with prices beginning at £29. Booking in advance is likely to result in the cheapest rates.

Luxury Hotels

Where to Stay

Balmoral Hotel Princes Street 0131 556 2414 The Balmoral Hotel was originally built by the North British Rail Company which was keen to flaunt its wealth and prestige in Scotland. Consequently the hotel stands out as one of Edinburgh’s most significant landmarks, and continues to be one of Scotland’s best hotels. It is centrally located on Princes Street,and it has several restaurants, including the Michelin starred ‘Number One.’ as well as housing extensive leisure facilities and one of Scotland’s top urban spas. The rooms are spacious and come with all the modern conveniences. The hotel is also famed for being the place where J.K Rowling finished “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, the final instalment in the famous series

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Carlton Hotel North Bridge 0131 472 3000 The Carlton Hotel’s biggest asset is its perfect location, being situated on the Royal Mile and within short walking distance of Princes Street and the University’s central area. Being so centrally located does however mean there can be noise problems with the heavy traffic on North Bridge. Rooms come with all modern conveniences such as TVs, trouser presses, pay-perview movies, mini bars and wireless internet connection. The Carlton also

has a gym, sauna and pool.

The Hotel Du Vin & Bistro Bristo Place 0131 247 4900 Think quintessential British style elegant and unpretentious. Combine this with great spirit, wit and unquestionable devotion to wine. Located on Bristo Place and neighbouring the Bedlam Theatre, and other festival venues this hotel provides an ideal location for those visiting the festival or the university. Prices range from £125 to £295 per night with several different types of rooms including standard double, large superior double, studio suite, large suite and an Executive Suite. Facilities include a salon, health & beauty treatments and bistro which sits 66 people and offers a contemporary European menu.

Prestonfield Hotel Prestonfield House 0131 668 3346 An exquisite and luxurious hotel with 4 types of rooms such as large luxury double, luxury suite, Franklin Suite, Ramsey Suite and extensive facilities including a helipad. Others include golf, running, cycling, hotel gardens and a tea pavilion. Located on Prestonfield Road in the central area of Newington near the Commonwealth Pool and Arthur’s Seat, the hotel is only a ten minutes bus ride from Princes Street and other tourist attractions such as the National Galleries and the Royal Mile.

Scotsman Hotel North Bridge 0131 556 5565 Formally the headquarters of the newspaper of the same name, this magnificent building is now home to one of Scotlands most luxurious hotels.

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Where to Stay

Situated on North Bridge overlooking Waverley Station, this hotel is ideally located for people new to the city. Modern interior design and luxury facilities are skilfully blended with the unique characteristics of the building. The dominating features of the bar and Brasserie area, for instance, are the opulent marble pillars and intricate wooden panelling of the ceiling. A state-of-the-art gym and stainless steel swimming pool have replaced the huge, thundering printing presses of the old newspaper on the lower floors. The hotel also has its own spa, sauna and steam rooms and a private cinema. Rooms are equipped with all the extras including wireless broadband, satellite TV and private bar.

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accommodation finder

Your online EUSA guide to accommodation in the city of Edinburgh

• Flats Available for 2009 • Letting Advice • Buying and Selling • Where to Live • Where to Look

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Celebrate in Style Barceló Edinburgh Carlton Hotel has all you need for a celebration to remember.

Where to Stay

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With a variety of suites to choose from, this stylish city centre Hotel is the perfect location to host your special event. Catering for up to 200 guests, we are confident that we will have what you are looking for! With graduation packages available to include * Red carpet on arrival * Function room hire * Reception drink on arrival * Three course meal * 1/2 bottle of Barceló recommended wine * Hotel disco * Candles for your tables * Table plan, place cards and menu cards

The Barceló Health Club has a fantastic student membership plan available. Combining the latest in gym technology with a friendly, expert service, the club is more than just a workout, it’s about enjoying exercise and meeting new people. Please contact Barcelo Health Club on 0131 472 3134 Barceló Edinburgh Carlton, North Bridge, Edinburgh | Tel - 0131 472 3000 Fax - 0131 556 2691 | www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk

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Please contact a member of the events team on 0131 472 3001

Eating Out

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From Mongolian BBQ to contemporary Scottish fare one thing Edinburgh is not short of is variety.

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44-45 St Patrick Square 0131 662 1807 Small family-run south Indian vegetarian restaurant offering a lunch buffet from noon to 2pm for £6.95. The dinner menu is pricier, but the Thali plate offers a variety of tasty options for those who want an introduction to Indian food.

three adjoining dining rooms. The food is excellent, with mains coming in at around £10 (it’s also often featured in The Times Eat Out promotion). The staff are cheery, helpful and always on hand to recommend their favourite dish. With its consistently high level of quality and service, Blonde is a great place to bring your friends or parents.

The Apartment

Cafe Grande

Assembly 41 Lothian Street, opposite Potterrow 0131 220 4288 Student favourite with 2-for-1 on selected beers and cocktails from 5pm until 8pm as well as cheap, filling main meals and snacks: chicken and dips, spring rolls, sharing platters, curries, noodles, pizza and paninis, as well as good coffees and puddings. Comfortable sofas and intimate booths, funky music and fairy lights make Assembly great for a quick bite or drinks with friends.

Blonde 75 St. Leonards Street 0131 668 2917 Located next to St. Leonards police station, Blonde is often overlooked by students. The décor is homely and modern with the restaurant split into

184 Bruntsfield Place 0131 228 1188 Bringing a touch of European cafe culture to upmarket Bruntsfield, this charming eatery is as versatile as it is welcoming. The friendly staff are just as happy to serve you a light lunch or an afternoon coffee as a three-course dinner with changing and innovative weekly specials using high-quality ingredients.

David Bann 56-58 St Marys Street 0131 556 5888 David Bann proves that the ‘vegetarians are hippies’ stereotype is unfounded. The exclusively vegetarian restaurant offers a minimalist and chic atmosphere without the pretensions of bohemia or the snobbery of sophistication. The continuously changing menu leaves you spoilt for choice. A particularly good option is the the crepe of chilli and roasted vegetables with chocolate and chilli sauce. You shouldn’t leave the premises without indulging in a side order of their renowned chunky chips with homemade apple and tomato ketchup. The food is truly scrumptious.

Eating Out

7-13 Barclay Place 0131 228 6456 The Apartment is the older, cooler sibling of the Outsider. The name reflects the interior design, with large wooden tables and assorted artwork lining the walls. Easily accessible from Bruntsfield and the surrounding areas, the Apartment caters for all tastes, with dinner for two (with wine) coming in at around £60. It’s the perfect place to catch up with friends, celebrate a birthday (there’s a lovely private dining room downstairs) or impress a date.

Ecco Vino 19 Cockburn Street 0131 225 1441 Ecco Vino is a lovely, wee wine bar which serves a small but excellent menu, with specials changing daily. Located on

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Ann Purna

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Cockburn Street, it has more than 50 kinds of Old and New-World wines which line the walls. There is a traditional Italian menu that includes delicious antipasti, pasta, risotto and salads, making it an attractive choice for relaxed dinners. With yummy cheesecakes that change daily, what more could you ask for?

Gourmet Burger Kitchen 137 George Street 0131 260 9896 The burgers here are wonderful, juicy, literally-jaw-dropping hunks of beef, lamb, chicken or veggies and come with a selection of accompaniments that covers everything you can think of: from plain old cheese to beetroot, egg and pineapple. A tempting selection of starters, sides, salads and dips can rack up the price but it’s worth it for the best burger in town.

Eating Out

Hanedan Restaurant 41-42 West Preston St 0131 667 4242 A chilled and sophisticated atmosphere with delicate Turkish touches and friendly personable service, this is definitely a place for fans of all things savoury. Tasty Meze dishes get you in the mood, perfectly designed for sharing with friends: grilled sardines, haloumi cheese and lamb meatballs to name but a few of the choices. Mains are pretty meat-heavy, including Moussaka and charcoal-grilled Lamb and Chicken skewers. Finish off with Turkish coffee and Baklava and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the modest bill.

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Howies 208 Bruntsfield Place 0131 221 1777 This modern and reasonably-priced restaurant (along with its three sister establishments on Victoria Street, Waterloo Place and Alva Street) offers novel takes on traditional Scottish fare

with many tempting special deals. Particularly good for a relaxed weekend lunch.

Kalpna 2/3 St Patrick Square 0131 667 9890 Authentic Indian food mixes with Vegetarian standards in Kalpna. Offering a lunch-time buffet in conjunction with traditional meals, diners are spoilt for choice with the rich and exciting menu. Elegant decor provides an impressive backdrop, while the prices remain relatively low. Definitely suited more to an evening meal. Paneer (Indian cheese) stands out as an essential dish to try.

Kebab Mahal 7 Nicolson Square 0131 622 7228 Its interior décor won’t win any awards but Kebab Mahal is one of the best curry houses in Edinburgh. Popular with city guides such as Scotland the Brave and Edinburgh locals, the restaurant offers a wide array of curry dishes at excellent prices. Though you’re unlikely to finish one, the plain and garlic naans should not be missed. Great for a well-deserved break from library revision or a late-night takeaway, Kebab Mahal is a gem in the rough of Nicolson Street.

Khublai Khans Mongolian BBQ, 43 Assembly Street 0131 555 0005 The Mongolian BBQ is immensely popular. Create your own dishes by selecting rice, noodles, vegetables, meats – including zebra, kangaroo and crocodile - seafood or tofu, along with sauces and oils and then head across to the barbeque where the grill chef will cook everything in front of you. Try out new and unusual dishes and foods in an informal

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29 St Leonards Street 0131 667 0123 A centrally-located restaurant that serves traditional and tasty Indian meals at student-friendly prices. Its large size makes it ideal for meals with a group of friends.

The Kitchin 78 Commercial Street, Leith 0131 553 0608 Though the a la carte dinner is perhaps best saved for when the parents come to visit, the lunch menu at this Michelinstarred restaurant is quite frankly a steal at £24.50 for three courses. The quality here is second to none, and the original and elegant cooking is matched only by the excellent service and charming decor. A great place for special occasions.

Maison Bleue 36-38 Victoria Street 0131 226 1900 Maison Bleue is not necessarily the most budget-friendly restaurant in town (though it does offer good value lunch and pre-theatre menus), however if you’re willing to splash out, you’re in for a treat. A beautiful restaurant seeping French charm, Maison Bleue offers some of finest cuisine in Edinburgh. Specialities include fish and dishes with a strong Mediterranean influence.

The Mosque Kitchen West Nicolson Street Generous portions of wholesome curries are served up very cheaply in this refectory-style servery; with seating outside under massive awnings this is an ideal place for cash-strapped starving

Mother India Cafe 3-5 Infirmary Street 0131 524 9801 Mother India Café is the ideal choice for the indecisive. It presents the ultimate in Indian cuisine by offering classic and speciality entrees in tapas-sized portions, allowing one to experiment and indulge in new dishes. Entering the seemingly demure restaurant one does not expect the avant-garde interior, which mixes the modern with artwork depicting Edinburgh. Mother India Café manages to create an atmosphere that is refined, and yet inclusive, with ease. For a real taste of how Indian food should be eaten share an intimate evening at Mother India Café; and do not leave without trying the Aloo Saag Dosa.

Mussel and Steak Bar 110 West Bow, top of the Grassmarket 0131 225 5028 One of Grassmarket’s finer restaurants, with a very reasonable lunch menu and a calm, clean feel. Attentive service and simple but tasty mains: mussels come in an enormous hot pot with a choice of sauces and the steaks are very generously sized and well prepared. Good for when parents are in town; best to book ahead for the evenings.

Eating Out

Kismot

students to come and re-fuel.

Negociants 45-47 Lothian Street, opposite Potterow 0131 225 6313 Generous portions for low prices – bursting burgers, enormous nachos, packed paninis and everything from rogan josh to macaroni cheese. Lighter snacks, puddings and coffee are also available. Beers are cheap and the atmosphere is fun, friendly and lively with colourful decor including armchairs alongside

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atmosphere surrounded by wall murals, fabrics and artefacts that will have you mesmerised.

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wicker chairs and mirrored walls. There’s the possibility of sitting outside when the weather’s good enough.

No. 1 Sushi Bar 37 Home Street 0131 229 6880 Edinburgh is admittedly short on quality Japanese restaurants, but No. 1 Sushi Bar bucks the trend in spectacular style. It may not offer the biggest range of sushi you have ever seen, but it’s Edinburgh’s best, and the quality of what is on offer is second to none. As well as sushi it also offers a range of noodles and other dishes, and even a take-out option.

The Outsider

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Eating Out

15-16 George IV Bridge 0131 226 3131 With its excellent view of Edinburgh Castle, exceptional food and modern interior, The Outsider is the perfect place to take your folks on their first visit to your new home. It’s popular with professionals, students and even Dylan Moran is known to be a fan. The menu suits most tastes, with the lunch menu offering exceptional value.

Peckham’s 159 Bruntsfield Place 0131 229 7054 This excellent (though not exactly bargainous) deli stocks a mouthwatering array of goodies, from greek olives to cheesecake to single malt whisky. Downstairs, the ‘Underground’ restaurant is a less budget-stretching prospect, offering great quality, dependable dishes. The intimate booths are particularly recommended.

Red Fort 10 Drummond Street 0131 557 1999 Red Fort offers the perfect student deal: good Indian food at ridiculously cheap

prices, and only two minutes walk from George Square. Red Fort is your standard Indian restaurant with a chilli red interior and classic Indian food including meat, fish and vegetable dishes. If you can stomach curry for lunch then do not miss the allyou-can-eat buffet priced at the diminutive rate of £5.95. If you are looking for Indian cuisine that is cheap and cheerful, then Red Fort is the restaurant that provides excellent value for money.

Rhubarb (Prestonfield) Prestonfield House 0131 225 1333 This ornately decorated country housestyle hotel restaurant is a great place to feel like a bit-player in a Regency costume drama. Great (though pricey) food is served in a fantastically opulent dining room in beautiful surroundings – if you’re lucky you may see a peacock or two patrolling the grounds as you dine.

Scotsman Hotel Restaurant 20 North Bridge 0131 556 5565 Lunch at the Scotsman hotel is an oddly familiar affair. Those looking for home comforts and the domestic aroma of maternal cooking amongst the ad hoc pasta dishes, kebabs and other food from east of Belgium which serve the culinary needs of the student population should consider the Scotsman hotel for lunch. The food, while it doesn’t aim to be too trendy, is of a high standard. Pea Soup, for example – sorry, ‘Spring Pea Soup, Crispy Pancetta’ – is served up alongside the familiar fish cakes and Banoffee cheesecake. The general atmosphere of the restaurant is a welcoming one of leisurely indifference, and is void of highoctane business types. The Scotsman thus provides a reasonably-priced relaxed lunch, which stands in welcome contrast to the generic Coffee-Panini combo.

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Susie’s Wholefood Diner

Viva Mexico

51-53 West Nicolson Street 0131 667 8729 Although the menu varies continually, you are always guaranteed both generous and nutritious portions. A vegetarian café, with many vegan options, the Diner is bright and cosy. Wooden furniture with a canteen style of service provides a free and open atmosphere. Main meals can consist of a hot plate with two salads for around six pounds.

41 Cockburn Street 0131 226 5145 The Mexican decor filling this slim restaurant on one of Edinburgh’s funkiest streets will definitely get you in the mood for marvellous margaritas and brilliant burritos. Portions are not overwhelming but certainly satisfying and fairly priced. The Mexican beers and cocktails are an excellent addition to any meal.

Tang’s

11 Multrees Walk 0131 557 0088 The restaurant arm of the Valvona and Crolla chain, Vin Caffe offers Edinburgh’s finest Italian cuisine. Situated in glamorous Multrees Walk, Vin Caffe serves deceptitively simple food made from the finest ingredients, though it can be expensive.

64 Thistle Street 0131 260 9699 Not the most authentic Mexican ever and the packed menu can seem a little daunting, but the vibrant decor and cheerful service make this little restaurant a fun place to go. Mains are truly delicious – try the carnitas con guacamole or flaming fajitas (set alight with tequila) - and don’t miss out on possibly the best chocolate torte in the world.

352 Castle Hill (Royal Mile) 0131 225 5613 Edinburgh’s best-loved and most famous restaurant certainly does not disappoint. The low ceilings and medieval decor provides the perfect setting for the excellent cuisine, offering classy and polished interpretations of Scottish classics. The prices do correspond to The Witchery’s quality and reputation, but a visit will certainly provide a great dining experience.

The Witchery

Eating Out

Tex Mex II

The Witchery

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44 Candlemaker Row, off George IV Bridge 0131 220 5000 Bright, authentic-looking restaurant with friendly staff serving straightforward Japanese cuisine for both those who already love it and those new to it. Filling bento boxes as well as an array of other tasty rice and noodle dishes are complimented by plentiful green tea in pleasing, heavy tea pots and a good range of sides and puddings.

Vin Caffe

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advert

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Cafes Black Medicine Coffee Co. 108 Marchmont Road and 2 Nicolson Street Great coffee and fantastic sandwiches at reasonable prices are the theme here, both cafes being located squarely in student-heavy areas. The quirky decor (the high-backed chairs are a particular highlight) and moody lighting lend the place a slightly eccentric feel.

Chocolate Soup 2 Hunter Square Chocolate Soup is the place for chocolate lovers – try a shot of pure chocolate or combine it with espresso for the world’s finest mocha. Incredible iced muffins, one of a range of many sugar-packed treats which are hard to resist, are also available, as well as smoothies and several excellent soups served with fresh bread or a sandwich.

Eating Out

Double Dutch 27 Marshall Street Ideally located beside Bristo Square, Double Dutch is a perfect place to meet for lunch with friends. With its brightly lit minimalist interior you could easily be in there for hours. It serves a wide variety of traditional cafe fare such as paninis, wraps and sandwiches. Look out for the delicious side salads with generous helpings of couscous as well as the falafel and hummus-based dishes.

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Elephants and Bagels 37 Marshall Street An intriguing cross between an authentic slice of Brooklyn and a seven-year-old’s dream bedroom, this favourite student haunt does a huge array of delicious bagels and fillings. The decor’s elephant theme has inspired budding artists of all ages, whose proud works adorn

the walls and provide an entertaining distraction while enjoying your lunch.

The Forest Cafe 3 Bristo Place Run by volunteers, this café exudes a casual friendly vibe. Comfy chairs and mismatched cutlery add to the already established bohemian charm. The café delivers a wholly vegetarian menu, complete with plenty of vegan alternatives. The Falafel meal or Curry, both at under a fiver, are wholesome favourites.

Hendersons (Salad Bar) 94 Hanover Street Hendersons has long built up a welldeserved favourable reputation within the city. In delivering traditional vegetarian and vegan food, the bright comfortable surroundings are apt. The café’s counter service is friendly, and set with reasonable prices. The menu varies continually, but never veers from the

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Kilimanjaro 126 Nicolson Street That this Nicolson Street cafe always seems so full and thriving despite being surrounded by (often far better-known) rival businesses is a testament to the quality of its coffee and food. Serving excellent breakfasts and cakes as well as a great selection of sandwiches, it’s perfect for either sitting in or grabbing a quick coffee on the go.

Loopy Lorna’s 370-372 Morningside Road If you are looking for the quintessential Afternoon Tea for two then Loopy Lorna’s is well worth the trip to Morningside. Imagine a classic tearoom, but with a quirky twist. It is the perfect way to spend your afternoon chatting over vintage china with your chai nestled in a teapot covered by an individually knitted tea cosy. Expect your student budget to be stretched: Afternoon Tea racks in at £12.95 per person, and one-person teapots and cakes are £4 each. However, if you are looking to treat yourself, or wow any visitors, Loopy Lorna’s is the place that will leave your sweet tooth wanting more.

Peter’s Yard Middle Meadow Walk, Quartermile Just off George Square, this fantastic Swedish cafe-cum-bakery serves great cakes, sandwiches and soup, as well as some of the best coffee in town. Though it’s not exactly cheap, the food here is well worth it and makes it a good place for post-lecture revival and relaxation.

Victor Hugo 26/27 Melville Terrace, Victor Hugo is Sciennes best kept secret. The cafe looks out onto the Meadows, making it the perfect venue for the weekly barbecues when the Edinburgh weather holds out. There is a wide variety of pastries and entrees, and one cannot help but make room for the delicious selection of homemade cakes. The gypsy creams are ideal for a lighter indulgence. There are also a selection of unique wines, cheeses and meats for those who want to impress over dinner. Victor Hugo presents an extraordinary experience with an atmosphere which could only otherwise be found in cafés in France. Ensure that you avoid peak times, however, as the sole communal table can become overbearing when crowded.

Eating Out

standard it has long set of satisfying and delicious food.

Nile Valley Cafe

Peter’s Yard

Chocolate Soup

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6 Chapel Street Wraps made to order with your choice of fillings: stuffed with salad, spicy yoghurt, humous, guacamole, baba ganoush, feta, sundried tomato, aubergine, olives... Colourful walls and East African ornaments give the place a great vibe and makes that wrap taste all the more satisfying. Finish up with Sudanese mint tea and baklava. Gets very busy at lunchtimes.

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Costa Coffee

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Eating Out

A coffee chain with a relaxed vibe.

Beanscene Coffee Shop A fast-growing chain that serves an interesting variety of evening nibbles. 99 Nicolson Street | 67 Holyrood Road

Cafe Nero An ideal stopping point for a mid-day break with friends. 4 Glanville Place | Hanover Buildings Rose Street | 43-45 Lothian Road | 177 Morningside Road

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Terms & Conditions: Buy one of our Lugamug mugs and get a 20p discount off our standard price every time you buy a coffee, tea or hot chocolate from one of our participating Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association outlets using the mugs.

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...and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all

Nightlife/ Entertainment

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Potterrow is one of Edinburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest central venues and regularly hosts DJs and gigs, this year Sash!, Venga Boys and S Club 3 were highlights.

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3-5 Rose Street This bar and restaurant can be found on the city’s quirky Rose Street. Tucked just behind Princes Street, this intricately decorated pub sports a beautiful moulded ceiling, an island bar and a good selection of ales and pub grub. The restaurant upstairs offers an even wider choice.

Amicus Apple 17 Frederick Street More quirky than your average George Street-area bar, Amicus Apple’s sleek white interior pulls in a trendy crowd who like to splash out on some great cocktails and enjoy the lively pre-club atmosphere. During the day things are more relaxed and Amicus offers very decent food with a variety of offers and discounts.

Aspen Bar and Grill 66-67 South Bridge Aspen is a small and contemporary sports bar covering two floors, with a bar upstairs and a downstairs room which can be hired for parties with a deposit. The bar serves food daily as well as a range of cocktails, along with good deals on food and drink with a student card.

Blind Poet 32 West Nicolson Street The Blind Poet is the perfect spot for a relaxed study session, a lazy afternoon or a philosophical chat. The old wooden walls are littered with literary references, plus the venue offers comfy sofas and a traditional fireplace to huddle around in winter. At night, the mood picks up with some energetic tunes.

The Bowery 2 Roxburgh Place One of Edinburgh’s most exciting new

Brass Monkey 14 Drummond Street Situated just off South Bridge, Brass Monkey is a small pub with a twist. With a funky bar and smaller side booths boasting comfy sofas and soft lighting, it’s a great place to chill out with friends. Its main feature is the back room which is made entirely of beds, ensuring a very original and somewhat lazier than average drinking experience. More than just a bar, Brass Monkey serves light lunches and has daily film screenings, serving a range of beverages and cocktails. If you get there early enough, the bar staff might even let you choose a DVD from their hefty collection. Pure bliss.

Brauhaus 105 Lauriston Place Slumbering in a lazy corner between Lothian Road and the Edinburgh College of Art, it’s easy to miss the Brauhaus, an intimate one roomed pub which draws inspiration from German beer houses. Boasting over 300 types of beer and a fairly substantial wine menu too, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, approachable staff who love to rave about all things beer and a very straightforward menu ensures a pleasurable trip around the world in a few tipples, with reasonably priced bar snacks such as crusty cheese bread for £1.50 or a spicy sausage platter for £4.95 to soak up the excess liquid.

Nightlife/Entertainment

The Abbotsford

venues, The Bowery pitches itself as New York’s lower East Side transplanted to Edinburgh’s Old Town and reinvented as a bar-cum-theatre that places emphasis on the city’s art and music scene. Although there is no beer or cider on tap, a wide selection of bottled beers and sprits are on offer.

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Pubs

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Cloisters

The Dome

26 Brougham Street Offering the finest selection of regular and guest ales in central Edinburgh, Cloisters is a favourite for those who like to savour their drink. Situated at the side of a church, Cloisters is more welcoming to students than many other ‘old man pubs’, and provides the ideal location to sit back and relax with a game of cards or a board game. The option to take a jug onto the Meadows also makes it the ideal stop-off for those all-too-rare days in the sun.

14 George Street The Dome is perhaps one of Edinburgh’s most luxurious bar/restaurants, with its over the top glamour and opulence making it a must-see for those fortunate enough to be in possession of an unlimited budget, or simply as part of a special treat. The Dome inhabits a building which is impressive both internally and externally. Previously owned by the Commercial Bank of Scotland who transformed 14 George Street into a palace fit for a King, lavish chandeliers and bouncy red carpets adorn the interior. Staff are attentive and neat, running efficiently even at busy times.

The Crags 58 Dalkeith Road One of the chain of ‘Scream’ pubs, The Crags is perfect for those wishing to escape the confines of Pollock Halls. Well situated near the central hub of first year accommodation, The Crags is a student-friendly establishment with two large seating areas and an extensive beer garden. Perfect for summer drinking.

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Nightlife/Entertainment

Deacon Brodie’s Tavern 435 Lawnmarket Popular due to its location on the Royal Mile, Deacon Brodie’s Tavern offers a good range of drinks and moderately priced pub food, with a restaurant upstairs. Named after the alleged inspiration behind Stevenson’s ‘Jekyll and Hyde,’ it’s always lively and suitable for large groups, with friendly staff.

Doctors Bar 32 Forest Road Doctors is a cosy and comfortable pub situated close to Bristo Square and the Meadows. The staff are friendly, the food is great value and the bar offers a range of drinks including eight ever-changing cask ales from Scotland and beyond. Its weekly pub quiz is popular with students and locals alike.

Dragonfly 52 West Port Dragonfly is the perfect place to come if you love cocktails without the pretence. Its out of the way location and quirky art nouveau interior are big selling points, as is its varied music policy. But above all else, Dragonfly’s range of top-notch drinks keep it at the forefront of the Edinburgh bar scene.

Dropkick Murphy’s 7 Merchant Street Tucked under George IV Bridge, Dropkick’s boasts a 3am closing time and as many framed rugby shirts as you can fit on a vaulted ceiling. Student night on Wednesday is busy with all drinks £2, and the live folk music is a popular draw.

The Filling Station 233-241 High Street Located on the city’s famous Royal Mile, The Filling Station offers a fantastic range of food and drink. Not over-priced, it offers lunchtime deals and has a hearty atmosphere to accommodate its wide range of customers. Perfect for a burger and a pint during the day, or as the ideal start to a big night out.

Henrick’s

26 George IV Bridge Based on the tale of Frankenstein’s monster, this pub appropriately pokes fun out of Edinburgh’s ghoulish past. A popular weekend night spot with locals and students alike, Frankenstein’s offers a selection of reasonably priced shooters and cocktails alongside upbeat chart-oppers for a vibrant party atmosphere.

1 Barclay Place The swankiest place in Tollcross, Henrick’s is also the area’s most expensive bar. However, prices remain reasonable, and it’s a stylish place to go for a drink that’s a cut above your average pint down the local. Best of all is its intimate heated courtyard that retains a traditional Edinburgh tenement charm whilst exuding urban chic.

GHQ

The Last Drop

4 Picardy Place The self-proclaimed ‘Gay Head Quarters’, GHQ is located smack bang in the middle of Edinburgh’s crudely named ‘Pink Triangle’, a medley of gay and gay-friendly clubs and bars. A welcome new addition, GHQ is a fantastically over the top and decadently adorned bar which hosts a mix of pop-tastic and indie nights.

74-78 Grassmarket Perhaps the best of the many bars lining the pavements of the Grassmarket. Quirkily themed around the gallows that once stood outside, The Last Drop offers outdoor as well as indoor seating, and serves good bar food as well as a wide range of ales and whiskies.

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Frankenstein’s Bar

Nightlife/Entertainment

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Native State 32-34 Potterrow Situated directly behind Bristo Square, Native State is a welcome departure from the student enclave of the unions, whilst still attracting a good proportion of uni types. If you elect to saunter in for one of their quite staggeringly delicious burgers of an afternoon, you can expect some satisfyingly sport-related widescreen action.

Nicol Edwards 33 Niddry Street It has a reputation for being dingy and grotty, but that’s what contributes to the atmospheric dive that is Nicol Edwards. Located within the tunnels of the Old Town, Nicol Edwards sprawls over three floors, with its main benefits being a 3am close, student drink deals and live music ‘till the early hours of the morning.

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The Pear Tree 58 Dalkeith Road Should Edinburgh be hit by a rare sunny spell there’s nothing like a pint in the excellent beer garden of The Pear Tree, a pub that prides itself on a wide selection of drinks catering for both connoisseurs and casuals. Also boasts an enchanting real fire inside if the weather isn’t on your side.

Sandy Bell’s 25 Forrest Road If you’re one for the folk scene, Sandy Bell’s should be rung up as a priority. With live music seven nights and two afternoons a week, it’s the perfect venue to see and be seen if you‘re interested in establishing yourself as a musician. A perfect venue for relaxed Sunday afternoons or rowdily civilised evenings.

The Sheep Heid Inn 43-45 The Causeway, Duddingston Said to be the location of a licensed drinking house since 1360, Edinburgh’s oldest and

arguably finest pub is one of the city’s must visit attractions, as much for its history as its beer. Located in the picturesesque village of Duddingston on the ‘other side’ of Arthur’s Seat, the Sheeps Heid famously acquired its name from a gift given to its landlord by James VI, whose mother Mary Queen of Scots was a reguar visitor. Other famous patrons have included Sir Walter Scott, J.M.W. Turner and Robert Louis Stevenson. The pub is also famed for the tale of Maggie Dickson, a fishwife sentenced to hanging in 1724 for the crime of infanticide. As mourners attended the wake in the Sheep Heid tavern, a groan was heard from the coffin outside, and Maggie was found to be struggling for breath. As Scottish law stated that she could not be punished again, Maggie Dickson went on to live a long and prosperous life. The pub itself however is a gem in its own right, serving excellent food and a good selection of ales. Its famous skittle ally is said to be the oldest functioning alley in the world, and provides the perfect way to relax after a trek up Arthur’s seat. It may be necessary to book ahead at busier times.

The Standing Order (Wetherspoons) 62–66 George Street A member of the Wetherspoons chain, Standing Order’s main attraction for many will simply be the promise of cheap drinks (if a pub crawl is your thing, make sure you get your obligatory round in here), but this is to ignore the venue’s impressive architecture and lively ambience.

Three Sisters 139 Cowgate The general consensus about the Old Town’s cavernous Three Sisters is that they’re the ladies to see about having a good time. Expect a night at Three Sisters to incorporate screamingly brilliant forgotten 80s disco and four weddings’-worth of stags and hens, alongside cheap drinks with a

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student discount. Its many big screens make it popular with sports fans too.

up on the dancefloor, or indulge in the food, ranging from posh pizzas to hearty steaks.

The Tron

Wee Red Bar, ECA

9 Hunter Square Situated in the heart of the Old Town, The Tron is a pub and venue popular amongst the student population of Edinburgh. Barely five minutes walk away from the Cowgate, its cave-like lower level offers an array of atmospheric corners to enjoy drinks and company. Student discounts are available, including ÂŁ1 a drink on Wednesdays.

74 Lauriston Place Imagine a sixth form common room in the 80s, Gang of Four is on the stereo and you are feeling distinctly not hip. Add to that lashings of cheap(ish) Red Stripe and you have Wee Red. And on a Saturday, it becomes The Egg, the weekly club night which should service most of your indie needs.

Vodka Revolution

99 Hanover Street One of the most popular and sophisticated bars on the New Town side without even trying, 99 Hanover St is a world away from the cash-flashing of nearby George Street, with an atmosphere of faded grandeur, great music and delectable drinks made by bartenders who really care about their job.

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30a Chambers Street Vodka Revolution is a specialist vodka joint seeking to educate hardened drinkers who may never realise that vodka can taste nice. With 26 flavours including Chocolate Orange and Birthday Cake, it also boasts a wide range of cocktails. You can either rip it

99 Hanover St

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The Unions

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Pleasance, Teviot, KB House and Potterrow are your unions. Use them. Your drinking will not be subsidised forever, you know. Potterrow is one of Edinburgh’s largest central venues and regularly hosts DJs and gigs, this year Sash!, Venga Boys and S Club 3 were highlights. Most notably it is home to the Big Cheese, an unofficial initiation into Edinburgh University life where you can revisit your childhood via the medium of non-stop pop hits and spilt drinks. The Library Bar in Teviot has a good atmosphere due to a constant buzz of customers and the cosy decor means that at least you’ll be drinking among books if not actually reading them. The bar snacks are generous, tasty and as reasonably priced as you will find anywhere, ranging from nachos to three courses. Teviot furthermore boasts a subsidised Costa Coffee for a cheap and tasty cuppa in between classes, with more sofas to snuggle up on than your local DFS. As is traditional with many a student union, stodgy potatoes and pasta-based cafeteria food is dished up every lunchtime in Teviot for the lazy or hung-over. Alternatively, Pleasance is a regular watering hole for many of the university’s societies and great for a swift pint.

Potterrow Union

During the day time, expect a mixture of members from various University societies, freshers from the halls across the yard and the sporty gym types digging into their cheap and cheerful burgers. Furthermore, Teviot, KB House and Pleasance host weekly pub quizzes, which should soon become an essential component of your University education. Each quiz is on a different day too, should you miss your first hit of that week’s all important pub-quiz adrenaline. However, you have not experienced the true pleasure of your student unions until you’ve sat in the packed fairy-lit courtyard on a cool summer night during the Edinburgh festival, Magners in hand. All of the student unions are transformed during the Fringe. Teviot becomes the Gilded Balloon during the month of August and hosts ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’: the comedy competition that kick-started the careers of many noted comedians. Teviot and the Pleasance are excellent locations to indulge in a bit of famous facespotting. Remember, these are not just student unions, they are also the hub of an international festival and make the student experience at Edinburgh truly unique.

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7PM FREE ENTRY

COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS

DJ’S FROM 9PM

Turn up for our COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS in the Loft bar. Learn (and taste) the tricks of the trade from the best in the city, what better way to start your night out?

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THE LOFT PRE-CLUB BAR

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Nightclubs The Bongo Club 37 Holyrood Road The place to be seen if the alternative club scene is your thing, The Bongo Club offers an eclectic mix of chilled out club nights full of open minded folk, ranging from a free weekly Jungledub night to regular ‘glam trash’ nights, and special visits of Scotland’s Messenger sound system for those with a love of loud music.

Cabaret Voltaire 36 Blair Street ‘Cab Vol’, as coined by those people who know that calling it by its full name is a naïve mis-step, is perfect if you’re big on the indie/electro scene. It’s an intimate underground venue with two bars and dance floors which play host to a variety of club nights, staging around thirty gigs a month. Free entry on Tuesdays makes it a student favourite.

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The Caves 8-12 Niddry Street A genuine highlight of the Edinburgh club scene, The Caves is a hot spot for underground music lovers, with an edge of exclusivity as it only opens a few times a month. A location with kudos, the club offers a range of nights, including the popular Az-Tech, famous for its blend of breaks, drum ‘n’ bass, house, electro and techno. These guys don’t tend to dabble in mainstream music, which some may be very grateful for. The venue itself is

a warren of atmospheric booths and, uh, caves, giving a real historical feel. Be warned though, entry and drinks are pricey.

Espionage 4 India Buildings, Victoria Street Espionage enjoys its themed nights and big celebrations and is happily open “007” nights a week. With a range of club nights and drinks deals spread over five floors; Espionage is known for its numerous student promotions and attracts a variety of ages.

The GRV 37 Guthrie Street Since its opening in 2008, this venue has grown into a multi-faceted artistic centre which hosts club nights of many genres, ranging from reggae and Electronica to charity ceilidhs. An eclectic mix of new media such as visuals and great audio, plus two cocktail bars makes for an exciting new venue.

The Hive 15-17 Niddry Street A gritty club located in the city’s underground vaults, The Hive oozes atmosphere, with its low ceilings, damp walls and wide variety of tunes, depending on the night. On a Friday the place is packed with customers, flocking to get sweaty to the best alternative beats of our time.

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The Jazz Bar 1a Chambers Street This venue ticks all of the boxes when it comes to creating the ideal jazz bar. Located in a basement it is is intimate enough for all present to clamour round and listen to the array of talented jazz musicians on show. Candles and elegant tables alongside a well stocked bar create a pleasant ambience.

Lava and Ignite 3 West Tollcross Often referred to as ‘Cav’, a reference to its previous identity, Lava & Ignite is a favourite with student hedonists. Expect foam parties, beach parties and lots of fancy dress nights.

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Lulu 125b George Street Now well established and always packed to bursting, Lulu is the newest of the George Street clubs. Its pretensions of grandeur, which include an over the top designer interior and miniscule VIP area shouldn’t put you off as it can still offer a lot of fun and decent music, as well as some of the city’s best student drinks offers.

palm trees. The feel of venue ranges dramatically depending on the night, from swanky elegance to down-to-earth energy. The DJs avoid chart boredom with a mash-up of electro, house and old-skool that you can really dance to.

Sneaky Pete’s 73 Cowgate Well, it has a dodgy name, is small, dark and located on the grubbiest corner of Cowgate. On the bright side, it’s cheap. What’s more, you will regularly find some up-and-coming DJ or band gracing the obscure interior. In fact, Sneaky Pete’s is tipped as the latest hot spot for progressive music and talent, so give it a bash if you’re curious.

Whynot? 14 George Street With a vibrant dance floor and enthusiastic staff, Whynot? offers a wide choice of drinks and ample side-seating which make this a trusted guarantor of a good night out. Popular with the ‘rahs’.

Medina 45 Lothian Street Medina exudes a lot of character and attracts a mixed bunch of folk outside of the student crowd. It regularly hosts a mixture of live music nights and a variety of breaks, beats and funky music. Padded seating to sink into between dances, thick carpets and Afghan rugs ensure a memorable night.

Opal Lounge 51a George Street Think glam late lounge meets laid-back Caribbean, complete with coconuts and

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Cinemas

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Edinburgh has developed a thriving identity as a city of cutting edge cinema, from the College of Art’s degree show screenings to the annual International Film Festival.

a great place to meet for a drink and the old-fashioned appearance, comfy chairs and smaller screens give the feel of movie-going as it’s meant to be.

Cineworld

The city has produced a number of iconic films and actors – most notably Sean Connery. The film adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s Trainspoting also became a cult classic when it came out in 1996. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film offered a sickening (albeit exaggerated and surrealist) glimpse into the lives of Edinburgh’s heroin addicts, and introduced Ewan McGregor to the world.

Fountainpark 30/3 Dundee Street www.cineworld.co.uk Located in the Fountain Park entertainment complex, Edinburgh’s Cineworld shares its surroundings with a bowling alley, casino and various places to eat. Cineworld has a members’ club which charges a monthly fee in exchange for unlimited films.

As well as the numerous cinemas dotted around town, the Edinburgh University’s Film Society offers a great choice of screenings, old and new. These usually take place at the Pleasance, George Square Lecture Theatre or Teviot. Membership is £10, although this grants free entry for the 40-odd films shown each semester. Be warned though, if you turn up to any of their social events you should have several facts about Citizen Kane and Metropolis up your sleeve…

The Filmhouse

Cameo 38 Home Street www.picturehouses.co.uk Membership at the Cameo is practically compulsory for any film lover in Edinburgh. At £18 a year for students (£27 for adults) it provides regular discounts, three free tickets, and free entry to every Sunday double bill, when a recent release is shown with another older, similar film. There are numerous special showings, such as operas broadcast live from their places of origin and late night screenings of cult films like Rocky Horror Picture Show. Foreign or independent films are shown alongside one major release each week. The bar is

88 Lothian Road www.filmhouse.com The Filmhouse plays a large range of films from documentaries to retrospectives to Hollywood blockbusters. It is the host of many diverse film festivals throughout the year and has a bar and restaurant as well. They have a membership scheme as well as a free loyalty programme in which you can earn points towards free tickets. On Friday matinees are only £2.10 for students.

Odeon 118 Lothian Road, www.odeon.co.uk An illuminated building on Lothian Road, the central branch of this well known chain has four screens and mostly shows new releases.

Vue (Omni) Greenside www.myvue.com The Omni centre is home to the 12 screen Vue cinema as well as a variety of places to eat, drink and be merry. It is just a five minute walk from Waverley Station, set at the top of Leith Walk.

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Comedy

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Whether you’re looking for the big names or budding stand-ups, Edinburgh is the city that can keep you laughing. First stop for all comedy fans has to be EUSA’s very own comedy night. Every other Tuesday the Pleasance brings you a selection of hot new talent from across the UK and is particularly good for seeing acts on the cheap that will be selling out massive venues in a few years time. For inexpensive Friday night chuckles check out the Improverts who perform every week at the Bedlam Theatre (10.30pm). This group of students’ fresh and off-the-cuff improv show never disappoints and can take you from little sniggers to all-out uncontrollable giggling highs. Audience participation is vital and you’ll be amazed at how the players manage to cope with suggestions for topics such as sliced cheese. The Improverts also run a weekly comedy workshop for beginners to improv veterans alike and most importantly it’s free! The group have 20 years of experience behind them so it’s a great place for budding comedians to cut their teeth. Workshops run every Saturday at noon from the 19th of September. A venue that can always guarantee comedy gold is The Stand Comedy Club, located on York Place. This cosy venue has played host to some huge names such Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey and scoops up Chortle’s Best Scottish Venue award year upon year. Especially recommended is the Wicked Wenches night which features an all-female line up and brings in some great headline acts such as this years if.comedy Best Newcomer award-winner Sarah Millican. Watch out for the wickedly funny compere Susan Calman; no punter in the front row will be spared.

The obvious draw for all comedy fans is the Edinburgh Fringe festival which pulls in acts and audiences from across the globe. For a student counting their pennies Fringe shows can be quite expensive (£10 a pop on average) so it’s well worth coming at the beginning of August for the cheaper preview shows. Serious comedy junkies should definitely consider getting a job either promoting comedy or working at one of the big venues as it can guarantee free passes to shows all month, just make sure you ask about it before you accept the job! For everyone else check out the Free Fringe, which does exactly what it says on the tin by providing laughs for absolute diddlysquat. www.improverts.co.uk www.thestand.co.uk freefringe.org.uk

Comedian Cochrane

Comedian Stewart Lee

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Theatres From musicals with jazz-hands aplenty to hard-hitting student theatre from your evening out, Edinburgh can provide it. Not only can it boast of hosting the August-long world renowned festival, the Scottish capital can also shout (very loudly) about its many wonderful theatres.

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Bedlam Theatre, a converted neogothic church standing impressively in Bristo Place, is crawling with exciting new talent. With regular student-run productions and a weekly comedy show by The Improverts, Bedlam is certainly the place to go for any budding young thespian. The twinned King’s and Festival Theatres, on Leven Street and Nicolson Street respectively, offer complimentary programmes to theatre-goers. You will find touring dramas at the former, with dramatisations of both Kes and The Grapes of Wrath arriving there this autumn. The Festival Theatre meanwhile is home to operas and ballets, and is the largest performance area in Scotland, second only to the Royal Opera House in Britain. The Scottish Ballet showcases their new season’s repertoire here this October to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary.

institution due to its exclusive dedication to new writing. It strives to produce at least one touring production every year and as such is a major attraction on the Edinburgh Festival venue map. Halfway down the Royal Mile lies The Scottish Storytelling Centre which includes the historic John Knox House, as well as a theatre space. Visits can be paid to this building to learn more about the man considered the founder of Presbyterianism Productions staged at the Centre’s Netherbow Theatre should not be forgotten as this intimate space offers charming recitals. The Playhouse can be found just along from the Omni Centre on Leith Walk.This is where the large touring productions come to entertain Edinburgh audiences; hot tickets this season include the musicals Beauty and the Beast, We Will Rock You and The Sound of Music.

The Royal Lyceum Theatre is a beautiful Victorian theatre on Grindlay Street, just off Lothian Road. The venue’s main output is drama, and a staging of James Hogg’s novel The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner opens this September - a must for the city’s English Literature students. If instead you enjoy discovering the next big thing, swing by Cambridge Street where the Traverse Theatre can be found. The Traverse is a unique Scottish

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AC A D E M I C D R E S S Gowns, hoods and hats for Universities and Colleges for purchase or to hire. College accessories, bespoke and ready to wear tailoring. Evening, country and casual wear, silk ties and accessories.

46 Frederick Street Edinburgh EH2 1EX Tel 0131 225 6354 Email edinburgh.shop@edeandravenscroft.co.uk www.edeandravenscroft.com

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When it comes to things to see and do, it’s safe to say that in Edinburgh, you really are never short of options. It might be windy, but Auld Reekie has a fantastic range of museums, galleries, and other attractions of all kinds that are the envy of cities the world over. At the heart of the city is the beautiful Royal Mile, crowned by the famous cliff-top Castle and anchored by the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along this ancient spine are many tourist attractions, and the area is home to some of Britain’s finest historic architecture. But there is far more to Edinburgh’s cultural offerings than just the Old Town. The National Gallery complex is only the glimmering tip of the iceberg when it comes to museums and galleries which range from a history of surgery to cuttingedge contemporary art.

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As well as all this, Edinburgh is blessed with beautiful parks and green spaces, from the horticultural heaven of the Botanic Gardens to the wild peaks of

Arthur’s Seat and Blackford Hill; the city also has miles of coastline, with beaches, fishing villages and historic harbours. From spectacular viewpoints to good oldfashioned bowling alleys via a zoo and a large dose of history, Edinburgh definitely has something to fill up all your free time – or distract you from your studies – and when you need an escape, there is the whole of beautiful Scotland, from the rugged mountains of the Highlands to the chic shops of Glasgow, right on your doorstep. Whilst we’ll try to give you a taste of the many pleasures the capital has to offer, for more information head to the helpful and well-stocked tourist information centre on Princes Street, above Waverley station, or try their website, www.edinburgh.org, which also includes information on the Edinburgh Pass, a card which provides free transport and entry to numerous attractions for up to three days.

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Easily one of the most fascinating visuals Scotland has to offer, Arthur’s Seat is not just a site for joggers, cyclists and clichéd marriage proposals. No, this attraction manages to pull in over a million visitors a year and gives Edinburgh residents the best of both worlds – a stunning cityscape and centrally placed taste of the countryside. This is the reason Edinburgh students can be smug over residents at rival campuses - particularly those whose environments that tend to resemble concrete car parks or motorway service stations. So where did this natural wonder come from? Who is this Arthur? Well, over 350 million years ago an extinct volcano was eroded by a glacier moving from west to east, which formed the main rump along with a neighboring tail of material known as the Salisbury Crags. With regards to the name, it is a common misconception it was derived from a myriad of legends pertaining to King Arthur. Snce Arthur never actually visited his Seat, it seems more likely that it came from a corruption of Ard-na-Said, a Gaelic phrase translated as ‘Archers hill’ due to its strategic defence capability.

So, the big question: Have you been up it yet? If the answer is yes, you can take pride in the fact that you have followed in the footsteps of greats like Burns, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. If not, then the sleepy student excuse doesn’t cut it: Iron Age man not only conquered the climb but also created a hill-fort on the summit and the 18-stone captain of the city guard, James Burnet, managed to run to the top in only fifteen minutes (Even if it did result in him collapsing: “like an expiring porpoise.”) Your reward for undertaking this 251 metre climb is an unrivaled panorama that allows you to realise that the city does extend beyond Princes Street and that we are actually on the coast. If instead you venture up at night, you might also like to ponder the mound’s darker history, stemming from the mysterious 1836 discovery of seventeen wooden coffins, each containing a carved figurine, and decide for yourself whether it was evidence of witchcraft or a memorial to victims of the infamous serial killers Burke and Hare.

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Arthur’s Seat

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Rosslyn Chapel was built in 1446 and remains to this day one of the most intriguing medieval structures in the country.

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Writers’ Museum

Royal Botanic Gardens

Cramond Island

Inverleith Row, Edinburgh www.rbge.org.uk If you are looking for somewhere warmer than the average British summer head for the Botanic’s famed glasshouses. With a minimum temperature of 16ºC and a maximum of 25ºC the Plants and People and the Tropical and the Temperate palm houses will not only warm you up but will delight your senses with the ancient Sabal bermudana, palm, tea plants to lemon trees and luxuriant tropical rainforest vegetation including bananas, rice, sugar and cocoa. At less than a mile from the city centre the Botanic Gardens are an oasis of calm and a superb setting for a picnic.

Accessible by causeway from Cramond Glebe A beautiful, isolated island in the Firth, offering a real escape from city life. Back on the mainland, the pretty village of Cramond has several pubs and eateries, as well as a charming rural atmosphere, easily accessible from central Edinburgh. Be aware of the tide as people can be stranded on the island.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Outlook Tower, 547-549 Castlehill 0131 226 3709 www.camera-obscura.co.uk The Camera Obscura show has delighted audiences for over 150 years. Moving images of Edinburgh are projected into the roftop chamber where those watching can pick them up and move things around. The rooftop views are among the most exquisite in Edinburgh and the Camera Obscura provides one of the most unique ways to see the city. The World of Illusions continues to amaze with its mind-boggling illusions ranging from holograms and bendy mirrors to the Morph Machine where you can see what you would look like as an ape.

Deep Sea World Battery Quarry, North Queensferry www.deepseaworld.com Deep Sea World is a spectacular underwater safari experience located in North Queensferry (just across the Forth Road Bridge in Fife). The centre lies beneath the bridge and can be reached in less than 20 minutes driving from Edinburgh. At 112 metres long and containing almost a million gallons of water the tank at Deep Sea World is one of the longest in the world and is home to an impressive variety of fish and other sea creatures, including the Sand Tiger shark. In addition, the cafe and gift shop make Deep Sea World the perfect place to explore some of the wonders of the deep as well as enjoying a coffee in the relaxing atmosphere of the centre.

Dynamic Earth Holyrood Road www.dynamicearth.co.uk Dynamic Earth takes you on an exciting journey through the past, present

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St Giles Cathedral

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and future of the planet we live on. A combination of interactive exhibits and remarkable technology ensures that the journey from such environments as the tropical rainforest to the freezing Tundra is engaging and exhilarating.

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill 0131 225 9846 www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk Edinburgh Castle has stood impressively on the cliff face towering over Princes Street for centuries. It became Scotland’s chief royal castle during the Middle Ages and later was the birthplace ofJames VI of Scotland. The son of Mary Queen of Scots, he later became James I of England after the Union of the Crowns. The Castle is also known for its one O’clock gun which has been fired almost every day (not on Sundays or during the World Wars) since 1861 when it was used as a time signal for ships.

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Edinburgh Dungeons 32 Market Street www.thedungeons.com The Edinburgh Dungeons is essentially a haunted house based on historical background in Scotland. Experience the eighteenth century anatomy theatre when it was all about the spectacle or the Extremis: Drop ride to doom to remind you of the horror of the hangman’s noose. You can explore the haunted labyrinth or feel the glory of the triumph and the grisly end of Scot’s hero William Wallace. Hold on to your stomachs for a gruesome day out.

Edinburgh Ghost Tours Tours begin at a number of points along the Royal Mile. Edinburgh is famous for its dark history, and has gained a reputation as one of the worlds ‘most haunted cities’. What

better way to experience it then than to take a tour of the city’s most ghostly sites?

Edinburgh Zoo 134 Costorphine Road 0131 334 9171 www.edinburghzoo.org.uk Sprawling down a hillside in the west of the city, Edinburgh Zoo is one of the country’s finest. Home to animals of all shapes and sizes, from gorillas to penguins, meerkats to tigers, the Zoo offers endless entertainment, as well as being an important centre of conservation.The Budongo Trail is a recent develpoment - a world-class chimpanzee enclosure which links conservation,eduaction and research with the excitment of seeing chimps up close in an outdoor environment that can house up to 40 of these scarily human animals.

Mary King’s Close 2 Warriston’s Close 0870 2430160 www.realmarykingsclose.com This perennially popular attraction takes you back over a hundred years to see what life was like for the ordinary people of Edinburgh living in the cramped ‘Closes’ of the Old Town. With guided tours by actors and a faithful reconstruction of all aspects of life in the past, Mary King’s Close isn’t so much a museum as a time-travelling experience.

Museum of Childhood 42 High Street A delightful collection of nostalgia that will take even the most cynical soul back in time to their childhood and give a glimpse into the worlds of children in times past.

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National War Museum Edinburgh Castle 0131 227 4413 www.nms.ac.uk Much of Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s history has been marked by war, and here you can experience the country’s military history on a more personal level, discovering about individual battles and seeing first-hand the weaponry that was used.

No 28 Charlotte Square 28 Charlotte Square 0844 4932100 www.nts.org.uk/Property/4/ Have you ever wondered what Edinburgh’s beautiful Georgian terraced houses were like back when they were originally built? No. 28 Charlotte Square offers the unique opportunity to travel back in time and experience the Georgian world for yourself.

Rosslyn Chapel Chapel Loan, Roslin 0131 440 2159 www.rosslynchapel.org.uk Rosslyn Chapel was built in 1446 and remains to this day one of the most intriguing medieval structures in the country. Since appearing in the 2006 film, “The Da Vinci Code,” the number of visitors the church receives has greatly increased. Whether you are searching for the Holy Grail or simply want to experience some beautiful medieval architecture, this is the place to be. The Chapel is steeped in history and its tranquil location in Roslin, just 30 minutes outside of the city, makes it ideal for an unusual day out.

Royal Yacht Britania Ocean Terminal,Leith 0131 555 5566 www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk Step aboard this famous ship and you will be following in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.

Palace of Holyroodhouse Canongate, Edinburgh 0131 556 5100 www.royalcollection.org.uk The Queen’s official residence in Scotland anchors the bottom of the Royal Mile. As well as being a beautiful

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Chambers Street 0131 225 7534 www.nms.ac.uk This museum is a treasure trove of Scottish history with varying travelling exhibitions. The 7th floor observation deck offers nice views over the city centre towards the castle. Free entrance, audio guides, and daily hour-long tours give a great overview of the museum and more in depth topical tours change daily. Highlights include the reliquary Robert the Bruce carried into battle and Dolly the cloned sheep.

historic house and major landmark, Holyroodhouse is home to various prestigious royal art collections.

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Noted for playing host to a number of influential people over the years, Britania took the Queen and her family all around the world for 44 years. It is now a fivestar tourist attraction moored next to Ocean Terminal and ready for exploring.

The Scotch Whisky Experience 354 Castlehill 0131 220 0441 www.whisky-heritage.co.uk The chances are that at some point during your stay in Edinburgh, you’ll come into contact with some local Scotch Whisky. For real whisky lovers or those who just want to find out more, the Scotch Whisky Experience will turn you from a novice into a connoisseur, as well as offering ample opportunity for tastings.

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Scott Monument Princes Street Gardens A 200 foot high spire to commemorate Sir Walter Scott’s (1771-1832) contribution to literature the monument boasts 64 statuettes of characters from his work. The top can be reached by climbing 287 steps and is rewarded by staggering views of Princes Street and its surroundings.

Scottish Mining Museum Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, 0131 663 7519 www.scottishminingmuseum.com Combine a short trip out of town and away from the bustle with a fascinating chance to learn about mining in Scotland. This top-rated museum offers the opportunity to really experience what it was like down the mines.

St Giles Cathedral Royal Mile www.stgilescathedral.org.uk Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh the beautiful architecture of the church deserves its place on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. St Giles is considered the Mother Church of Presbyterianism in Scotland and contains the Chapel Order of the Thistle. As well as the famous crown spire which forms part of Edinburgh’s skyline, the interior of the church is equally stunning. Admission to the cathedral is free although visitors are encouraged to make a donation and a sizeable gift shop is contained inside the cathedral with a variety of attractive souvenirs.

Surgeons’ Hall Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Nicolson Street 0131 527 1649 Right by the university, the Surgeons’ Hall is a more entertaining and informative distraction from studies than another cup of coffee. Learn about medicine through the ages, the gruesome and chilling truth about Burke and Hare or try your hand at keyhole surgery...

The Writers’ Museum Lady Stair’s House, Lady Stair’s Close 0131 529 4901 Discover the lives of the great writers that established Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the world’s great literary cities in this fascinating museum full of artifacts from such luminaries as Burns, Scott and Stevenson.

Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parliament is housed in a futuristic building at the Holyrood Palace end of the Royal Mile. The building itself has been the subject of some debate, but whilst the outside splits opinion the interior is simply breathtaking. From the high-ceilinged debating chamber to the artwork on the walls, everything is symbolic. The Scottish Parliament welcomed its millionth visitor in March 2007 and celebrated its tenth anniversary in July 2009. With the emphasis on accessibility and public participation the Parliament is a fascinating example of a truly 21st century legislature. The story of the Scottish Parliament stretches over many centuries. Following the Union of the Crowns in 1603, Scotland and England shared a monarch but it was not until 1707 and the Union of the Parliaments that they became one nation and were ruled by a government of Great Britain. However, from the 1960s calls for more control to be held in Scotland began to grow louder, and the latter half of the twentieth century saw various committees and campaigns advocating some form of self-governance.

In September 1997 a referendum was held in which 74.3% of votes cast were in favour that there should be a Scottish Parliament. The Scotland Bill was introduced to Parliament in January 1998 and became law as the Scotland Act in November 1998. The first elections were held on the 6th of May 1999 with the first meeting of the Parliament following on the 12th of May. The Queen officially opened the Parliament on the 1st of July 1999 when it received its full legislative powers. There are many factors which set the Scottish Parliament aside from its counterpart at Westminster. Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are elected through the Additional Member System (AMS) which is a form of proportional representation. This means the number of seats a party obtains in the Parliament is related to the number of votes they have received. The public are represented by a constituency MSP and seven list MSPs who are responsible for a wider geographical region. You can contact any of your eight MSPs or find out who your representatives are through the Scottish Parliament website, www. scottish.parliament.uk

Sightseeing

Scottish Parliament

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Galleries Contemporary galleries in Edinburgh For those seeking something a little more contemporary, Edinburgh houses a wealth of modern art galleries that specialise in a wide range of art and design disciplines.

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The most accessible of these, and the best place to start, is the Fruitmarket Gallery. Nestled beside Waverley station, this gallery aims to promote contemporary art to a wider audience, and does so with success. The exhibitions vary between sculpture, photography, video and painting and are always accompanied by an impressive calendar of talks and events by prominent art historians, curators and critics. The gallery is free and has a superb bookshop, housing the best collection of contemporary art books in Edinburgh. From here there are several other points of call that are of interest. Just across the road the City Art Centre has a sizable collection of Scottish Modern painting and an interesting calendar of temporary exhibitions, often familyorientated. The slightly more specialised Collective Gallery and Stills Gallery are located round the corner on Cockburn Street. The Stills concentrates on contemporary photography (both Scottish and International) whereas the Collective serves to promote up-and-coming Scottish Artists and recent graduates. For the really keen art enthusiast, venturing over to the ‘other side’ (of Princes Street) is well worth the trek. The Doggerfisher Gallery, Ingleby Gallery and the Edinburgh Printmakers are all closely situated near Leith Walk. The Edinburgh Printmakers, a well-established openaccess printmaking studio and adjacent gallery attracts a mix of international and

home-grown artists. The gallery hosts a range of original prints from resident artists to graphic art of all shapes and sizes. Its impressive history of exhibitions includes works from Marc Chagall , David Hockney, Matisse and Andy Warhol. The Ingleby and Doggerfisher both concentrate on solo exhibitions mainly by Scottish artists. Past exhibitions at the Doggerfisher include Claire Barclay, Charles Avery and Lucy Skaer. The Ingleby future exhibitions include work by Ian Hamilton Finley, and as well as gallery space the Ingleby has a series of art projects running throughout Edinburgh, such as the Edinburgh Billboard project. The newly established website www. edinburghcontemporary.org , brings together all contemporary art events, talks and exhibitions in Edinburgh into a concise calendar and is worth a look if you’re wanting to keep up to date with contemporary art events.

National Galleries Situated at the foot of the Mound, the National Gallery Complex consists of three interconnected buildings including the National Gallery of Scotland, home to a large part of Scotland’s national fine art collection. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is set nearby on Queen Street and the Modern Art Galleries complex is set just outside the central area at 75 Bedford Road and houses the Dean Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. Information on the National Galleries can be found at nationalgalleries.org

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Freshers can enjoy being both spectator and musician with the whirlwind of facilities and societies the city and University encompasses. In terms of the Universitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; music societies, there is optimum opportunity to be involved in orchestras, bands, and ensembles that are either open to all, or based upon auditions. Edinburgh is home to venues such as The Queens Hall, the Festival Theatre,

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Edinburgh occupies an elite status among cultural cities. In particular it offers a varied selection when it comes to classical music, evident from the Edinburgh International Festival in August, renowned worldwide for the quality it promotes.

and, from August, the newly refurbished Usher Hall. All year round the city hosts a variety of different concerts. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra itself is based in Edinburgh, and various other companies make regular visits, such as the RSNO, providing an under-26 card, entitling the younger generation to tickets at the price of a mere ÂŁ5. The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is another, with concerts in the Usher Hall in October 2009, and March 2010. Again, student tickets are only ÂŁ5. During term time, there are generally free lunchtime concerts on Tuesday and Friday in the Reid Hall of Edinburgh University. Both on campus and around the city in general, classical music is an accessible and enjoyable feature.

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Classical Music

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Festivals Edinburgh during the Festivals is as charged and fanatical about producing world-class entertainment as it ever was. The prospect of the Festivals being on the brink of anarchy aside, the month of August in Edinburgh is rightly considered one of the brightest and best sources of culture and entertainment in the world. As Edinburgh holds the biggest arts festival in the world it is no surprise that there is a show/exhibition/pub for all tastes, however refined or bizarre.

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Primarily Edinburgh is famous for its comedy. 2008’s triumphant stand-up, David O’Doherty, took the £8,000 top prize in the Intelligent Finance Comedy Awards for his blend of Irish charm and wit. Leo Benedictus of the Guardian gushed that ‘when a standup gig goes this well, you do get a sense of how religions are started.’ The Edinburgh International Book Festival transforms Charlotte Square into a literary wonderland boasting tents for events, wooden walkways and ice cream for when the sun shines and plastic ducks to float in the puddles when it rains. Big name appearances are a given with Carol Ann Duffy, Alexander McCall Smith, Jaqueline Wilson and Salman Rushdie taking to the stage in recent years. The Fringe remains as exciting and frenzied as ever, and is still very prone to spilling its contents onto the Royal Mile, often resulting in gangs of actors prancing around and ambushing unsuspecting passers by. With big name comedians, ermerging talent, student productions and more shows than you could possibly see, August is an exciting time to be in Ediburgh. Don’t worry if you can’t think of where to begin as the streets fill with people handing out flyers to their show which has resulted in the Royal Mile

Challenge - to make it fromone Royal Bank of Scotland arch to the other (George IV Bridge to North Bridge) without acquiring a flyer, although be warned as you could miss something good. The fun doesn’t end when the nights draw in as Princes Street becomes a virtual Winter Wonderland come November. If you can bear the frostbite to squeeze among the crowds when they switch on the lights an electric tingle seems to shoot through the city and lift it from the winter gloom. This event opens Edinburgh’s Winter Festival, which plays out over the Christmas period. In Princes Street gardens, there is the much-anticipated German Market and Winter Wonderland including an illuminated ferris wheel, mulled wine and a temporary ice rink in the midst of a glowing Princes Street Gardens. Here, Christmas gifts have a handcrafted and personal design, and there is food and mulled wine aplenty to take the edge off the chill. Calton Hill is literally illuminated on the 30th of April. The annual event celebratesthe Beltane Fire Festival, which since the 1980s has been celebrating an ancient tradition of greeting the spring. It remains an intense experience that is drowned in drumming, and lights up the skies. A bonfire, dancing and processions furiously mix in an eclectic and potent performance, which is explosive for all the right reasons when bringing in May day. WARNING: Tends to contain full frontal nudity.

Edinburgh Fringe

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If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up to the challenge, Portobello Beach is a fantastic day out. Located three miles east of the city centre, the beach is stunning. Proper sands (the kind you remember from childhood beach holidays) sprawl out all the way along the Edinburgh coast. The sea can be tumultuous and aggressive, or the picture of tranquility depending on the weather. Rocky crevices break up the coastline and provide a welcome break from the concrete cone-zones which hallmark the roads running parallel. The whole area is apparently frozen in a Victorian-esque pocket of time. Once a hugely popular holiday destination at the beginning of the twentieth century, the area has been allowed to deteriorate

There are a few cafes and pubs which run along a promenade facing the beach. There are a great many others which were clearly shut down years ago and left as pillars of the past; standing peacefully under the eclipse of the beauty of the rolling seas. The main thoroughfare, Portobello Road, bustles beyond and offers all manner of refreshments and shops. Lothian Bus number 26 will get you there and back, and it will take about half an hour from the end of Princes Street, taking you straight from the busy city centre to a haven of escapism. Alternatively taxis from Pollock Halls of Residence will cost around ÂŁ10. Bring a barbeque, a guitar, some games, and a big coat; the coastline is so stunning that you will forget that you are minutes away from the city centre.

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Choose your day trip to Portobello Beach wisely; blustering winds, torrential rain and mild sandstorms can spontaneously materialize in seconds leaving you standing, bucket and spade in one hand and upside-down umbrella in the other, windswept, exhausted and bemused.

slightly over the last couple of decades. However, this does not impinge the beach itself, which retains a wild but beautiful and very Scottish landscape.

Sightseeing

Portobello Beach

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Literary Walking Tour Edinburgh isn’t UNESCO City of Literature for nothing; it boasts statues, cafés, monuments, and even pubs with a rich literary background.

Sightseeing

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Start off on Princes Street, the opening scene of the film version of Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting. Further down towards North Bridge lies the Scott Monument set in the surroundings of Princes Street Gardens. Completed in 1844, the Gothicstyle tower contains 287 steps which can be climbed by the general public for a couple of pounds, with a certificate at the end to mark completion. Further along Princes Street is Waverley Station named after one of Scott’s greatest novels. Across North Bridge, the Royal Mile hold a host of literary places. A statue of the poet Robert Fergusson, towards Holyrood Palace, there is the Scottish Poetry Library and Storytelling Centre or up towards the castle you will find Deacon Brodie’s Tavern, the inspiration behind Muriel Spark’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Robert Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde.

Continuing down the same road you come to the Elephant House Café, famous for it’s affiliation with J.K. Rowling, mainly for being one of the main places in Edinburgh in which the Harry Potter series was born and written. Looking out of the back window at Edinburgh Castle it’s hard not to see where the inspiration for Hogwarts came from. Just down the road is the statue to commemorate Greyfriars Bobby, the faithful dog who stood over his master’s grave in the kirk behind for fourteen years. Moving into Bristo Square you finally reach George Square of Edinburgh University, the first university in Scotland to teach Scottish Literature as a separate subject. Just down the road on West Nicolson Street is Word Power Books, a hub of literary activity as an independent bookshop and worth a look, especially with events being held frequently including readings and book festivals. Needless to say there are many more, but these places are guaranteed to give you a taste of Edinburgh’s literary heritage.

Hidden down Lady Stair’s Close is the Edinburgh Writer’s Museum. With free exhibitions it’s worth a look round. Surrounding the building are flagstones engraved with some of the more poetic offerings of Scottish writers from Fergusson to Scott. Moving back down George IV Bridge away from the Royal Mile you’ll find the National Library of Scotland and the Central Library, two heavyweights of the Edinburgh literary scene. Both much more impressive and beautiful than the Univerity library, they are both used by the public and offer many events throughout the year. Scottish Storytelling Cemntre

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Lothian Buses operate over 50 routes around the city and the buses cover more than 37 million kilometres per year.

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Arm yourself with a good map, a chocolate bar and a pak-a-mak (this is Scotland, afterall) and head out of Pollock Halls towards Arthur’s Seat. Take a sharp right and follow the road about a mile to Duddingston village. Duddingston is most notable for its picturesque houses and quaint character, somewhat akin to the set of Emmerdale. You may choose to spend the rest of the day at the truly authentic Sheep’s Heid pub (Scotland’s oldest surviving public house) which serves a huge selection of drinks suitable for hair-of-the-dog at any time of day or night. Moving on through Duddingston you’ll end up at the A1. Cross this and follow the Duddingston road for about a mile until you reach the quirky seaside town of Portobello: Edinburgh’s answer to Blackpool pleasure beach. Here you can try out the groovy amusement arcades whilst munching on chips or ice-cream; alternatively you can take a refreshing dip in the Firth of Forth. From Portobello you can easily hop on a bus back to town (take any of the 16, 26, 42, or 66) or keep going on down London Road. This eventually merges with Leith Walk. The old seaport district of Leith is most famous for being the main setting for ‘Trainspotting’; however it is now fast becoming one of the most trendy and

At the Leith roundabout you can cut through to the path leading up Calton Hill. The spectacular view from the top encompasses Leith, the Firth of Forth and Holyrood Park. The scattering of monuments on the hill include the telescope-shaped Nelson monument and the National monument (built as a tribute to Parthenon). Calton Hill becomes host to the nudity-filled Beltane Fire Festival on May Day Eve, at which you can unleash your inner heathen identity should the mood take you. Moving westwards onto Princes Street you will come to the beautiful Princes Street Gardens, usually buzzing with sun-bathers on a hot day. On the other side of Princes Street there is George Street; home to student clubbers by night and yummy mummies by day, to reach the refined New Town. Spend hours wandering around the magnificent Georgian terraces used as the setting for the brilliant ‘Shallow Grave’. The Modern Art Gallery can be accessed via Belford Road, another way to spend a rainy afternoon. Returning across Princes Street, go up Lothian Road to Tollcross. This area is home to the Filmhouse and the Cameo, two of the city’s finest indie cinemas (as well as a selection of strip clubs.) Continuing on from here you will reach the cherry-blossom lined Meadows which separate Marchmont from George Square. Once you reach the far end, a 5 minute walk will take you back to Pollock Halls. If you are thirsty for more outdoor adventure check out the University’s Cycling, Hillwalking and Mountaineering Clubs. These active societies have weekly socials and fortnightly outings suitable for all levels. Have fun!

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Wondering how best to explore this enigmatic city? The answer is by foot, or for the more active, by bike. The ancient volcanic landscape gives Edinburgh its distinctive hills; though your average Fresher might take for granted the view of Arthur’s Seat from their window, the city and surrounding area lends itself perfectly for strolls and cycles filled with breathtaking views. The following route spans approximately six miles and could be completed in a leisurely half-day’s cycle or a longish walk.

fashionable parts of Edinburgh; a great place to lose yourself one sunny afternoon, or visit the early morning weekend fish market.

Getting Around

Cycle/walking tour

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Outside Edinburgh Glasgow Glasgow is a busy student haven that wonderfully compliments Edinburgh’s more laid back persona. For one thing, it is the musical capital of Scotland. Be it big name artists in venues like the ABC, the Academy, or the popular Barrowlands, or up-and-comers in the legendary Kings Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, you can always count on Glasgow for a good gig. Regular club nights in such fashionable venues as the Arches and the Art School are another popular draw.

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It is also a great city for shopping, being generally regarded as the best outside London. It has all the big names to be found in Edinburgh and more, an exclusive parade of designer stores on Ingram Street and a range of studentfriendly boutiques of the West End. But there is more to Glasgow than gigs and shops. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery, amongst the biggest and best in the UK, the Royal Concert Hall and events such as the Aye Write book festival and the Merchant City Festival in October all make Glasgow a cultural capital that is often overlooked.

St Andrews A pretty seaside town which enjoys a worldwide reputation as the home of golf and of the third oldest University in the English-speaking world. The beautiful West Sands beach stretches out for almost two miles of sand and was used in the opening sequence of Chariots of Fire. The town centre is small; there is a running joke that St Andrews only has three streets, but they are brimming with unusual shops, cafes and pubs. The University of St Andrews’ buildings are woven throughout the town providing

stunning architecture and dramatic skylines. Golf plays a large part in St Andrews’ tourism, with regular championships and the famous Old Course. If sport isn’t your thing then there is still plenty to explore in St Andrews such as the ruins of the old Cathedral or the remains of St Andrews castle. If it rains - and St Andrews’ weather can be unpredictable - there is always the local Aquarium where you can gaze at the fish, or there are the town’s many coffee shops which provide the perfect setting to while away many an hour.

Dundee Dundee is home to RRS Discovery, the ship which Captain Scott commanded in his race to the Antarctic. Now a fivestar visitor attraction it is possible to climb aboard and explore the ship and accompanying exhibition. Dundee is also home to DC Thompson, a Scottish publishing company responsible for the Beano and the Dandy. There is even a statue of Desperate Dan near the town’s main square.

Anstruther This fishing village is renowned for the prizewinning Anstruther Sea Bar and Restaurant which was named the UK Fish and Chip shop of the year in 2008/2009.

North Berwick A popular excursion, North Berwick is an attractive seaside town just 25 miles east of Edinburgh. Its sandy beaches make for a pleasant stroll beneath the overlooking Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth.

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You don’t have to be a serious walker, or even particularly fit, to get up a Munro or two (Munros are the 284 mountains in Scotland over 914 metres high). All you need to be is adequately prepared. The mountains can be dangerous, but if you are properly kitted out and prepared these risks rapidly diminish. Check the forecast before you go. You’ll probably be surprised by the number of sunny days there are: www.mwis.org.uk gives an excellent forecast with particular reference to hill walkers. Essential things to take are good walking boots, warm clothes and waterproofs, and a map and compass should go without saying. Also a whistle for attracting attention and a torch just in case your navigation isn’t quite up to scratch could come in handy. Finally, let someone

If all that sounds like a bit of a mission then the low level scenery is still beautiful. Why not spend a summer afternoon losing yourself in a glen? There’s plenty of wildlife to see: grouse, snow buntings, hares, red and roe deer to name but a few. Northern Scotland has almost 24 hour daylight in midsummer and in the winter there is always the chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Travelling by car is the most convenient way to go North, however trains and buses run regular services to many of the mountainous areas of Scotland. Exploring the great outdoors is best done with friends but if you can’t persuade anyone to give up their weekend lie-ins then the Edinburgh University Mountaineering and Hillwalking Clubs are always eager for new members. They’ve both got bags of experience, organise minibuses to the mountain areas of Scotland and training weekends for those who need it, as well as essential gear hire. First and foremost though it’s a fantastic way to meet new people, have amazing experiences and make friends which will last a lifetime.

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Edinburgh has a large population of students and yet many have been in Edinburgh for several years and never ventured north of the Firth of Forth. Go! The most spectacular scenery awaits you. From the rolling arable fields of Aberdeenshire to the stark and forbidding stare of the Cuillin Hills on Skye there is a plethora of views, wildlife and some of the peace which can be harder to find in Edinburgh.

know where you are going and what time you expect to be back.

Getting Around

The Scottish Highlands

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Getting Around

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Further Afield If Scotland doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t satisfy your need for escape and adventure, or you simply want to soak up a bit of sun after a long Edinburgh winter, never fear. Edinburgh airport is just a twenty-five minute bus journey from the city centre, and a plethora of cheap flights await you, with carriers such as Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2 offering the chance to escape from as little as 99p (before the inevitable taxes and charges). Destinations include great cities like Rome, Madrid and Berlin, alongside the beaches of Spain, France, Italy and Croatia, the Alps and less visited gems such as Bremen and Toulouse. The new St Pancras International terminal in London also means that for the more environmentally-conscious, Edinburgh is just one interchange away from the continent by train. For trips further afield, or to plan your summer trips and travels, there are various student associations and fairs on offer on campus, as well as branches of STA travel and the Flight Centre on Forrest Road, just a hop, skip and a jump away from George Square. Edinburgh has excellent public transport links to the rest of the UK. As well as regular

flights to London and other further-away cities from Edinburgh airport, right in the centre of town is Waverley station, a major hub of the UK railway network. Trains run across the country, to destinations from Inverness to Penzance, with all the major rail companies. For more information and links to the individual companies, go to www.nationalrail.co.uk, www.thetrainline. com or head into the stationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful ticket office. A second, smaller station at Haymarket in the West End is also a stop on certain major train routes, particularly to Glasgow and the West Coast (both North and South of the border). Despite the current roadworks on the streets around it, St Andrew Square bus and coach station remains fully functional. Discreetly located behind the upmarket boutiques of Multrees Walk, services operate from here both to local destinations and the rest of the UK. Companies like Megabus (www.megabus.com) and National Express (www.nationalexpress. com) offer services from here to many major cities (including London), often at considerably lower prices than the train or plane. The Silver Choice coach service also runs overnight services between Edinburgh (and Glasgow) and London: for more information see www.firstgroup.com

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One of the joys of being a student in Edinburgh is how walkable the city is. The George Square campus, city centre and the main student areas, from Marchmont and Bruntsfield to New Town, are all within walking distance of each other. Even Pollock Halls is only a fifteen or twenty minute stroll from George Square. The only longer journey that many students will have to make regularly is to King’s Buildings, which are still within walking distance of Marchmont and accessible by free shuttle bus from George Square or by Lothian bus service number 41. Unlike many cities, Edinburgh students can and do live right in town and around the campus, and walking from place to place is a great way to take in the sights of the beautiful Scottish capital as well as getting your bearings.

Buses Edinburgh has a comprehensive bus network run by Lothian Buses. Their website (www.lothianbuses.com) is very useful and includes easy-to-use route maps of the city and city centre. The flat fare on the bus network is £1.20, day tickets cost £3 and there are various bus passes available at different rates for different periods of time, should you be using the network a lot. Lothian Buses also runs a number of night buses. For more information, there are three Lothian Buses Travelshops located in the centre of Edinburgh: on Waverley Bridge by the station, on Hanover Street and on Shandwick Place in the West End, where staff will be happy to answer your queries and give advice on transportation. In years to come, the bus network will be complimented with a new tram line (hence the massive road-

Getting to Edinburgh Airport To get to and from the airport in Edinburgh is also straightforward. The airport express shuttle bus (www. flybybus.com) runs regular buses (every ten minutes during the day) from Waverley Bridge to the airport and back, the journey each way taking under half an hour. At night the N22 replaces this service with one running every half-hour. Both services cost £3.50 one way or £6 return. There is also the option of getting the number 35 bus from Forrest Road/ Lauriston Place by George Square and various other city centre stops to the airport for the standard £1.20 fare, but the journey takes considerably longer.

Renting a car Whilst many students choose not to drive in Edinburgh due to its walkability and the lack of parking space, if you want to hire a car for a day or for longer for a trip out of town, there are plenty of car rental companies in the city, including Enterprise Rent-a-Car (www.enterprise. co.uk), Edinburgh Car Hire (www. edinburghcarhire.com), Easy Car (www. easycar.com), Hertz (www.hertz.co.uk), Arnold Clark (www.arnoldclarkrental. com) and Thrifty (www.thrifty.co.uk).. For advice on which to use try asking in the tourist information office. Many of these companies have offices at the airport or near to Waverley Station in the city centre. There is also a City Car Club (www.citycarclub.co.uk) which offers hourly rates for the use of their cars Whilst using a combination of walking, buses and cars – not to forget cycling – you can get almost anywhere you like in the Edinburgh area, for any other

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Walking

works on Princes Street and elsewhere), though the first phase of this at least will probably be of limited use to most students.

Getting Around

Getting Around in Edinburgh

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journeys, for when you have a lot of bags or have had a wee bit too much to drink, Edinburgh has a number of taxi companies vying for your custom. City Cabs (www.citycabs.co.uk, 0131 2281211) are probably the most popular, and use a standard metered rate, but there are several other options:

• Central Taxis: www.taxis-edinburgh. co.uk, 0131 2292468

• ComCab: www.comcab-edinburgh. co.uk, 0131 2728000

• Festival City: www.festivalcitycars.

co.uk, 0131 5521777 – a bit more pricey, but with a larger range of options including cabs that seat more than five people.

• Capital Cars: www.

capitalcarsscotland.co.uk, 0131 6226000 – similar service to Festival.

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• Castle Cabs: 0131 2282555

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Shopping

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Cockburn Street and Victoria Street, house some of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most interesting independent retailers.

Princes Street at dusk

Shoppers on Princes Street

Whilst Edinburgh’s appeal lies largely in its history and its beauty, and unlike some student cities (including neighbouring Glasgow) it is not known for its shopping, the Scottish capital nonetheless has a wealth of stores to discover for people of all tastes. In this section, we hope to give you some ideas beyond the obvious Princes Street main drag, as well as pointing you towards the best places to do your weekly shop or get a half-decent haircut.

various shopping centres such as the Gyle Centre and Ocean Terminal.

Shopping

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If you still can’t find what you are looking for, Glasgow is less than an hour’s train ride away, offering one of the widest selections of retail in the UK.

The Royal Mile is largely composed of tartan-and-bagpipes tourist shops, but the smaller streets of the Old Town, particularly Cockburn Street and Victoria Street, house some of the city’s most interesting independent retailers. To the south, near the George Square campus, are a range of shops catering to student tastes, from supermarkets to vintage clothing. The average student perhaps rarely ventures beyond these well established shopping areas, but neighbourhoods such as Stockbridge and Bruntsfield have a range of delights on offer, whilst out of town there are

Victoria Terrace

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Princes Street is of course Edinburgh’s most famous and prominent shopping street, offering most of the usual High Street culprits, whilst parallel George Street is home to more upscale chains and a few independent retailers. If your budget stretches to it, Harvey Nichols anchors the exclusive designer shopping stretch of Multrees Walk just to the east.

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Shopping

Focus on: Stockbridge Shopping in Edinburgh tends to be exemplified by Princes Street, a long string of high-street fashions. However, beyond Princes Street is a goldmine of vintage and charity shops which are often undiscovered by students. Green, leafy streets take you down the hill into a little village in the heart of the city: whether you have a low budget or a massive wardrobe, Stockbridge proves full of surprises. Tucked into a corner, Elaine’s Vintage Clothing is a tiny treasure trove and a Stockbridge gem. Clothes are hung outside the shop, hinting at the openness to be experienced inside. The rails of clothes are eye-catching but not cluttered while accessories – top hats and other Victorian pieces – hang against the wall above. Although prices are not cheap it is far from overpriced, and Elaine offers advice on what might suit you, being helpful, but never pushy. The shop has been open for approximately twenty years, and has an enduring quality. Variety is key: floral, flimsy, sequined, flicking through is close to time-travel. Tempting you to play dress-up all day, Elaine’s Vintage Clothing is refreshing, retaining vintage charm and glamour whilst remaining accessible. For one-off vintage designs, Chic and Unique stands out as you approach. This miniature vintage jewellery store has been open for just five years. Both wearable and outlandish jewellery are available, with masks above, and glittering gems in glass cases all the way below. Many of the prices are definitely not suited to a student budget, but there are still some pieces for under £20.

Although some of the boutiques are expensive, you can just window-shop in between bargain hunting. Unlike in many places, the charity shops are large, making shopping more fruitful - particularly Barnardo’s, with its handpainted windows and a bright spacious interior. A sign on the window calls for donations for “vintage Barnardo’s,” fitting right into Stockbridge’s aura, though there are so many charity shops in this area worth mentioning. One in particular is Shelter on Raeburn Mews, a large shop split into three parts, whilst Cancer Research, has pretty flowerdecorated canvas bags for £2.99. Further into Stockbridge, The Bethany Shop represents a charity for the homeless many are perhaps unaware of. The sheer variety on display, combined with the thought of what your money will contribute to, make all of these shops essential for browsing. You could easily spend a day on the streets of Stockbridge, sitting at one of the café tables that spill out onto the pavements, or hiding cosily inside. Delicatessens line the streets, and oldfashioned bakeries abound. There is a Stockbridge Market, and if you need a lunch-time break, Maxi’s café and Delicatessen is ideal. On top of all this, gift and craft shops pop up continually, showcasing appealing designs behind their cute, bohemian doors. The area definitely has an individual appeal, an unusual rustic charm to its cobbled streets and a bohemian air. Stockbridge is a bit of a puzzle, with places hidden in nooks and corners. Yet, herein lies ts appeal – half of the fun is in the discovery.

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There is a decent-sized Sainsbury’s in the centre of town, and a Marks & Spencer Simply Food is almost opposite. M&S also has a Morningside branch near fellow high-end food emporium, Waitrose. Larger Sainsbury’s, as well as Asda and Tesco are to be found further out for when you need to do a massive shop.

Newington/Southside/Old Town Lidl, 54 Nicolson Street Sainsbury’s, 29-30 Simpson Loan Tesco Express, 158 Causewayside Tesco Metro, 94 Nicolson Street

Bruntsfield/Morningside Marks and Spencer Simply Food, 212216 Morningside Road Tesco Metro, Colinton Road Waitrose, 145 Morningside Road,

Lothian Road Area Sainsbury’s, 3 Morrison Street Tesco Express, 32 Earl Grey Street

City Centre Marks and Spencer, 54 Princes Street Sainsbury’s, 9-10 St. Andrews Square

Out of Town Asda - Edinburgh Supercentre 100 The Jewel, Brunstane

Shopping

First things first, we all need to eat. Whether you’re living in self-catering or catered accomodation, at some point, you’re going to need to do some kind of food shop. All the major supermarket chains are to be found in Edinburgh, though larger superstores are further out of town than the average student travels. However, inner city Edinburgh is home to a plethora of independent food shops, including delicatessens, bakers, greengrocers, fishmongers and much, much more. Spending your money at a faceless chain definitely is not your only option. However if you just don’t have the time or energy, Tesco on Nicolson Street, right by George Square campus is a popular option. For bargains, head up the road to Lidl where your money can go a lot further.

Independent Food Shops:

• Bonningtons Delicatessen, 75 Clerk Street & 38 Dalkeith Road

• Central Fruit, 138 Bruntsfield Place • Demijohn, 32 Victoria Street (unique liquid delicatessen)

• Eddie’s Seafood Market, 7 Roseneath Street, Marchmont

• Nadia’s, 18 Argyle Place, Marchmont (Greengrocer)

• Oriental Supermarket, Lauriston Place

• Peckhams Delicatessen, 49 South Clerk Street & 155-159 Bruntsfield Place

• Pine Tree Bakery, 64 Home Street,Tollcross

• Razwan, 15 Brougham Place,

Tollcross (small Indian supermarket)

• Scott’s Deli, 10 Gillespie Place • Welch Fishmongers, 12 Clerk Street Farmers’ Market Castle Terrace A favourite with the more ethically aware, or those who just want the highest quality ingredients, the farmers market is the place to go to get your organic local produce direct from the hands of the farmers that produced it. Held every Saturday, the market sells everything from meat and veg to bread and cheeses, and even organic soaps.

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Shopping

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Focus on: Southside and Tollcross Right under the noses of George Square students are some of Edinburgh’s greatest shopping treasures. Whilst much of the area around campus may seem fairly mundane compared to the historical heart of the city or the big stores of Princes Street, and have connotations of hungover lectures and dashes to the supermarket, if you wander around with your eyes open there are gems to be found. Chief amongst them is the Rusty Zip, which whilst tiny is one of Edinburgh’s premier vintage stores, run by the same people who own Edinburgh institution Armstrongs’ (with branches on Grassmarket and Clerk Street). Around the corner on Forrest Road is Watch, purveyors of horlogical jewellery par excellence, and a hop, skip and jump further is Candlemaker Row, home to geek heaven Dead Head comics and Underground Nation, where you can unleash your inner goth or cyber-punk. Meanwhile, on the main Pollock HallsGeorge Square drag of Nicolson Street and Clerk Street is a wealth of charity shops, which are great for hunting for bargains, whether it be gifts, costumes or just some great second hand clothing finds – newly revamped Oxfam is a prime example. The street is also home to a range of delicatessens, fishmongers and other independent food shops – a welcome alternative to chain supermarkets. Many students don’t get as far as Tollcross, a ten minute walk across the Meadows from Newington or George Square, but they’re missing out. One of

Edinburgh’s most multicultural areas, Tollcross is home to yet more tempting food stores, and miscellaneous bargainmongers selling all kinds of everyday and unusual items you never knew you needed. Slightly nearer to the University, and right by the College of Art, is West Port, a tiny stretch of independent retailers that prove that good things can come in small packages. Pageant is one of the city’s leading independent menswear boutiques, and doubles as an art space, whilst Herman Brown is an exquisite vintage store with delightfully friendly staff. A nail factory, an Aladdin’s cave of jewellery and streetwear at Goodstead are also major draws. The gems of Edinburgh’s Southside may require a little more searching than Princes Street or George Street, but they are definitely worth the effort for a bit of variety right by George Square campus.

Edinburgh can at first appear superficial; all castles, bagpipes and flag waving. It is, after all, a tourist attraction par excellence and as a result isn’t the cheapest of places to study. This balance of academic needs and cash problems presents a dilemma. If in search of the items on your new book list, Edinburgh’s second hand bookshops can offer a cheaper solution and although you will have to work slightly harder to track down the title you’re after, some might say that’s part of the fun. Aesthetically the solution is not necessarily a pleasant one and secondhand book shops can be woefully frustrating, being nestled in random parts of the city; cold, musty and disorganised, they can have the air of a bumbling academic who is long past it. Owners are often little more than strange goblin creatures skulking in the corner or disinterested readers who just happen to own a shop. Yet unlike many of the sanitised chain stores. second hand bookshops tend to have a much broader range of texts, many of which are out of print. They also have that often overlooked quality in our culturally whitewashed age of ‘character.’ Obviously it helps if they don’t smell of a hundred years of staleness, but it shouldn’t really matter. It’s the intellectual substance that counts! This, incidentally, is an important lesson to learn when dealing with academics as well as second-hand books.

Grassmarket Arm Chair Books, Edinburgh Books and Main Point Books These – assuming you’re anywhere near George square – are your best port of call for buying second hand books. Edinburgh Books, at the top, is well organised and has a massive selection of books (complete with Irish owner).

Armchair Books, further down the road, is not as organised or clean, but is equally well stocked. Main Point also offers a surprising array of books – especially military and Scottish history. These tend to be heaped rather than stacked however. Bring a spade. Till’s Bookshop 1 Hope Park Crescent Again, close to George Square, well organised and with a large science fiction/ fantasy – section, as well as tonnes of literature. Not as many academic texts however. Word Power Bookshop 43-45 West Nicholson Street Situated close to university, this radical and independent bookshop offers a huge range of books not necessarily stocked in other shops. It also host regular readings by authors, and an alternative book fringe in August. Oxfam Nicolson Street and the Royal Mile - 116 Nicolson Street and 109 High Street Two decent second hand book shops within easy walking distance of George Square. Although the Nicolson street branch is fairly small, it has a good selection, is well organised and caters for students (although there is no discount.) It is also very close to a Barnardos bookshop on 45 Clerk Street. On the Royal Mile the Oxfam bookshop is bigger, and has a wider selection, although is aimed more at tourists than students.

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Bookshops

Shopping

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Clothes

Shopping

Though Edinburgh is not renowned for its clothes shops, it does have good spots if you are willing to look. The first port of call is likely to be Princes Street, which features many of the High Street giants such as student favourites Topshop, GAP and H&M and the ever reliable Next and Marks and Spencers. The adjacent George Street meanwhile can be a bit more exclusive, with its more glamorous stores often signalling a step up in price, particulaly as you head towards St Andrew Square and its prominent Harvey Nichols.

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The St. James Centre on Leith Walk is central Edinburgh’s main indoor shopping centre, and features many more of the high street brands and a convenient food court. The John Lewis department store is a popular draw. For the more discerning shopper however, Edinburgh does have its gems. Victoria Street, off the Grassmarket features a number of trendy boutiquies, while the nearby Amrstrongs is a mecca for the vintage connoisseur. West Port and Bread Street at the other end of the Grassmarket too contain a number of fashionable outlets, largely looking to serve the students of the nearby College of Art.

Places to Know Florists Flowers by Monica Higgins, 22 Argyle Place Honeysuckle, 146 Bruntsfield Place Twigs, 47 Newington Road Williamson Design Florist, St Marys Street

Gift Shops The Body Shop, 90a Princes Street

Coco (Chocolatier), 174 Bruntsfield Place The Disney Store,18-19 Princes Street Halibut and Herring,108 Bruntsfield Place Past Times, 7A Frederick Street Present, 26 St Marys Street he Scotch Whisky Experience,354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile

Edinburgh Bargain Stores 5-9 St Patrick’s Square Edinburgh Bargain Stores is a student institution. Just off campus, this is the number one destination for stationery, themed outfits, electrical goods, cutlery... You name it, they stock it. The staff are friendly and used to pointing out everything from the mundane to the bizarre for the slightly overwhelmed shopper, so if you can’t think where to get that masking tape or those fairy wings, now you know.

The Bike Station 250 Causewayside The Bike Station is a charity that promotes the recycling and reuse of bicycles in Edinburgh. By keeping as many old and damaged bicycles as possible from landfill, repairing them and selling them back to the public the Bike Station are able to sell adult bikes at an average price of £55, complete with a three month guarantee. The perfect way to get around Edinburgh cheaply and quickly.

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Health and beauty Hairdressers

Shopping

Cheynes Various branches throughout the city. www.cheyneshairdressing.com 57 South Bridge, 0131 556 0108 Medusa www.medusahair.co.uk 26 Bread Street,0131 622 7277 6-7 Teviot Place, 0131 225 6627 Panache 14 Morningside Road, 0131 447 3766 Toni & Guy www.toniandguy.com 141 Geoge Street, 0131 220 5425

Barbers Afrin Barber 76 West Port, 07833 448031 Alfonsoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3 Lochrin Place, 0131 2294962 Barbers 321 3 Clerk Street, 0131 668 3666

Beauty Treatments

Lulu 1-1a Leven Street, 0131 221 1900 www.lulubeautyspa.co.uk Zen Lifestyle 2-3 Teviot Place, 0131 226 6777 www.zen-lifestyle.com Both Stevenson & Telford Colleges offer cut-price beauty treatments performed by trainee-students at their campuses in Sighthill and Granton respectively.

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hairdressing

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Pure 138 Lothian Road, 0131 221 9123 www.purespauk.com

Shopping

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26 Warrender Park Road . Marchmont . Edinburgh . EH9 1JG email : marchmont@theopticians.org

Free sight test 3 months contact lenses free* Free lenses worth £39 when purchasing designer frames (just pay for the frame)**

Call 0131 662 9440 now to book your consultation Student I.D. must be shown at time of purchase.

* Monthly lenses, paid by Direct Debit. Includes solutions and aftercare. Offer ends 31/8/10. ** Applies to single vision uncoated lenses. Any other lenses will have £39 discounted from their price. Offer ends 31/8/10.

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Shopping

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Map of the City

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093

094

Useful Information In an emergency situation dial 999.

Police Lothian & Borders Police Police Station 14 St Leonards Street 0131 662 5000 www.lbp.police.uk

Crimestoppers An independent charity working to fight crime who promise they will not ask your name or record your call. 0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Fire Services

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Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters 76-78 Lauriston Place 0131 228 2401 www.lothian.fire-uk.org For free and confidential information on fire safety, or to arrange a free home safety check, telephone 0800 169 0320.

Medical Services Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 51 Little France Crescent Old Dalkeith Road 0131 536 1000 The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has a 24 hour accident and emergency department. It can be accessed by bus, including the 24 (through Marchmont) 33 (through Newington) and 38 (from Morningside). For more information on suitable buses visit lothianbuses.co.uk or call their 24 hour helpline 0131 555 6363. NHS 24 A 24-hour telephone-based and online service which can answer questions about your health and offer advice. Telephone 08454 24 24 24 www.nhs24.com University Health Centre 6 Bristo Square 0131 650 2777â&#x20AC;&#x17D;

Pharmacies Napiers Herb and Plant Remedies, natural health care. 18 Bristo Place 0131 225 5542

095

Boots the Chemists 6 St Patrick Street 0131 667 1698 Lloyds Pharmacy 129 Bruntsfield Place 0131 228 3725 Marchmont Pharmacy 26 Marchmont Road 0131 228 6677

Opticians Optical Express (Newington) 6a St Patrick Street 0131 662 1006 Specsavers (City Centre) 14-16 Shandwick Place 0131 240 8860 Vision Express (City Centre) 12-14 St James Centre 0131 556 5656

Tourist Information For more information on any of the attractions in this book contact the national tourism organisation of Scotland at: Visit Scotland Ocean Point One, 94 Ocean Drive 0131 472 2222 www.visitscotland.org

Embassies U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh 3 Regent Terrace, 0131 556 8315 Consulate General of China in Edinburgh 55 Corstorphine Road, 0131 337 9896 Canadian Consulate 50 Lothian Road, 0131 473 6320 Indian Consulate 17 Rutland Square, 0131 229 2144 French Consulate 11 Randolph Crescent, 0131 225 7954 German Consulate 16 Eglinton Crescent, 0131 337 2323 Japanese Consulate 2 Melville Crescent, 0131 225 4777 Italian Consulate 32 Melville Street, 0131 226 3631

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Boots the Chemists 1013-103 Princes Street 0131 225 8331

Could you afford to replace your things?

You can afford insurance cover. From just £16*. • Around 1 in 3 students will be a victim of crime** – make sure you’re protected • Discounts and additional cover options available online, eg laptop, musical instrument and bike cover • Exclusive to Endsleigh - Earn up to 25% no claims bonus***

call 0800 783 5499 visit www.endsleigh.co.uk ENDSLEIGH Recommended by *Based on £3000 worth of contents cover in halls of residence. **Home Office Report ‘Crime In England and Wales 2007/2008’. ***For each consecutive year that you don’t make a claim, you earn a discount on your next policy saving you up to a maximum of 25% after 5 years. Once you graduate you can then transfer your no claims discount earned to a graduate home insurance policy with Endsleigh. Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting its website at www.fsa.gov.uk

097

EDINBURGH DRIVING SCHOOL £ R OFFE £

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FREE ENTRY BEFORE 12 ANY THUR/ FRI/SAT £6 pitchers B4 12. £1.50 Drinks all night. View www.clubhive.co.uk for event info. Expires Oct 4 2009

•

One of the UK’s top 6 waxing venues!*

•

Massage, facials & all beauty treatments

•

Laser hair removal

•

Free champagne with all nail treatments

•

Eyelash extensions, Spray tan

•

Treatments for acne & problem skin *Harper’s Bazaar 2007

UK SALON

15% Student Discount

OF THE YEAR

8am-Noon weekdays

2008/9

anytime

10% Discount

9 Bruntsfield Place (by the Meadows) Edinburgh Tel: 0131 477 3535

Open 7 Days Winner of 8am-10pm weekdays 12 National All day Sat and Sun Beauty Awards

www.zen-lifestyle.com

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2-3 Teviot Place (Bristo Square) Edinburgh Tel: 0131 226 6777

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for your nearest store please call 0844 499 4100 mossbroshire.co.uk *discounts only available on full priced merchandise with a valid nus or student id card until 31/12/09

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The University of Edinburgh has launched the careers of many notable people and this guide aims to help you make the most of your time in Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital city. From navigating your way around the many shops, restaurants and attractions that Edinburgh has to offer this book will provide a starting point for discovering all the stories, history and wonders that are woven around this historic city. Edinburgh University Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association Potterrow 5/2 Bristo Square Edinburgh, EH8 9AL Tel: 0131 650 2656 Fax: 0131 668 4177 Email: eusa.enquiry@ed.ac.uk Website: www.eusa.ed.ac.uk EUSA is a Registered Scottish Charity (No. SCO15800)