Edinburgh

Language

English is spoken but the accent is very different to how English is spoken in London.

Best travel time

Edinburgh lies on the same latitude as Moscow but the average temperatures in winter are usually much higher at around 6C owing to its proximity to the sea. At the height of summer it can get quite warm with average temperatures around 19C and, occasionally, much higher. Throughout the year, the city is buffeted by strong breezes and winds and regular rain showers.

Communication

Comprehensive cell phone and broadband networks.

Traditions and Culture

The people in Edinburgh take great pride in their city and although they are Scots they make it clear that they are from Edinburgh. Edinburgh is quite close to the border with England, and the English were responsible for building most of Edinburgh’s magnificent buildings and bridges, but it would be a mistake to refer to a resident of Edinburgh as “English”. There are many traditions in Edinburgh that are upheld throughout the year but the two main attractions are the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh International Festival that attracts performers, writers and audiences from all over Britain and across the world. The event lasts for about six weeks during the height of summer. New Year’s Eve or Hogmanay is a very big event in Edinburgh, and Scotland as a whole, as is Burn’s Night. Edinburgh is a city that is steeped in history and culture. It is a wealthy city that has in recent years been home to rich bankers and others working in the financial services. Although the banking crisis has hit that sector, the legacy in terms of lifestyle is clearly evident.

Religion

Protestant Christianity is the principal religion with the Church of Scotland attracting the largest congregations. Islam and Judaism are also represented.

By bus

Edinburgh is served by a very good train service that links the city by rail to much of Scotland and Great Britain. Within the city, Lothian Buses is the major bus company and operates a comprehensive service.

By plane

It is advisable to book in advance if you intend to rent a car when landing at Edinburgh International Airport. However, public transport is available from the airport into the heart of the city.

Sights

There is much to see and do in Edinburgh which is a city that has little by way of suburbs. In other words, getting out to the countryside is swift and easy. Within the city there is the amazing Edinburgh Castle that dominates the skyline and dates back many hundreds of years. The arts play a major role in Edinburgh life and so there are theatres, galleries and museums aplenty, complemented by majestic shopping streets and Edinburgh Zoo.

Food

Edinburgh’s wide-ranging restaurants cater for all culinary tastes.