Unmissable Edinburgh Guide

UnmissableEdinburghYourguide to the city

FREE!

A collaboration between EUSAand The Student Newspaper

ContributorsZoeBlah

Claire Cameron

Jamie Clegg

Dominique Cottee

AnnaDonegan

Alasdair Drennan

Chris Dyer

EmmaElliott-Walker

Paul Fitzpatrick

Susannah Jeffries

LewisMacdonald

NiamhMaynard(photography)

Andy Quinn(photography)

TomRhimes

Guy Rughani

EmmaShiel

Ben Simmons

Amy Spall

ChrisWaugh

Aaron J.Webster

ContentsWelcome 5Timeline 6Getting Around 10General Geography 12Eating Out 22Pubs 30Clubs 34LiveMusic 38Entertainment 40Shopping 44Things to do 46Walking Trip 54Festivals 56Useful Contacts 58

The aim of this guide is to offer you advice, tipsand recommendations about the best places tosee and things to do in the city. Edinburgh is avaried and cultural place sowhatever yourinterests, we’re confident that the city will winyou over.

If you’re stuck for something to do, check outthe sections onDay Trips and Entertainment,or the Getting Around section offers advice onbuses, bikes and trains.

The guide has beenwritten by students, sowehope to introduce you some of themany hiddengems this city has to offer that we’ve discoveredsince coming to Uni.

We’re delighted to be able towelcome you tothis fantastic city –we love Edinburgh and knowyouwill too!

www.studentnewspaper.orgwww.eusa.ed.ac.uk

Welcometo

UNMISSABLE EDIN

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UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH I page 5

626 Edinburgh founded by King Edwin of Northumbria

1128 Holyrood Abbey founded in Edinburgh by David I,King of Scotland

1130 David I builds a formidable royal castle on the rock.

1356 David II orders the rebuilding of the castle.David’s Tower is named after him.

1528 King James V enters city with an army, to assert his rightto rule; Holyrood Palace is built for him

1582 EdinburghUniversity is founded

1652 A ‘journey coach’ to London is introduced – it takes afortnight tomake the journey

1677 The first coffee house opens in the city

1700 A fire destroys the larger part of Edinburgh

1767 A competition is held for the best plan to build anew town. The competition is won by James Craig.

1772 North Bridge is built

1818 CaltonHill observatory is founded by the EdinburghAstronomical Institution

1826 TheRoyal Scottish Academy is founded

1830 McVitie &Price Ltd, biscuitmakers, are foundedand locate onRose Street

Timeline

page 6 I UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH

1833 The city goes bankrupt, partly due to the developmentof Leith docks

1869 Sophia Jex-Blake becomes first femalemedical student(studying at EdinburghUniversity)

1874 Heart ofMidlothian Football Club is founded

1875 Hibernian Football Club is founded

1892 McVitie’s devise Digestive Biscuits

1910 First electric trams run

1943 Eduardo Paolozzi begins studying at the Edinburgh College of Art

1947 Edinburgh Festival is founded

1950 The first EdinburghMilitary Tattoo is held on the Castle Esplanade

1980 The City Art Centre opens onMarket Street

1984 The Gallery ofModern Art opens onBelford Road

1984 AlexanderMcCall Smith begins teaching at EdinburghUniversity

1989 Eduardo Paolozzi is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and awardedthe KBE

1998 TheMuseumof Scotland is built

1999 Scottish Parliament is opened by the Queen

2004 Scottish Parliament Building is opened

2009 Largest Clan gathering is held for Homecoming Scotland


BusesEdinburgh’smain bus station is in St. Andrew’s Square, where you canfind various services travelling all over Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Lothian Buses are themain bus service providers in the city itself, andthe huge number of routes they offer can seemdaunting, but simply doa little research on their website (www.lothianbuses.com) before youhop onto one and you should have a good idea as towhat number youneed, and how frequently it travels.

A single ticket costs £1.30,or if you’re going to betravelling a number of timesduring the day, a day ticketgives you unlimited travelfor £3.20.

Toand from theairportThe Airlink, Edinburgh’s bus service to and fromthe airport, sets off fromoutsideWaverley Station and takes about halfan hour to leave you right outside the Departures lounge of the airport.It runs 24 hours, 7 days aweek (in conjunctionwith theN22Nightlink),and from6 in themorning until just beforemidnight a bus leaves atleast every tenminutes. A single fare is £3.50 and a return is £6,making your journey relatively cheap and easy.

getting aroundStarting out in a new city can be a daunting experience.The best way to learn yourway around iswalking, but if thisseems a bit time-consuming there are a number of otherways to get around aswell. The city is host to excellent busand train systems, aswell as being cyclist-friendly andproviding reliable taxi services. This leaves youwith noexcuse not to really discover the city and explore.


TheStudentRidacard can giveyou unlimited travel for a set fee.You can buyweekly,monthly orannual cards, saving the hassleof having change constantlyjingling in your pocket!

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BusTrackerAppsLothian Buses offer free Bus Tracker apps for both iPhone, iPad andiPod Touch aswell as Android devices. The EdinBus apps give live bustime information and service disruption information. You can search forbus stops by name, location or the unique identification numberwhichcan be seen at each stop. These apps are very useful, especially laterin the day and on Sundayswhen buses are less frequent. Themaindownfall of the apps is that they do not provide route information.If you do not have an iPhone or an Android phone, the informationin the apps is also available atmobile.mybustracker.co.uk, or atwww.mybustracker.co.uk froma computer.There is also an appwhich plans journeys fromdoorstep to doorstep.The Traveline Scotland iPhone app is free and easy to use to helpyou get around the city. Once again, you can also use thewebsite(www.travelinescotland.com) or themobile site(mobile.travelinescotland.com) to get the same information.

TrainsWaverley Station off Princes Street is the central train station inEdinburgh. From there, youwill be able to travel all over Britain,allowing you to head home over the holidays or zip off to Glasgowfor a day’s shopping.A useful purchase is the 16-25 Railcard. It costs £26 for a year’s use,and can give you up to 1/3 off all of your fares, including Standardand First Class Advance, and can be used as often as you like.Trains are a great and easyway to explore Scotland. The average fareto Glasgow is £6, with trains usually running at least once an hour.Book yourself awindow seat and enjoy the ride.Plan your journey or book tickets if going further afield atwww.thetrainline.com.

CyclingOne of the best ways to get around the city is bybicycle. There are a number of cycle paths inplaces like theMeadows and provision forcyclists throughout the city with numerous cyclelanes. Check out www.spokes.org.uk forup-to-datemaps and info. If you’re on thelookout for a bike, head to second-hand shops such asTheBike Station, which is found just off Causewayside(www.thebikestation.org.uk), or have a look onGumtree, for individualsselling their own bikes (www.gumtree.com/edinburgh). Gumtree isfantastic if you’re looking for furniture, flatmates, jobs or the like.

TOP TIPKeep inmindwhenbuying a bike thatbuying a good bikelock is absolutelyessential!

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generalgeographyHereare a fewof themain areas in thecity centre and slightly further afield.

TOP TIP!A quick and simpleway to start learning about Edinburgh is to join oneof EUSA’smany Freshers’WeekSee TheCity tours. You can pick up your Freshers’WeekWhat’s OnGuide at any EUSA venue or check listings atwww.freshers.eusa.ed.ac.uk

NewTownPerhaps themost easily navigated part of Edinburgh, theNewTown offers some of the best shopping, clubbing anddining in the city. Princes Street is definitely the feature of this endof town, with huge chain clothing stores such as Topshop, UrbanOutfitters, or themore upmarket Jenners (the Harrods of theNorth), regularly pulling in customers off the street.Designer boutiques also line Hanover, Frederick andGeorgeStreet, for thosewithmore expensive tastes.

Heading east, eventually you’ll reachCaltonHill, which offers an unrivalled panorama of Holyrood,the Forth, the Castle and Arthur’s Seat. One street north ofPrinces Street is Rose Street, which featuresmany independentpubs and restaurants,manywith brilliant student lunch deals.George Street is home to some of Edinburgh’s best nightlife,including clubs, cocktail bars and huge 19th century pubs.

For those rare sunny days, NewTown has amultitude ofparkswhich are perfect to take awalk, pack a picnic or justsit with a good book, themost popular of which is PrincesStreet Gardens. Formuseum lovers, theNational Gallery ofScotland offers free admission to some of theNorth’s bestart collections,making the area a popular destination forboth tourists and locals.


Newingtonand theBridgesYou’ll quickly get to knowNewington and the Bridges.Whilst itmay not be the prettiest of Edinburgh’s areas, it is certainly themostconvenient for university, town, Arthur’s Seat and basically everythingelse. Additionally, fromNorth Bridge to Clerk Street are all thefood, charity and pound shops you could possibly desire.

Close to Pollock Halls is the fabulous (and suitably pricey)Peckhams deli. Pop in andmarvel at thewide range of cakes,cheeses and chutneys. At the south end of Newington is the oddlyspaceship-like Cameron Toll Shopping Centre. They’ve got amassive Sainsbury’s and guesswhat?More pound shops.

Living costs are cheap inNewington, sowhen it comes to sortinga flat for second year, don’t overlook it in favour of the glossyattractions ofMarchmont andNewTown. The various coffeeshops, Tesco’s, university buildings and the gymmake it a hubfor all the conveniences you’ll need.


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Old TownThe Old Town is theMedieval part of thecity, seen in its winding and cobbledstreets that appear to have no order ordesign to them. Themore you explore,themore you realise that there is anendless supply of narrow, twisted streets,seemingly infinite stairs, and odd-namedlocations like the sordid-soundingFleshmarket Close. An example of thesewinding streets is Cockburn Street, whereyou’ll find a number of alternative clothesshops, restaurants and hostels. No visit iscompletewithout taking awalk down toGrassmarket. Farmore than simply aretail haven, the area is well knownfor being home to some excellentrestaurants aswell as an eclecticcollection of bars and pubs,manywith ahistory dating back to the notorious daysof Burke andHare, which are knownthroughout theworld for their exciting,dark Edinburgh history.

Themost prominent feature of Old Townis the RoyalMile, which housesEdinburgh Castle at one end andHolyroodPalace at the other. In between you’ll finda number of places of interest, suchas the Camera Obscura, St. Giles’Cathedral, and all the places to buyanything and everything tartan you’llever need.


Tollcross/LothianRoadHome to the Usher Hall, Edinburgh’smain concert hall,Lothian Road or the Cultural Quarter, as it has been recentlyrenamed, is a performing art lover’s dream. Every FridayfromSeptember to April, the ScottishNational Orchestraperforms here, and throughout the year it plays host to someof the biggest and best names inmusic, both classical andcontemporary. Located just northwest of theMeadows,this trendy area features three different theatres: King’s(Leven Street), the Lyceum (Grindlay Street) and the Traverse(Cambridge Street), all of which regularly hold theatre andmusicalperformances to suit all tastes.

Cinemas also dot the streets of Tollcross, including the ODEON forblockbuster enthusiasts, and the Cameo and the Filmhouse for thosewith tastesmore geared towards independent, arthouse or foreigncinema. And of course, no theatre district is completewithout aplethora of restaurants to choose from,with selections fromall overtheworld, including Thailand, India, France, Italy and even the oddScottish cuisine.Most restaurants offer deals for theatre-goers,so for a classy night out, Tollcross has all bases covered.


MarchmontLocated just across theMeadows,Marchmont is a popular student livingarea, containing a large number of flats,conveniently close to both the centraland King’s campuses. There are anumber of small coffee shops such asBlackMedicine, which cater for thosewho enjoy spending the dayfilling up on caffeine and cake, and pubs such as The Earl ofMarchmont,which is small but cosy, offering a lively student atmosphere.

The student influence can be seen in the number of small conveniencestores such as Scotmid andMargiottas, which sell all the essentials, aswell as themore specific greengrocers, fishmongers and banks, givingthe area a community feel.

More aesthetically pleasing thanNewington,Marchmont is a good placeto stop and take a break if you’re having awalk or run around the greenand especially when theweather’s nice, the air is pleasantly filledwiththe smell of barbecues drifting in from theMeadows.

Bruntsfield/MorningsideBruntsfield andMorningside, found to the southeast of theMeadows,are not as dominated by students asMarchmont. Here you’ll find anumber of restaurants, delis, and coffee shops aswell as upmarketboutiques selling various items yourmumwould love. There is also asmall, independent cinema inMorningside called the Dominion.

If you decide to visit the area, CannyManspub inMorningside is certainly somewhereyou should experience. Inside, you feel likeyou’ve stepped back in time, with a hugearray of items and collections adorningthewalls.


FountainbridgeFountainbridge is found not far from thewest end of Princes Street,situated at a triple junction betweenHaymarket, Tollcross andBruntsfield. It is a relatively quiet student area as it’s a little farfrom the university but is perfect for a fun evening out. It housestwomain attractions; FountainPark Centre and the Union Canal.

FountainPark is the go-to place formostMarchmont andBruntsfielders. It has a Cineworld cinema, which shows allthe new releases and is cheaper than the Vue cinemawithan average student ticket price of £5.40. There is also aGala Bingo, bowling, a casino and countless number of restaurantsincluding aNando’s to enjoy. The union canal plays host to anumber of recreational activities such as rowing and kayaking,aswell as being the perfect destination for a lovely walkor earlymorning run.

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StockbridgeStockbridgemay seema littleout of theway formost students,but is host to (arguably) thebest event found in the city. TheStockbridge Duck Race is heldevery year, raisingmoney forcharity through its sale of rubberducks that are raced down theWater of Leith.Winners get theglory of knowing that their duckwas the fastest rubber animal tobe tipped into thewater out of aplastic bin that year. Fantastic.

Alternatively, the Royal BotanicGardens are located in the area,which offer a lovely day out ifyou’re sick of studying andwanta bit of nature in your life. Theircafes and restaurants are alsoworth visiting.


LeithLeith is found to theNorth of Edinburgh, and is very accessible by busor can be foundwithinwalking distance to Princes Street.

It is host to Ocean Terminal shopping centre, which housesmost of thehigh street chains aswell as a cinema, bars and restaurants.

One of the nicest aspects of Leith is its proximity to theWater of LeithWalkway, which starts from the harbour and ends up on the edge ofthe PentlandHills, offering aworld away from the bustle of the city.


eating outEating out inEdinburgh canbeas expensive or cheapas your budget allows.There areplenty of places offering coffee or pub food for the everyday visits,or three coursedinners and fine dining should therebea special occasion!EUSAvenues offer anumber of places to eat, such as theNewAmphionandtheLibraryBar in Teviot for a selection of hearty fillingmeals or the famousburgers, ThePleasanceBarwhichdoes amean “gut-buster breakfast” or theCafé at PotterrowDome, all ofwhich are very affordable. However, if you’refeelingbrave andwant to try somewherenew,we’ve recommendeda fewplaces, so be adventurous anddiscover them for yourself!


RainbowArch8 – 16Morrison Street, EH3 8BJTel 0131 221 1288

This well known Chineserestaurant is located just offLothian Road, above thefamous jazz bar Henry’s

Cellar Bar. This particular restaurant isworth a visit for the dim sum alone, with afew scary-sounding options such as tripe orchicken feet for those feeling brave! Despitebeing a bit worn around the edges, thisplace serves a great a la carte menu and iswell worth stopping by.

Illegal Jacks113 – 117 LothianRoad, EH3 9ANTel 0131 522 7499www.illegaljacks.co.uk

This fantastic tex mexrestaurant offers freshly cooked,tasty meals including fresh salsaand guacamole. The great thing aboutIllegal Jacks is the simple 4 step menu –choose burritos, tacos or quesadilla as thebasis of your meal then add your extras –or the option to choose from the deliciousspecials menu. The service is truly excellentand a friendly welcome is always extended.

ChopChopNoodleBar248Morrison Street, EH3 8DTand 76Commercial Street, EH6 6LXTel 0131 553 1818www.chop-chop.co.uk

Chop Chop has a fantasticreputation in Edinburgh andbecame even more famouswhen Gordon Ramsay featuredthe show on his F-Word TV series, with thesweary man himself rating it one of the bestrestaurants in Scotland. An informalatmosphere combined with simple, expertlyproduced cuisine such as chilli beef, chickenand peanuts and the best desert ever, peanutbutter dumplings, means you’ll leave ChopChop planning your next visit!

Wannaburger7/8Queensferry Road, EH2 4PATel 0131 220 0036www.wannaburger.com

An amazing burger menu awaits inWannaburger! This diner-style establishmentcan offer plenty of choice for meat-eatersand veggies alike, with beef, chicken, bean,or portabella mushroom burger. Add yourown toppings such as chilli, cheese, bacon orRoquefort, and be sure to try the fab range ofside dishes such as onion rings and pickles.Wannaburger believe that burgers should beeaten with your hands so don’t stand onceremony in this place – dig in!


TheClock35Shore, Leith EH6 6QNTel 0131 553 1922

Visit The Clock for delicious sandwichesand all sorts of tasty vittles to get youthrough your day! Here you'll find one ofthe largest selections of 'on the go' foodavailable. The quality on offer means thatThe Clock has become very popular.However, smart and efficient staff ensurethe queue moves quickly meaning thatyou won't have to salivate for long...

Mother India’s Café3 – 5 Infirmary Street, EH1 1LTTel 0131 524 9801www.motherindiaglasgow.co.uk

Mother India’s unique approachto Indian cuisine means you can taste aselection of fantastic dishes. Their unusualtapas-style menu ensures you get adelicious, varied meal without feeling likeyou’re going to burst at the seams. Favesyou should try include butter chicken, spicyking prawns and, if you’re looking for aveggie treat, aloo saag dosa or chanapoori. This is a bustling and lively cafeteriastyle eatery, those wanting peace and quietshould look for another venue.

Kismot29St. Leonards Street, EH8 9QNTel 0131 667 0123www.kismot.co.uk

This restaurant specialising in Indian andBangladeshi cuisine is famous for the“Kismot Killer” – a curry so hot that a) youhave to sign a disclaimer before you eat itand b) if you can ACTUALLY eat it all, youget it free! Not to worry though, alongsideyour usual Indian restaurant menuofferings there’s plenty of unusual treatson offer for those with taste buds whicharen’t made from reinforced steel,including chocolate and marshmallownan bread and curry ice-cream!

ValvonaandCrolla19ElmRow, EH7 4AATel 0131 556 6066

This Italian deli has areputation which reachesfar beyond Edinburgh citycentre. A deli/café bar, it’s agreat place to pop in for breakfast or lunchas well as browse the many goodies in thedeli section. Don’t venture in if you’re on aserious budget – it can be pricey and youwill be tempted to spend!

UnderTheStairs31Merchant Street, EH1 1QDTel 0131 466 8550www.underthestairs.org

This basement bar restaurant is a popularvegetarian choice – not exclusively veggiebut plenty of options – and has a lively, funatmosphere. The décor is mismatched and70s style, with features such as a largefireplace with an old stove and stone walls.Whether it’s a bowl of hearty homemadesoup, their famous burgers or mussels,there’s lots on the menu which will appealto everyone. This is a popular pre-clubdestination so be warned, it gets noisy andbusy as the night goes on.

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ElephantHouse21George IVBridge, EH1 1ENTel 0131 220 5355www.elephanthouse.biz

Elephant House is as well known for itsfamous literary clientele as much as itsvery tasty menu options. JK Rowling, IanRankin and Alexander McCall Smith arecited as regular attenders, enjoying therelaxed atmosphere and gourmet tea andcoffee on offer. A popular student choice,the food and drink are reasonably pricedwith options covering favourites such asbaked spuds, paninis, quiches and pies,homemade soup and daily specials.

UrbanAngel121Hanover Street, EH2 1DJTel 0131 226 6215and 1 Forth Street, EH1 2JSTel 0131 556 6323www.urban-angel.co.uk

Urban Angel is perfect for the discerningconsumer with a foody conscience. Thinkorganic, fair trade, and free range. Theyalso offer a range of organic, fair trade,vegan wines, beers and tea. Head straightfor the specials to try something excitingas the main menu is fairly standard, butthe home-made burgers, tapas andbrunch options are tried and tested faves.Extremely stylishsurroundingsplus the ethicalcredentialsmeans thatyou’ll maybehave to wait‘til payday tosample thismenu.

Assembly41 Lothian Street, EH1 1HBTel 0131 220 4288www.assemblybar.co.uk

This very popular bar restaurant ticks allthe boxes for student life, due to itsproximity to Union buildings, the nicelypriced meals and drinks, andthe laid back atmosphere.Assembly offers a goodmix of pub grub suchas the deliciouschickpea burgers tothe more surprisingofferings of duck springrolls or Cajun chicken, plus smallernibbles to keep you on the responsibleside of drinking on a night out.

Negociants45 – 47 Lothian Street, EH1 1HBTel 0131 225 6313

Negociants is famed among thestudent population, locals and touristsalike as a fantastic venue for food, drinksand sitting outside watching the world goby. Make sure you have plenty of room ifyou plan on ordering either the burgeror any of the sandwiches and chips, theportions are generous. If you’re sittingoutside and it’s a bit chilly, just ask a staffmember who will provide a blanket!

MosqueKitchen29 – 33Nicholson SquareEH8 9BX

www.mosquekitchen.co.uk

Fantastic value at around £5 per meal plusa plate piled high means the MosqueKitchen remains a firm student favourite.The barbecue is on the go every day andcarnivores can tuck into lamb or chickenwhilst the veggies can enjoy dahl, chickpeaor spinach and potato curry.


BlackMedicine2Nicolson Street, EH8 9DHTel 0131 557 6269www.blackmed.co.uk

Black Medicine is a popular destinationfor excellent sandwiches, good coffee andchat. The staff are always happy to have ablether with customers and make it part oftheir ethos to provide a warm, personablewelcome. Check out their website to get toknow who's who! The sandwiches, paninisand bagels have got a great choice of tastyfillings and their smoothies are brilliant.

TheNewAmphionTeviot RowHouse, Bristo Square, EUSA, EH89AJ

Since its refurb last year, with its newmarble top tables, luxurious leathersofas and Jules Verne style fans,The New Amphion in Teviot now hasa relaxed, unhurried, almost colonial feel.We think it looks like a mix between aParisian café and a 1920’s luxury liner, andit would look great in any high street in anycity. And best of all, its one of your Unions!With a new great fresh hot meal selectionevery day, real fair trade coffee and anexcellent a la carte menu, all at studentprices (less than £4.00 for a full hot platelunch) it's both budget-conscious ANDhealthy, hearty fare.Worth noting it is extremelypopular between 12 and 2with hot plate mealsdefinitely the quickestoption – but also a greatplace to plug in the laptopand work all day withcappuccinos alwaysclose at hand.

Mum’s4a Forest Road, EH1 2QNTel 0131 260 9806

Mum’s is both student and wallet friendly,serving up a range of home comforts. Theretro décor accompanied with the 60’s musicmakes it the ideal place to chill out withsome friends after a hard day’s studying, andwhat’s more, it’s open for breakfast, lunchand dinner. Mum’s serves gourmet food atstudent prices, just a stone’s throw awayfrom the main campus…what’s not to love?

Spoon6aNicholson Street, EH8 9DHTel 0131 557 4567

Hidden between a healthfood shop and a rug outlet store opposite OldCollege is the unassuming entrance to anEdinburgh marvel. Go up the polishedwooden stairs, wait to be seated and take inthe beautifully airy, light-flooded space ofSpoon Cafe Bistro. Between the panels ofGilbert and Sullivan theatre brochures, youcan nestle back on the pop-art cushions, lifta piece of vintage crockery to your lips andenjoy a delicious milkshake, coffee or tea.Their soup of the day is always glorious andtheir sausage and bacon sandwiches servedin a salted bun are surely Edinburgh’s finest.

Redbox51 – 53WestNicholson Street, EH8 9DBTel 0131 662 0828

Red-Box Noodle Bar is just a stone’s throwaway from George Square and is well wortha visit during lunchtime. Situated on WestNicholson Street, it offers a quick, affordableand substantial meal. You order your £5noodle box Subway style, selecting the typeof noodle you want, followed by the meatand fresh vegetables you would like, finallyadding the stir fry sauce (the Thai sweet chillisauce is especially tasty). Your order is thenbrought to your table, although the option totake-away is also available. Although simple,the eating area provides an incredibly pleasantexperience, although it’s worth keeping inmind that it gets very busy at peak times andit is not always easy to find a seat.

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Centotre103George Street, EH2 3ESTel 0131 225 1550

This Italian restaurant located on GeorgeStreet is the perfect place to have dinnerwhen friends and family are in town.With a polished, high-ceilinged interior,you’ll find yourself feeling calmed andpleased with the aesthetics and evenmore so with the menu. A nicely variedchoice of pastas, pizzas and mains suchas lamb, sole or veal means thatwhatever your taste, something is sureto appeal. They also offer gluten-freealternatives, happy to provide forwhatever allergies and quirks presentthemselves. Centotre possesses thathappy balance of good food, attractivesurroundings and reasonable prices.

Hanedan41West Preston Street, EH8 9PYTel 0131 667 4242

Once you have managed to squeezeinto this tiny gem of a restaurant, youwon’t be disappointed. Each dish islovingly prepared from fresh anddelicious ingredients in the minisculeopen kitchen. Chef Gursel Baharwelcomes you like an old friend, beforerecommending dishes for the lessseasoned palate. Try the Kalamar meze;a squid salad, flash-fried in lemon, garlicand chilli. The mains are slightly moreexpensive, but the portions are generousso two could easily share. If you don’twant to break the bank, but have theroom to enjoy a hearty meal, thereis a set menu on offer for under£10 to cater for your tastes.

TheScottishCaféandRestaurantAccess viaNational Gallery of Scotlandor Princes Street Gardens, EH2 2ELTel 0131 226 6524

For the best hot chocolate in Edinburgh,venture no further than the ScottishCafe. Housed underneath the NationalGalleries of Scotland with inspiringviews over Princes Street Gardensand up towards Calton Hill, this handytartan treasure is a surprisinglypeaceful escape from the bustleof central Edinburgh.They offer a wide range of food anddrink, but afternoon tea is their forte.Pick your drinks from the menu,but go up to the countersfor the widest choiceof cakes and scones.The quality of the cakesis reflected in the pricethough, so make sureyour eyes aren’t biggerthan your wallet!

TheLibraryBarTeviot HowHouse, Bristo Square,EUSA, EH8 9AJ

The best original Nachos, the best stonebaked pizzas, the best chef made burgersand all at student prices! Portions andpizzas big enough to share and all in themost popular student bar in the city.It’s rammed and that’s the reason why!Serving from lunch ‘til late – with pizzasuntil 2am at weekend – the Library Baris the place to graze with a beer withoutbreaking the bank for students.


ThePleasanceBarThePleasance, EUSA, EH8 9TJ

It’s pub grub and doesn’t pretend to beanything else and we love it! Definitely a“regulars’” bar, and if you are part of anysociety, or use the CSE facilities, you willprobably end up at Pleasance at sometime or other. Grab a seat, grab theketchup and tuck in. Large portions,cheap prices, and sport on the telly! Ifyou want your very own ‘local’, withstudents as the locals, then Pleasance isfor you. “Sometimes youwant to gowhereeverybody knows your name...”

TheDomeCafé&BarPotterow, Bristo Square, EUSA, EH8 9AL

New for 2011, the Dome Café inPotterow is all wood and all good.With pretty much everything except thefloor made from reclaimed wood andfallen trees, you can enjoy the aestheticwithout feeling guilty about theenvironment. With fresh hot food,sandwiches and fair trade tea and coffee,all at student prices, plus the whole ofthe palm filled Dome to sit in, this isgreat place to lunch or study. The mainstudent shop is right next door soyou can also enjoythe convenienceof grab and go(and pay ofcourse!) iftime is short.

TheMayfieldBarTheBlackfordLoungePi In TheSkyKingsBuildingsHouse, KingsBuilding,EUSA, EH9 3JJ

Three choices one building. With theoffer ranging from great value hot platefood to a la carte dining, if you arestudying at KB, or live nearby, thesevenues are a must try for lunch, dinneror just a coffee break. The a la carte isserved only in the Blackford, and with ahigh percentage of tutors and maturestudents in there it’s the quieter of the 3spaces, but if you have a bit of sparecash and want something a bit differentthen this is definitely worth a try. Pi InThe Sky is fast and straightforward fare,and the Mayfield lively and good value, ifyou don’t mind MTV with your burger.

TheChocolate Tree123Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4EQTel 0131 228 3144

The Chocolate Tree is home to a world oforganic chocolate delights and the small,cosy atmosphere provides the perfectenvironment to sit and catch up withfriends. A wide range of hot and colddrinks are available, including artisan hotchocolates, Spanish speciality coffees, andhomemade lemonade. Pair this with animpressive cake menu including localhome-made muffins, European delicaciesand the biggest slice of chocolate cakeyou’ll have ever seen, and there’ll alwaysbe something to take your fancy! Perhapsthe most incredible thing about TheChocolate Tree is their very own chocolatedisplay. Ready to be packed away intoorigami boxes, this hand crafted chocolateis almost impossible to resist. Available ina wide variety of different flavours, you can

even buy homemadechocolate spread andindividual chocolates,for those times whenyou deserve to spoilyourself.

Edinburgh isworld-famous for its vast selection of pubsandbars, and there’s definitely something to suit everyone;we’ve detailed just the tip of the iceberg…


Doctors32 Forest Road, EH1 2QNTel 0131 225 1819

Situated on Teviot Place, just off BristoSquare, Doctors is a popular student drinkingpost. Offering discounts for students, it’s alsoreasonably priced for an Edinburgh pub. Dueto its convenient location, many studentsregularly visit Doctors for a brisk lunch beforereturning to classes or a quick tipple on theway home. Food prices are extremelycompetitive and, with a large variety of dishesand themed nights, you won’t be disappointedwith the quality and diversity available.Although Doctors is a great place to eat anddrink at any time, the pub really comes to lifewhen the sport is on. With numerous screensand several live-feeds, all key sports eventsare broadcast, often simultaneously, and theatmosphere is always electric – especiallyduring the Six Nations season.

ThreeSisters139Cowgate, EH1 1JSTel 0131 622 6801

Stepping off Cowgate into the large,cobblestoned courtyard of The Three Sisters,you are immediately drawn into its lively-yet-casual party atmosphere. BBQs are held allthroughout the summer, with a large outdoorprojector screen for sports matches. Inside,the front section offers long, rustic tables orcomfortable booths at which to enjoy the largeselection of drinks and food. The Bar Menuoffers 3-4 course set meals, various fingerfoods and typical pub lunches.The Back Bar is the visual masterpiece of theThree Sisters: the surrounding 16th centurystone walls and high ceilings host the maindance floor, Tuesday night pub quizzes, livemusic and the occasional comedy night.

BrambleBar16aQueenStreet, EH2 1JETel 0131 226 6343www.bramblebar.co.uk

You might have already walked past BrambleBar, hidden as it is on the corner of QueenStreet and Hanover Street. But take the stairsdown to the unmarked basement door andyou'll find inside a treasure trove for thecocktail enthusiast. No coffee or beer on tapin here – that would interfere with the mixing!Choose from 28 bespoke cocktails or anyother standard cocktails. We recommend aGin ‘n’ Jam as a good way to start yourevening. It’s a fairly subdued venue but DJsare on Fridays and Saturdays.

TheSheepHeid Inn43 – 45 TheCauseway, EH15 3QATel 0131 661 7974www.sheepheid.co.uk

This place is well worth a visit – due tobeing the oldest pub in Scotland! Well,not quite, this version of the Sheep Heidhas been pulling pints for around 200 yearsbut the first Sheep Heid Inn was built on thatspot around 1360. A skittle alley, beer garden,4 real-ales on tap and around 25 whiskies tosample ensure you’ll get a truly Scottishexperience.


Teviot RowHouseBristo Square, EUSA, EH8 9AJ

How many bars can you fit into one building?In Teviot, the answer is 6, and they are all yours! Every one has a differentatmosphere, they are only for students and guests, and although responsible drinkingis a EUSA mantra (we hear you, we hear you), the beer is seriously good value!

With all profits from these bars going back into student services, you are reallyhelping yourselves every time you have a drink in a EUSA bar.

TheLibraryBar is definitely the most popular student bar in Edinburgh. It’s busyand bustling and a great space, but not somewhere for a quiet chat. Nearly allthe staff are students too, so students are made to feel very welcome.

TheLounge is all red leather chairs, comfy sofas and a grand piano! When a talentedstudent is tinkling the ivories this becomes a great piano bar. If not so talented apianist, then there are plenty of other bars to choose from.

TheLoft Bar is right at the top of Teviot and feels like a private VIP bar, which it isduring the Edinburgh Festival – so you get to sit and drink where the greats of theatreand comedy have done the same. With its own roof terrace (nice for smokers) thistends to be used for private society functions and parties – they throw in a free buffet(and a karaoke if that’s your thing) if you get enough people together and book the barfor the evening. Worth a thought.

TheSportsBardoes what it says on the tin. Not the nicest looking bar in Teviot,and the furniture is a bit basic, but all the big sporting events are shown live and theatmosphere during the 6 nations (especially for England vs Scotland) has to be feltand heard to be believed. Not for the faint hearted.

TheUndergroundbrown carpet on the walls is a bit worrying, and the murky cornersand shadows are probably best not examined too closely, but when live bands play theUnderground really comes to life. With drinks at student prices, and great local bandsand DJ’s, it can offer a really good night out. If EUSA ever have enough to spend a fewhundred thousand on it, it could be fantastic. Until then, it’s safe, loud and yours, soenjoy it as it is – sticky floors and all!


ThePleasance60Pleasance, EUSA, EH8 9TJ

A student local and a theatre bar. Those whouse it, love it, as it has that “local pub” feel inabundance. Those who don’t, should try it. Justdown the road from Pollock Halls, if you andyour friends just want a drink in a traditionalpub, but want to be sure you’ll be safe and you’llonly pay student prices, then it’s always worthheading to the Pleasance. Good pub grub too!

KBHouseBlackford LoungeandMayfield Bar, EUSA, EH9 3JJ

All those students using Kings Buildings willfind a home from home at KB House. Thosewho aren't studying there are advised to popin if passing as these bars are worth a look.The quiz night is pretty good and usually verybusy. The Mayfield is great for pool, sports, orMTV if there's no major football or rugby on,and the Blackford is a bit quieter, a bit morecomfortable and it does great food.

TheDomeBarPotterow, EUSA, EH8 9AL

This bar tends to be open only when eventsare on in the Venue in Potterow, but we havebeen told EUSA are hoping to open it asanother nightly Union Bar from September2011. If they do, and there is heating in theDome (as they are also telling us there will be)then this could be a great alternative to Teviot,if you want to drink and socialise in one ofthe Unions.

TheSalisburyArms58Dalkeith Road, EH16 5ADTel 0131 667 4518

Situated just across from Pollock Halls onDalkeith Road, this pub is a firm favouritewith Edinburgh students, as it is a great placeto chill out at lunchtime when some studentsare at lectures (or even still in bed). In theevening when it fills up, there is a vibrantstudent atmosphere. Recently refurbishedand renamed The Salisbury Arms, thisstudent haunt has had a good makeoverand more comfortable surroundings willonly serve to make this already populardestination even busier.

TheBrauhaus105 – 107 LauristonPlaceEH3 9JGTel 0131 656 0356

With hundreds of world beers to choose from,the relatively small Brauhaus is testimony tothe fact that size isn’t everything. The smallbar offers more variety than some beerfestivals, from Russia’s Baltika 7 or Sweden’sbrilliantly titled God Lager.

It's not all about beer though – as the signedDennis Bergkamp shirt would suggest.Football from across the continent is regularlyshown, with foreign commentary sometimesincluded! Due to its size, the place gets busyquickly, but regardless, it’s well worth bravingthe Edinburgh cold for. And after all, whatbetter way to warm up again than with anunpronounceable German wheat beer?


Brewdog143 – 145Cowgate, EH1 1JSwww.brewdog.com

For a whole new experience in beer,Brewdog is the place to be. However, don’tbe put off if you’re not a beer purist, there’splenty other options on offer behind thiswell-stocked bar. Beers are either draughtor bottle, and all are designed to be servedstraight from the chiller. It goes to show it’snot just the real ale enthusiasts who can getpassionate about brewing – Brewdog havecornered the beer connoisseur niche and nomistake! The staff are knowledgeable andhappy to chat and recommend.

ThePearTreeHouse34WestNicolson Street, EH8 9DDTel 0131 667 7533

This is a well known student watering holewhich is popular all year round – somewherecosy to chat with friends during winter with ahuge beer garden to be utilised when the sunis shining. Great for watching the footie or therugby and a friendly atmosphere, notehowever this pub doesn’t have a food menu.

BrassMonkey14DrummondStreet, EH8 9TUTel 0131 556 1961

A fab wee pub where you can make yourselfreally comfortable – the back room is amound of mattresses and cushions with littletables with holes to put your pint IN! Movieson the big screen every day at 3pm meansit’s a student paradise on an afternoon off.Prices for food and drink are reasonable,so it gets pretty busy at night time.

TheBlueBlazer2Spittal Street, EH3 9DXTel 0131 229 5030

A fantastic offering of eight real ale taps,fifty malt whiskies and an astonishingseventy-odd options for rum means everyvisit to The Blue Blazer is unique. The thirdSunday of every month hosts a tasting session(5pm – 9pm) to educate those taste buds.

SecretArcade48Cockburn Street, EH1 1PBTel 0131 220 1297

This Polish vodka bar is upstairs from themain pub, The Arcade, which is a bit moretraditional. Venture upstairs however and youwill enter a bar crowded with funky artwork,candelit tables, decks and a projector screenfor movies on Sundays. Stocking over 80different vodkas, The Secret Arcade can bepricey but well worth a visit. Sneaking inthrough the entrance hidden away on JacksonClose only adds to the fun of the evening!

Golf Tavern30 – 31Wright’s Houses,EH10 4HRTel 0131 221 5221www.golftavern.co.uk

The Golf is an Edinburgh institution and isbusy most nights of the week, attracting itsfair share of students but also residents fromnearby Bruntsfield and Morningside. Thedownstairs bar is ideal for watching sportwith lots of small screens as well as bigscreens over the bar. You can also hire clubsand balls to play the pitch and putt course onthe Meadows in front of the pub – always agood laugh with mates. The Golf also servesfood – decent pub grub which always tastesfresh and uses good local produce.

BarKohl54George IVBridge, EH1 1EJTel 0131 225 693

Just off the Grassmarket and within fiveminutes of the Royal Mile and Cowgate,Kohl is a fantastic vodka joint which remainspopular with a range of clientele in the citycentre including students, locals and tourists.With nearly four hundred flavours of vodka,and over 100 different cocktails, there’salways something new to try at Kohl!

ClubsMost of the city’s clubs offer a variety ofmusic andnights out, dependingon theday of theweek you visit them. Those in theNewTownaregenerallymoreexpensive andupmarket,with the cheaper, grungierplaces foundalong theCowgate. Almost all of themwill have somekindof student night,with reducedprices anda variety of deals andoffers,such as free or reducedentry before a certain time–do your researchonline to find out thebest deals,most clubshave facebookpages to keeptheir customersupdated of events andoffers.

TheVenue@PotterrowBristo Square, EH8 9AL

Potterrow hosts the Big Cheese, Edinburgh’s biggest student night, every Saturdaynight during term time, opening its doors at 9pm and offering free entrancebefore 10pm. After 10pm tickets go up to £3 and again at 12am – just £4 withyour student card.

The music is, as the name suggests, cheesy, from the 70s up to the naughties.After a couple of drinks you’ll find yourself reliving your nineties youth with somequestionable dance moves and intense renditions of the theme tune to The FreshPrince of BelAir. This surreal experience is combined with the fact that anything goesin terms of outfits, with an incredible array of fancy dress costumes parading thedance floor, the more outlandish the better.

The best part of the Big Cheese is simply the fact that it’s our biggest weekly unionnight out. You’re bound to see people you know, and the large seating area meansthat there’s plenty of space to catch up, socialise and show off your knowledge of SClub 7 song lyrics.

Underground, TeviotBristo Square, EH8 9AJ

If you're looking for student union prices on a Saturday night but are feeling a bitCheesed out, you can see the best of Edinburgh’s new live bands in Teviot's ownbasement nightclub The Underground. Entry is free and bands are usually on stagefrom around 11pm, perfect to pop downstairs for some excellent music if you'reenjoying a night out in the Library Bar or the Lounge.



TheHive15 – 17Niddry Street, EH1 1LG

The Hive on Niddry Street is Edinburgh’s student staple, almost certainlyguaranteed to attract a reasonable student crowd every night. Open sevendays a week, each night has a different theme. Wednesdays and Saturdaystend to be busiest playing chart music, whilst other nights tend to cater tomore niche interests. The website (www.clubhive.co.uk) is the best sourceof information about what is on and when. Entry is free if you can get thereearly enough but the later-entry door fee is also affordable. During the weekprices are student friendly, getting a little more expensive at the weekends.There is also a cocktail bar serving a variety of different cocktails either bythe glass or by the pitcher. Overall the Hive will not cater to everyone’s tasteas the crowded interior may put many off. However, it is certainly worthtrying out.

WhyNot?14George Street, EH2 2PF

Why Not? on George Street is one of Edinburgh’s most renowned clubs.Monday nights are the highlight of many students’ weeks, when everyonewill happily dance, drink and socialise for a night that won’t break the bank.Friday nights are also popular with students, standard prices tend to stay thesame but most of the cheaper offers are not available at the end of the week.The music is pretty mainstream, sticking to popular chart favourites, whichyou can enjoy on the large dance floor, VIP section and ample sofa space.However, being the favourite on a Monday night does have its drawbacks.The club gets incredibly busy, often turning people away at the door becauseit is full, especially at the start and end of term. If you turn up after elevenyou can expect a long wait outside, as well as it frequently taking more than20 minutes to get served at the bar. The club is only open to over 21’s on aSaturday, but remains a firm favourite on Monday and Friday nights.

ClubsCav3West Tollcross, EH3 9BP

Cav, also known as Lavaignite, is situated just off Lothian Road at theTollcross end, so for those in Marchmont, Bruntsfield and Morningsideit’s in a prime location if you fancy a night away from George Street.

The music and dance floors are probably one of the reasons Cav is unique– only here can you be strutting your stuff on a light-up dance floor to BoyGeorge and mosey downstairs to get down and dirty with Rihanna.

It’s fair to say that it’s no semi-classy George Street club, but that’s why welove it. Cav gives you the perfect opportunity to really shake it like you justdon’t care, whatever your wearing, whoever you’re with!

City1AMarket Street, EH1 1DE

City is the big alternative to a standard George Street night out.Wednesdays in City are a night for the University sports teams to hit thetown. Doors open at 10.30pm, with prices at a reasonable £5 student /£4 guestlist / £2.50 sports teams.

Wednesdays are a somewhat sublime mixture of tropical VKs, outrageousfancy dress and lots of sport-mad students living it up. With reasonableprices and a good mix of chart, cheese and student tunes, it’s easy to seewhy this has become a popular student night in Edinburgh.


LGBT SceneThe gay scene in Edinburgh is farmore varied than youmay realise.A good start is BLOGS, EdinburghUniversity’s LGBTI society, which isopen to everyone, student or not. They run events on and off the sceneaswell as smaller outings for those less into bars and clubs.

Most of the gay bars and clubs in Edinburgh are on Picardy Place andLeithWalk. GHQ is undoubtedly the hub, offering student prices onTuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Drama at Hawke andHunter is hugely popular and draws a really varied crowd. Almost nextdoor is the Street, which is probably the classiest bar on the scene andserves great cocktails, though if you’re looking for somewhere in thecity, Frenchies Bar onRose Street is a little known gem; it offers agreat range of drinks in a cosy, romantic atmosphere.

If you’d prefer somewheremore outrageous for your pre-club drinks,try Priscilla’s Bar. It’s slightly further down LeithWalk but has karaokeand drag queenDJs. Or somewheremore chilled is Planet, which haspool tables and amixture of people, despite its reputation as alesbian bar.

If youwant a girls’ night, GHQ run Furburgermonthly, and theSpeakeasy at Cabaret Voltaire run thewomen’s night Velvet onceamonth, which is hugely popular and often draws in customersfromGlasgow aswell as Edinburgh.

CCBlooms and Café Habana attract slightly older people,but are free all week and have particularly goodmusicat theweekends. So, whether you’re after a quiet,romantic night or a crazy night out, there’sdefinitely something for every taste.

UNMISSABLE EDINBURGH page 37

TheJazzBar1AChambers St, EH1 1HRTel 0131 220 4298www.thejazzbar.co.uk

The Jazz Bar is a famous venue on the blooming Scottish jazz circuit.A mixture of up-and-coming and established acts from across the worldrub shoulders on its stage. There are typically four or five acts everynight, with the mid evening slot at 8.30pm reserved for the night’s mainattraction. Prices range from £3-£6 to get in, depending on the night andduring the week there is usually a free jam session or DJ set from 11pmuntil late. Top acts that have played here in the past include Ravi Coltrane,Tommy Smith and Brian Kellock.

HMVPictureHouse31 LothianRoad, EH1 2DJTel 0131 221 2280http://venues.meanfiddler.com/hmv-picture-house

Formerly known as The Picture House, HMV Picture House plays host totop name live music acts and also holds regular club nights. You canexpect an eclectic line-up; the Picture House has packed out the venuewith such headline names as Amanda Palmer, Calvin Harris, TheCharlatans, Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, Ellie Goulding and many more.


TheCabaret Voltaire36-38Blair Street, EH1 1QRTel 0131 220 6176www.thecabaretvoltaire.com

Cab Vol is not only a popular club but also well worth keeping an eyeout for live events, as the venue, located centrally in the Cowgatearea, has a reputation for being cutting-edge cool when it comes toalt-music/indie/electro. Everyone from Los Campesinos! to Mumfordand Sons have graced the stage; and while it can be a little moreexpensive, Cab Vol's general all-round coolness makes it a must-see.

TheLiquidRoom9c Victoria Street, EH1 2HETel 0131 225 2564www.liquidroom.com

Boasting a fantastic live music schedule, you can expect to see suchvaried acts as Bad Manners, Fratellis, Glasvegas, Noah and The Whaleor Vampire Weekend. Much like Cab Vol, the Liquid Room has anenviable repuation for both club nights and live music, so is definitelyworth checking the website and upcoming gig schedule.

TheVenue@PotterrowBristo Square, EUSA, EH8 9AL

Not just home of the Mighty Big Cheese, but also a fantastic live musicvenue, having attracted in the past such names as Eliza Doolittle andthe Futureheads. We're told by sources on the inside that Potterrowwill be playing host to Mr Scruff in Autumn 2011 as well as Zane Lowe.You can keep up to date with all the goings on atwww.eusalive.co.ukas well as buying tickets online.


Edinburgh offers plenty ofways to entertain away from the pubs and clubs. During theday there are plenty ofmuseums, tourist destinations, beauty spots and shops, or atnight you could check out someof the comedy or theatre that’s on offer.Websites likeThe List (www.list.co.uk) have constantly updated information and reviews aboutwhatto see andwhen, or have a look in The Studentnewspaper for advice onwhat showsand events to keep an eye out for. It also features enough reviews of theatre, comedy,art,music, films and restaurants to keep youwell informed.


TheatreEdinburgh’s theatre is varied, cultural and, importantly, caters for students.Whether it’s Shakespeare, Annie or a one-manBeckett show, the city attractsnational and international tours aswell as performances by its own Scottishactors and companies.

The Lyceum theatre in theWest End has its own company that performwellknown andwell-staged plays. Students get half-price discounts, and onWednesdaymatinees all seats are a bargain at £5.

TheFestivalandKingsTheatresusually stage touring companies, including ballets,operas andmusicals. They also usually include a high profile comedian in theirseason. They have Student Standby ticketswhich can be bought on the day of theshow for £10, aswell as offering student discounts if booking in advance.

ThePlayhouse usually showwell knownmusicals, comedians and gigs.They often have big names, so it’s well worth having a look online in advanceto get your ticket early.

The TraverseTheatre is highly regarded as a producer of award-winning newtheatre, and is a hugely popular destination to enjoy newand innovative productionsboth during festival time and the rest of the year. The Traverse Bar is, in itself, apopular Edinburgh attraction and the perfect place to relaxwith a coffee or a drinkand browse the programme to seewhatwhets your creative appetite.

ThePleasanceTheatre offers a theatre programmeduring semester timewith arecently refurbished 300 seater venuewhich plays host to comedy, drama, danceandmusic. See the comedy section formore details, or find full events listingsherewww.eusalive.co.uk

Don’t forget our own student productions.BedlamTheatre usually stage at leastthree shows aweek during term-time, and other societies like Footlights, themusical theatre group, stage new shows every yearwhich are fun and boundto involve some familiar faces in the cast.

entertainment


CinemasYou are spoiled for choicewhen it comes to cinemas in Edinburgh.The Lothian Road area boasts two independent cinemas and anOdeon;there is a very large Cineworld in Fountainbridge, and there is a Vue to theeast of Princes street. There is also an incredibly small, cosy independentcinema (the Dominion) inMorningside.

Ticket prices are not cheap. However, there are a few offers out thereto bring down costs, for example Cineworld offer 2 for 1 studenttickets fromMonday to Thursday through an offer on Student Beans(www.studentbeans.com), or those on the Orangemobile network couldtake advantage of OrangeWednesdays, which allows you to bring a friendfor free (http://more-from.orange.co.uk/orange-wednesdays).

The Filmhouse on Lothian Road is among the best places to go to see arange of independent or foreign language films and has incrediblycomfortable seats. The Cameo, onHomeStreet, has a slightlymoreold-school feel but also boasts an impressive range of arthouse,independent and foreign films, aswell as late-night classic or cult filmmarathonswhich are not to bemissed, where dressing up is popular!

MuseumsandGalleriesEdinburgh boastsmany fascinatingmuseums and galleries,many of which are in close proximity to the Central Campus.TheNationalMuseumofScotland on Chambers Street offers awalk-through of the history of Scotland, from the Trilobites of thePermian right up to the present with an exhibition of Scottishpop-culture and Jackie Stewart’s F1 car. The roof terrace alsoboasts spectacular views of the castle, CaltonHill and theUniversity. Entrance is free and even if you are not interestedin Scotland’s rich history it is certainly worth heading up to theroof terrace on a sunny day.Attached to theNationalMuseum is theRoyalMuseumofScotland, which has recently undergone amajor refurbishment.This ambitious project has increased public spaces by 50%,created sixteen new galleries, provided a new learning centreand allowing thousands of new treasures to be displayed.The RoyalMile is home to theMuseumofChildhoodwhich boastsa collection of Victorian and early 20th Century toys and gameswhich you are free to try out. There are also sections on healthand education spread over four floors. Entry is also free, and it’sworth keeping an eye out in The Student Newspaper for reviewsof the various free art exhibitions in the smaller galleriesscattered around the city, such as theFruitmarketGallery onMarket Street, or theCollectiveGallery on Cockburn Street.TheTalbotRiceGallery, situated onWest College Street,could be easilymissed as you take a short cut from theUnionbuildings towards town, however it houses a stunning GeorgianGallery space, aswell as a contemporary gallery spaceshowcasing a variety of artists work. Entry is free and thegallery is open fromTuesday to Saturday. You can find outwhich exhibitions are coming up by checking their websitewww.trg.ed.ac.uk


entertainment

As host to the renowned Festival F

ringe, Edinburghprovides its fair s

hare

of comedic entertainment. Big nam

eswill visit the bigger venues like

the

Playhouse, and ifyou’re informedw

ell enough in advance, you should

be

able to nab a ticket. TheStandCom

edyClub showcase a lot of new ta

lent,

aswell as providing gigs for better

-known performers. EveryMonday

it

hosts RedRaw, its beginners show

case, for ameagre £1 student pric

e.

ThePleasanceCabaretBar also ho

sts theweekly Comedy Central Liv

e,

featuring a double bill of comedian

s every Tuesday night from just £4 per

student ticket. ThePleasanceThea

tre has played host to a number of

high

profile comedianswho have packe

d out the 300-seater venue, such a

s

Daniel Sloss, Russell Kane and Isy

Suttie. Keep an eye out for listings

on

www.eusalive.co.uk as comedy in

the theatre usually sells out.

TheUniversity’s own Improverts ar

e absolutely worth a visit to

BedlamTheatre.They performan improvised sh

ow every Friday evening

at 10 during termtime, and rarely d

isappoint. Alternatively, you can go

to

some of the smaller venues, such

as the Beehive orVoodoo Rooms.

Check out the listings in The Skinny (www.theskinn

y.co.uk) or The List

for ideas of where to go.


ShoppingGeneral ShoppingYour High Street shopping needs can be met onPrinces Street. Here you can find shops like H&M,Topshop, HMV and Boots alongside coffee shops anddepartment stores like Jenners and Debenhams.George Street (parallel to Princes Street) has the moreupmarket shops like Cath Kidston and Jack Wills,as well as a reasonably-sized Harvey Nichols.

St James’s Shopping Centre and the Prince’s StreetMall are found at the East end of Princes Street,housing the cheaper alternatives like Poundlandand New Look.

Whatever shop you go into, check if they have a studentdiscount before you part with your cash.



Charity ShoppingThe arguments in favour of charity shopping are simple. First of all, finance– that crucial factor for us students. Second hand clothes and books aresold at a fraction of the price of their new high street equivalent and yet theyare often of a very good quality, still in fashion and designer labels. Don’t besurprised to chance upon some leather brogues for a tenner or a Topshopdress for eight pounds. Good quality books are also pretty standard. Theyrange between £1.50–£2 for paperbacks and £3.50 for a hard back.

Also, charity shops all support a good cause. It’s a win-win situation – youget great new stuff and get to leave with the glowing satisfaction of havinghelped someone else out in the process.

Luckily, Edinburgh is nationally renowned for its charity shops, the city isheaving with them. The best areas to hit are Nicolson Street/South ClerkStreet, Morningside and Lothian Road. Nicolson Street is good for cheap,high street brand clothing, the Barnados book shop also stocks someacademic textbooks and a good selection of novels and the Bethany shop(which is on Summerhall Place) has everything you could ever need for astudent kitchen. Morningside is really all about the clothes, it’s a bit moreup market so if you’re looking for a cashmere jumper or a tweed jacket, thisis your place. Finally, Lothian Road really needs to be visited, purely for theSalvation Army Shop, any aspiring vintage kids dream!

Don't forget you can get all you need for Uni souvenirs, hoodies, mugs, keyrings, USB sticks... you name it... at the EUSA shop in Potterrow. Smallershops are also running in Pollock and David Hume Tower for grabbing aquick bite or any other student essentials. Societies note too, EUSA shopscan order personalised hoodies at reasonable prices.

things to doEdinburgh is full of activities to do and places to see on thosefree dayswhere there are no lectures to go to, essays towrite,exams to study for…or simplywhen you are chronicallyavoiding all of the above.Whether an active day’swalking, a lazyday’s shopping or an adventurous trip outside of the city, there’sno shortage ofways to fill your time. A cheeky littlewebsiteis that of DoorsOpenDays (www.doorsopendays.org.uk).This tells youwhen certain buildings are open to the publicfor free, usually happening in the lastweekend of September.The destinationswith this symbol will take a full day to getthe value – don’t try and do it in an afternoon!


DeepSeaWorldNorthQueensferry, KY11 1JR

Take the train from Waverley and within twenty minutes you’ll findyourself at ‘Scotland’s National Aquarium’ in North Queensferry.From the station, the centre is down a steep hill and found in theshadow of one of the Forth Bridge’s massive towers. Inside, as wellas some luminous tropical fish, a seal sanctuary and a slightlyout-of-place collection of tree frogs, you’ll find Europe’s longestunderwater tunnel which weaves its way through the impressiveshark tank. If you fancy it, you can book to dive with the sharks andwave at bemused visitors from the watery depths. The centre runsfish feeding sessions and shark talks, but they finish fairly early inthe afternoon. Deep Sea World has a student discount, but it is stilla pricey £9. To save some cash, book online.

ArthursSeatHolyroodPark

Arthur's Seat is the main peak of the group of hills which formmost of Holyrood Park, a wild piece of highland landscape in thecentre of the city of Edinburgh, about a mile to the east ofEdinburgh Castle. The hill rises above the city to a height of 251 m(823 ft), provides excellent panoramic views of the city, is relativelyeasy to climb, and is a popular walk. Though it can be climbedfrom almost any direction, the easiest and simplest ascent isfrom the East, where a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch.


CameraObscuraCastlehill, TheRoyalMile, EH1 2ND

Tel 0131 226 3709 I www.camera-obscura.co.uk

The Camera Obscura show is a fascinating and highly amusingway to see the city and learn about its history. From inside thismysterious Victorian rooftop chamber, you see live movingimages of Edinburgh projected onto a viewing table through agiant periscope. Before you get to the show, you will work yourway through 5 floors of fascinating oddities including the mazeof mirrors, the rather scary “Vortex” and a viewpoint whichallows you to see the whole of Edinburgh laid out before you.Our fave part has to be the Vortex... all reason and logic willleave you as you start walking across the bridge... it has to beseen to be believed! Student tickets cost £7.95 or less if youcan arrange yourselves into a group. The staff are super-friendly and helpful, but be sure to bring your ID to accessthe student price!

TheRoyalBotanicGardenInverleith Row, EH3 5LR

Tel 0131 552 7171 I www.rgbe.org.uk

The Botanics captures the imagination of everyone who visitsand is world renowned for its horticultural excellence. Over 70acres of beautifully landscaped grounds provides a tranquilhaven just a mile from the city centre. Admission to the gardenis free however there is a charge to access the Glasshouses.

Butterfly and InsectWorldLasswade, EH18 1AZ

Tel 0131 663 4932 I www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk

A great way to spend a rainy day, Butterfly and Insect World isa fascinating nature adventure. From fish feeding to animalhandling (including snakes, tarantulas and millipedes, the leafcutter ant parade, and tropical gardens, this attraction is wellworth a visit. It’s easy to get there too, as the centre is locatedat Dobbies Garden World; take the 3, 3A or 29 Lothian Bus.Admission prices are £5.95 for students, make sure you bringyour student card to access the discounts.

things to do


DanceBase14 – 16Grassmarket, EH1 2JU

Tel 0131 225 5525 I www.dancebase.co.uk

Dance Base offers a variety of fun classes for all ages and abilities.Drop-in classes include Cuban Salsa, contemporary, ceilidh, barefootballet and breakdancing. Sign up for a course and you could learnaerial skills, African street jazz, bollywood, burlesque, pole dancing ortap dancing! There is a student discount available but committing to afull course and paying up front might not be advisable to start with,try a drop-in in the first instance!

ScottishParliamentHorseWynd, EH99 1SP

Tel 0131 348 5000 I www.scottish.parliament.uk

It may be a controversial piece of architecture from the outside, but passthrough the airport-style security and you’ll soon see where all themillions of pounds went. Inside, the Scottish Parliament is really quiteimpressive. From its garden terrace with a huge leaf-shaped roof to thebamboo-covered debating chamber, visitors can turn up and view alimited amount of the building unguided, or phone and book a freewalking tour. If you want to see more than just the main chamber, thenit is worth giving them a ring. Similarly, if you fancy seeing the FirstMinister in action or want to sit in the Public Gallery during a debate,then it’s best to go to the Parliament’s website and reserve a free place.

Palace ofHolyroodhouseand theQueen’sGalleryCanongate, EH8 8DX

Tel 0131 556 5100 I www.royalcollection.org.uk

Nestling beside Arthur’s Seat, the baroque palace has played animportant role in Scotland’s history and is the Royal Family’s officialresidence north of the border. You can see Mary Queen of Scots’boudoir, a pretty fancy dining room and the haunted adjoining abbey.The Queen also has a gallery at the Palace which displays a regularlyupdated selection from the Royal Collection. The tickets to the Palaceand gallery include marvellously informative audio-guides. To polish offyour day, Holyroodhouse has some lovely tea rooms and a right royalgift shop – perfect for getting your Gran that piece of commemorativechina she didn't know she wanted, especially with the small studentdiscount (of about £1).


MaryKing’s Close2Warriston's Close, EH1 1PG

Tel 0845 070 6244 I www.realmarykingsclose.com

For a glimpse into historical Edinburgh, you’ll be hard pushed to findanywhere offering more insight than the tour of the real Mary King’sClose. Located underneath the Royal Mile, the experience offers a tour ofthe streets and residences of old Edinburgh, showing exactly how it wasset out in the seventeenth century. Unlike other historical attractions, itcombines authentic history with entertainment as tour groups are shownaround the original close by costumed guides, playing the roles of variousresidents that would have lived there. The tour guides are knowledgeableand interesting and as you are led around the labyrinth of streets anddwellings it is easy to imagine the Close as it was when originallyinhabited. The tour is cheaper than both the castle and the dungeons,and offers a much greater insight into the history of this grand city.

RosslynChapelRoslin, Chapel Loan, EH25 9PU

Tel 0131 440 2159 I www.rosslynchapel.org.uk

Rosslyn Chapel is touted as being one of the most mysterious places inScotland, especially with books such as The Da Vinci Code purporting toshow how hidden secrets lurk within every crack of stone at thisvenerated place. Anybody who has ever visited the chapel may feel thatit deserves its current status, even on a busy day the atmosphere issomething to be experienced. It has become a place of huge relevanceto those interested in the biblical, masonic, pagan and Knights Templarthemes. Entry is £6.10 with your student card, normally £7.

EdinburghCastleCastlehill, EH1 2NG

Tel 0131 225 9846 I www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Built on top of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle provides the cen-trepiece of this spectacular city. Now Scotland’s most popular touristattraction, the Castle’s highlights include various military museumsand memorials, prison vaults, and spectacular views across the entirecity. St Margaret’s Chapel, built in 1130 and perched at the highest pointof the rock, is Edinburgh’s longest-surviving building. Mons Meg sitsproudly in front of the chapel, one of the oldest medieval canons. TheRoyal Palace is a particular delight for royal enthusiasts, as it showcasesthe Honours of Scotland, Europe’s oldest crown jewels, the Stone ofDestiny (upon which Queen Elizabeth I was crowned), and the rooms inwhich King James I was born to Queen Mary of Scots. The Great Hallsits directly across from a moving memorial to Scots fallen in war anddirectly underneath this lies a labyrinth of vaults once used as a prison

for prisoners of the American Revolution. Entry to the Castlecosts £14, and this includes a complementary guided tour,which leaves from the entrance twice an hour.

things to do


EdinburghZoo134CorstorphineRoad, EH12 6TS

Tel 0131 334 9171 I www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

The Zoo offers you a day to re-live the excitement of your childhood.One highlight is the daily penguin parade, which takes place aroundlunch time, they let the penguins out to walk around a circuit so you cansee them waddle and strut their stuff as they enjoy the spotlight.Stay around after this and you can get a chance to see feeding time.Edinburgh Zoo is also home to the only koala’s in the UK. This year willalso see a pair of pandas joining the zoo family to much excitement.Tickets aren’t particularly cheap, however they do offer studentconcessions. Pick a sunny day and bring a picnic as there are plentyof nice places to sit down and eat whilst admiring the animals.

StAndrewsThe Medieval centre of St Andrews, a warren of narrow alleys andcobbled streets, leads to the now ruined cathedral and the adjacentchurch of St Regulus, where, on climbing the spiral staircase to the topof an 108-foot tower, you can enjoy fantastic views of the town and itssurroundings. You can also find St Andrews University, founded in 1410,located in the centre of the town, such recent famous alumni beingPrince William and Kate Middleton. St Andrews has two great beaches,one being the West Sands, where the famous opening sequence of'Chariots of Fire' was shot. Amongst the town's many other attractionsare the Botanic Gardens, the St Andrews aquarium and the ByreTheatre, Scotland's only 5-star arts attraction.

SouthQueensferryCanongate, EH8 8DX

Tel 0131 556 5100 I www.royalcollection.org.uk

You can consider yourself an honorary Scot once you have pictures ofyou and your friends/family on the beach in the rain/wearing winterclothing. So pop along to the lovely village of South Queensferry andhave a long walk along the beautiful sands. Nestled under the shadowof the two Forth Bridges, South Queensferry offers cosy pubs such asThe Hawes Inn which are perfect to warm up after a brisk walk, insummer the Hawes also offers a great beer garden.


NorthBerwickNorth Berwick, also known as the Golf Coast, offers a vast arrayof things to do and see. Not only is it famed for being a beachdestination, North Berwick is also a golfers paradise – nearbyGullane boasts more regular golfers per head than anywhere else inthe UK. The Scottish Seabird Centre is also close by. Outlying areasFenton Barns and Dirleton are well worth a visit – Dirleton is said tobe the most beautiful village in Scotland. East Fortune is also hometo Scotland’s Museum of Flight.

PortobelloLocated three miles to the east of the city, Portobello is one ofEdinburgh’s hidden gems. Once a popular beach resort, it nowprovides a nice city getaway – perfect for those rare Scottish sunnydays. The bustling High Street features a wide range of charity andantique shops, which back onto the promenade and the beach.The wide esplanade boasts various cafes, bars and eateries,and on a hot day the beach is busy with swimmers, sailors, cyclists,skaters, volleyball players and sunbathers relaxing. A visit to thearcades for some childish fun is always recommended, as wellas the Portobello Swim Centre, home to one of three remainingTurkish baths in Scotland. Even on a windy day, the beach providesa perfect opportunity for a leisurely stroll, usually followed bya nice pub dinner overlooking the sea. Catch the 42 or the 26 busfrom the city centre, and be sure to take flip-flops and a camera.

things to do


GlasgowGlasgow’s music scene is undoubtedly one of the best reasons tovisit the city, which is just 40 minutes away by train or around anhour by bus/car. With venues ranging from the Royal Concert Hall tothe SECC, it’s almost impossible that one of your favourite bandswon’t be performing in the city during your time here. If you have aninterest in folk music, the annual Celtic Connections festival givesyou an opportunity to luxuriate in musical tradition ranging acrossEurope and the world. Glasgow also has a smattering of goodindependent cinemas as well as a good selection of theatre spacesboth conventional and contemporary. These, along with a wide rangeof high-quality restaurants and bars, can provide the excuse for anexcellent night out. As well as Celtic Connections, Glasgow alsoplays host to events all around the calendar. The film festival takesplace in spring and the Glasgow Fair at the end of July are theperfect time to see the city’s parks and grand buildings being bathedin summer sunshine (tempered, however, with the odd downpour).

And if you’re in need of retail therapy, Glasgow’s awe-inspiringcollection of high-street and designer shops concentrated in theCity Centre provide plenty of opportunities for updating yourstudent wardrobe.


StirlingStirling is widely considered Scotland's heritage capital, where theWars of Independence were fought and won; where, for threecenturies, monarchs ruled in regal splendour and where merchantsand craftsmen plied their trade below the castle rock.

The must-see places are The Wallace Monument, the 220ft towerwhich heralds your arrival in Stirling, visible in all directions as youapproach the city. Take a walk through the Old Town, in particularthe “Back Walk” which leads you around Stirling Castle and the OldTown Jail. The battlefield of Bannockburn plus visitor centre arealso worth a visit. The Old Town area is also home to the Tolbooth,Stirling’s main music venue. Stirling also offers a reasonably sizedshopping centre, The Thistles as well as a plethora of fantasticcafes, restaurants and bars. No visit is complete without trying thefamous Corrieri’s Café which sits at Causewayhead, under theshadow of the Monument. Or for city centre dining and drinking instyle try The Junk Rooms on Friars Street, Wilawan Thai restaurantor the East India Company. The macrobert Arts Centre and StirlingUniversity campus are around 5 minutes away on the bus, and wellworth a wander for the scenic loch and feeding the ducks.

DundeeDundee city centre features a selection of shopping centres, with theMurraygate, Wellgate and the magnificent glass-fronted Overgateshopping centres housing major department stores and retailersto suit all interests. City Quay, on the Dundee waterfront, is abargain-hunter’s paradise, full of factory outlets selling designergear at discount prices.

The city's cultural quarter features the fantastic Dundee RepTheatre and Dundee Contemporary Arts centre (both well worth avisit for their café bars never mind anything else!). The DiscoveryPoint Visitor centre is also worth a visit, where Captain Scott’sfamous Antartic expedition ship RSS Discover is berthed.

These are all areas in Scotland you can travel to for a daytrip – there is, of course, an almost inexhaustible numberof places to go, and things to do and see. The best place tovisit to research day trips, weekends away or longerholidays is atwww.visitscotland.com


Edinburgh is a cracking city for awalk.Where else can you find extinctvolcanoes, beautiful rivers, bracing beaches and tranquil parks justminutesfrom the city centre?We’ve put together a shortwalk to introduce you to someof Edinburgh’s treats: namely Arthur’s Seat, CaltonHill, Princes StreetGardens and theGrassmarket. At five or somiles it should take a coupleof hours at a leisurely pace.

1 Starting at Pollock, turn right out of themain entrance alongHolyrood ParkRoad, go between the big gateposts, cross the roundabout and headtowards the quiet road (Queen’s Drive) going up the hill.

2 Follow the large pathwhich heads leftish away from the road and continueon thewiggly stone stepswhich ascend Arthur’s Seat.

3 After about 10minutes, the steepish path plateaus to reveal a stunningbird’s eye panorama. Scamper up the final few rocks to the trig point 251mabove sea level to get the full effect. To the north you’ll see Fife, east isNorth Berwick, south are the Lothians andwest lie the Castle, PentandHills and the cliff-like Crags.

4 Take themain path down from the summit (heading north) towards thePalace of Holyroodhouse.

5 Once at Queen’s Drive between the Scottish Parliament and the Palace,go to the roundabout at the end of the RoyalMile.Walk up Abbeyhill Road,under the railway bridge and turn left on to Regent Road. Follow the streetalong and enjoy the spectacular views back towards Arthur’s Seat and theCrags. From this road you’ll also see the Canongate Kirkyard, burial placeof AdamSmith, David Rizzio and the inspiration for Dickens’s Scroogecharacter, Ebenezer Lennox Scroggie.

6 After about 800m you’ll come across some steps on the right whichwilltake you to the top of CaltonHill. The variousmonuments you’ll seescattered around the summit gave Edinburgh its title the ‘Athens of theNorth.’ Perhaps the Acropolis is described as the CaltonHill of the South.


7 Head back down the steps to rejoin themain road. Gowest along PrincesStreet until you pass theNational Gallery complex. From there, enterPrinces Street Gardens down the large flight of steps.

8 The site used to be amassive dumping ground full of grime andwaste, butsince the ‘Nor Loch’ was drained, the Gardens are often full of students andshoppers. Head towards the big golden fountain at thewest end of theGardens and take the bridge over the railway line to join King’s StablesRoad.

9 Turn left along this road. Go under the bridge, pass the Stereo club andyou’ll get to the Grassmarket. This pretty little areawasBurke andHare’sstomping/killing ground and the squarewas regularly used for publichangings – hence the pub ‘The Last Drop.’

10 Go along to the roundabout at the eastern end of the Grassmarket andwalkright up to George IV Bridge and the BedlamTheatre. Close by is Potterrowand Teviot, a perfect place to finishwith a drink.

Hogmanay 30December2011–2 January 2012Even in the depths of winter, Edinburgh still finds an excuse to hold a celebration.Hogmanay attracts approximately 29,000 people fromall over theworld, and begins onDecember 29with a torchlight procession departing fromParliament Square, down theRoyalMile towards CaltonHill, ending in the torching of a Viking ship, completewithfireworks to signal the commencement of the four-day festival. Torches can be purchasedbefore or during the event, and all proceeds go to charity.December 30 brings a scattering of street performances and livemusic, but themain eventis alwaysNewYears Eve. On the 31st, partygoers can choose to revel in the street party orhave access to the Concert in the Gardens (Princes Street Gardens, that is). Concert ticketsinclude access to the enormous street party in the city centre. Tickets can also be bought foran unmissable Ceilidh, held in theMound Precinct. New Years Day is celebrated either atDogmanay, a dog sled race across Holyrood Park, or by taking a plunge in fancy dress intothe River Forth (an event affectionately known as the Loony Dock). Hogmanay is a ticket-onlyevent, so be sure to purchase in advance.www.edinburghshogmanay.org

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 1–30August 2012Every August, tens of thousands of revellers flock to Edinburgh for one event: the Fringe.First held in 1947 by eight theatre companies not invited to performat the EdinburghInternational Festival, it now holds a reputation as theworld’s biggest and best arts festival.To this day, the Fringe Society operates independent of the festival, and provides a platformfor anyone from the up-and-coming to theworld-famous.Over the fourweeks of the Fringe, Edinburgh brimswith tourists andmerrymakers,transforming the city into a non-stop party. For thosewishing to partake in the festivities, it’sbest to get in early: the first twoweeks are often the quietest, and organiserswill often offerbargains to fill venues. Programmes and tickets are available from the box office, located onthe RoyalMile. Try theHalf Price Hut at theMound Precinct for discounted tickets; and keepyour eyes open for free entertainment opportunities, particularly on the streets. Purchasetickets tomore popular acts early, but don’t over-book: often the best acts are the onesdiscovered lastminute.Most venues arewithinwalking distance of each other, found invarious venues in the Old Town, so don’t forget comfortable shoes!www.edfringe.com

festivalsAs a vibrant and cultural city, Edinburgh is host to anumber of exciting festivals. These take place atnumerous locations across the city, and are spread outthroughout the year, fromHogmanay in December to theFringe Festival in August. The best way to get themost out of them is to goexploring online and find out exactly what is being offered, often at veryreasonable prices. They cater for large audiences, so are updated regularlywith their upcoming events, times and prices.


Edinburgh International Book Festival 13–29August 2012Theworld’s largest literary festival takes place each year in Edinburgh’s Charlotte SquareGardens at thewest end of George Street. Taking place during the last twoweeks in August,the Book Festival is certainly one of Edinburgh’smost popular festivals, attracting hoards ofvisitors over 16 days. Each year, it attracts some of theworld’smost prolific writers, alongside a number of well-known political figures andworld-renowned personalitieswith over800 participants in 2010.The atmosphere in Charlotte Square during the festival ismagical and it is not uncommonto spot a famous author or two soaking up the summer sun and reading like everyone else.Events run frommorning until late every day of the festival. Past participants at the festivalinclude Edinburgh locals such as J.K Rowling, Ian Rankin and AlexanderMcCall Smith alongsidewell known figures like former PrimeMinister GordonBrown, Nobel PrizewinningEconomist Joseph Stiglitz and SalmanRushdie.An interest in books is not essential and there really will be something for everyone atthe Book Festival. Entry into the gardens is free and there are student concessions onticket prices.www.edbookfest.co.uk

Edinburgh International Science Festival 31March–13April 2012The Edinburgh International Science Festival is Europe’s largest festival celebrating science.Hundreds of events take place over the duration of the twoweek festival across the city.There are film screenings, talks, hands-onworkshops for children and even Zoo sleepovers.Taking place inmid-April each year, the Science Festival is perfect for thosewho decide tostay in Edinburgh during the Easter holidays. The programmedivides cleanly into ‘FamilyEvents’ and ‘Adult Events’, providing something to suit all ages and tastes. The eventsfor families are perfect if you have relatives visiting in April. The City Art Centre houseshands-onworkshops for children throughout the festival. Elsewhere, talks are given byprolific names such as Professor RobertWinston andRichard Dawkins alongsideworld-renowned experts in all fields of science. There are a number of interesting and topicaldiscussions on the future of science and there are a series of interactive events for adults.Even if you have no interest in science before the festival, youwillmost certainly leave itwith a burning desire to learnmore.www.sciencefestival.co.uk


UsefulContactsVisit Scotland www.visitscotland.com

Historic Scotland www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

The List www.list.co.uk

The Skinny www.theskinny.co.uk

West Scotland Tourism www.west-scotland-tourism.com

Get Active in Scotland www.activeoutdoorpursuits.com

eusalive www.eusalive.co.uk

EUSAwebsite www.eusa.ed.ac.uk

EdinburghBus Tours www.edinburghtour.com

City Discovery Tours www.city-discovery.com

Trip Advisor www.tripadvisor.com


Newington 0131 667 3434 Newington Road EH9Morningside 0131 447 1313 Morningside Road EH10Corstorphine 0131 334 8811 St Johns Road EH12Stockbridge 0131 315 4100 Raeburn Place EH4Leith 0131 553 0202 LeithWalk, EH6Portobello 0131 669 3737 High Street EH15

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