[rfduck]

Edinburgh International Festival

It was organized for the first time in 1947. During three weeks of Edinburgh International Festival held in each summer in Scotland’s capital you can enjoy lots of fascinating events. There are unique performances, thrilling theatre shows, operas and so on.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

It is largest art festival in the world, especially loved by theatre and dance enthusiasts. Edinburgh Fringe Festival lasts three weeks and takes place every August. Comedies and cabarets? That’s what Fringe Festival is best known for!

Glasgow Film Festival

This event is held annually in February. You can see films, sport events and even live happenings during it. Same month you can take part also in Glasgow Youth Film Festival and Glasgow Short Film Festival.

Inverness Music Festival

In Inverness Music Festival artists compete with each other in different categories and ages, individually or in groups. First Music Festival in Inverness was held in 1922.

T in the Park

It is one of the biggest music events in Great Britain. Since 1997 it is held at old airfield in County of Kinross and  takes place in July. In this year’s edition biggest stars were Coldplay and Foo Fighters, earlier artists such as Interpol, Rage Against the Machine, Kasabian, Red Hot Chilli Peppers or Massive Attack performed on festival’s stages.

Beltane Fire Festival

Beltane Fire Festival is celebrated in Edinburgh on Calton Hill at the beginning of summer season. It is connected strongly with local Gaelic traditions. Colourful and intense, it gathers all kinds of people who would like to have some fun. Bonfires, processions and performances… It is a magical night indeed!

Whisky Live

If you are whisky enthusiast, then you shouldn’t miss this event. It takes place in Thistle Hotel Ballroom and gathers people who love whisky. During Whisky Live you can taste different kinds and brands of this liquor and learn lots of interesting facts.

Edinburgh Hogmanay

Hogmanay is Scottish way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Many consider it best celebration in the world, and this held in Edinburgh is best of all. On 30th December you can take part in Torchlight Procession from Parliament Square to Calton Hill. There are also concerts, fireworks and street performances.

Scotland is very interesting. For centuries it had moved imagination of tourists. Below are few interesting facts about Scotland. Read carefully!

• Scotland is second biggest country in Great Britain.

• There are three officially recognised languages in Scotland: English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic.

• In Gaelic, Scotland is called “Alba”.

• Scotland has many symbols. One of them is thistle.

• Animal known as Scotland’s symbol is unicorn.

• When you’re in Scotland, you can still see road signs in both English and Gaelic.

• Glasgow is largest city in Scotland, though Edinburgh is its capital.

• Scotland’s motto is “No one provokes me with impunity”.

• Some of Scottish inventions: tv, telephone, tyres, penicillin, finger printing, tarmacadam, waterproof raincoat.

• Scotland’s highest point is Ben Nevis (1, 343 m, also highest peak in whole Great Britain), its lowest point is Loch Morar (310 m).

• Shortest river in Scotland is River Morar. It is only 500 meters long!

• Scotland is well known all over the world for whisky. It’s important to distinguish whisky from “whiskey”, liquid made in US and Ireland.

• Scotland includes 787 islands.

• As per the census conducted in 1909, the Scots were the tallest race in Europe.

• There are lots of dog breeds originated from Scotland, for example Scottish Terrier, Golden Retriever, Bearded Collie, Gordon Setter, Shetland Sheepdog and Skye Terrier.

• Most famous Scottish dish is haggis, which doesn’t mean its foreigner’s favourite.

• Edinburgh was built on seven hills, just like Rome.

• Edinburgh was first city in the world, which had fire-brigade.

• Scotland is homeland of Marillion, legendary progressive rock band.

• Most famous Scottish writers are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Walter Scott and Lord Byron.

• Some popular Scottish actors: Sean Connery, Gerard Butler and Ewan McGregor.

• The Bank of Scotland was founded in 1695 and it’s oldest still surviving bank in UK. It was first bank in Europe to print its own banknotes.

[photos: sxc.hu]

Planning a wedding can be fun but at the same time it can be very stressful. Especially if your wedding is not going to be any normal wedding and you are choosing to use a theme or to involve traditional elements. These can make planning your wedding just that little bit trickier. So here are a few tips if you are planning a wedding in Scotland.

To get your wedding to resemble the weddings of Scotland old, you need to select the right venue. Throughout Scotland, there are castles, manor houses and hotels on lochs that all scream Scottish style. Many wedding venues in Scotland specialise in traditional ceremonies and hosting weddings that create special days that you will remember forever. What sets Scottish venues apart from other places is the historic value they often carry, along with the magnificent views and locations. Stoked in history, from kings and queens to battles, there is a magic that is capture in these historic venues, that emulates class and style.

What you wear can also emulate Scottish style with the use of tartan. If you are serious about creating a Scotland wedding then the Groom and his party must adorn kilts. Most people think of men in silly skirts but kilts are traditional Scottish wear for men at weddings. And there is a large amount of variety from traditional to modern tartans that can suit any taste and style. However, remember that kilts can be very expensive so often people rent kilts to cut down the costs. This is very common and you are able to get a wide variety of styles and sizes. For the bridal party, there are tartan sachets that can be worn to match the groomsmen which creates a very together look that gives and impression of unity that truly make the bride and groom stand out.

Food is another factor that will set the tone of a wedding, and can make a huge impression on your guests. There is a large variety of Scottish dishes that are popular in weddings, from haggis to fresh Scottish salmon, veal to Angus steak. With fresh meat and food from across the country, there is plenty to choose from and it is sure to impress everyone at your wedding. Getting locally produced ffod give your wedding a connection to the surrounding area and adds authenticity to your big day.

And to really get the party started in true Scottish style, employing a ceilidh band will do the trick. These types of bands are traditionally used for most large celebrations and parties in Scotland. Ceilidh dancing is also performed where men and women take to the dance floor and dance to live band music that has been played for centuries. This is not only good fun but again give your wedding that Scottish style. And don’t worry if you don’t know the dances, these bands often come with their own ceilidh dancers that are able to teach or remind you and your guests the moves.

For an Edinburgh wedding venue visit Hoscote House at http://www.hoscote.com. This manor house is Scotland is surrounded by grand gardens and grounds, creating spectacular views from the newly refurbished property.

By: Pamela360

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

[photo by: Donald Macleod]

The years prior to the 18th century, Edinburgh was incorporated mostly by what we know currently as the Old Town . The well-known today University of Edinburgh was established in 1583, followed a one hundred year later by The Bank of Scotland, jump-starting the development of education and learning and economics in the region. 1707 is well-known for the Act of Union, engaging Scotland an England in a political alliance. Around 1762, the local authorities introduced an sophisticated undertaking of city development which was finished in 1810. Coming at the year 1822, Edinburgh being the seat of the Scottish Parliament, had developed into the most important financial center apart from of London.

Once you arrive at the city, it is obvious that transportation is very easy. Edinburgh is a pleasant and compact city, which would make it easy to get around on foot. City centre attractions are within walking range of one another. While local bus services cover the greater part of the town, train and bus services are your link to the Lothian region. The UNESCO World Heritage Site at the core of the city combines the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Exploring Edinburgh, you will see views that make for perfect picture postcards, glamorous winding streets, classy terraces and an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants. The places that one absolutely has to see during their visit include the Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, the somewhat uncommon Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Huntley House Museum etc.

The capital of Scotland is also a major festival city, being an yearly host to events such as the Edinburgh Festival, a selection of official and separate festivals over four weeks coming from early August, as well as the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe (the largest performing arts festival in the world), the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Book serviced apartments Edinburgh with us in advance, and we will provide you with the opportunity to make the best of your stay, by saving you money and time. An interesting fact – the city was also voted the “most desirable city in which to live in the UK”. We offer Holiday apartments in Edinburgh that can prove that statement by providing excellent service, convenient location at the best prices. Currently, the city attracts 1 million visitors overseas a year, making it the second (After London) most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom.

By: Benigno Conti

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Benigno Conti
ESLWorldide Serviced apartments in Edinburgh from ApartmentsApart – the best deals on Holiday apartments in Edinburgh.

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is the country’s second largest city after Glasgow. Located in the south-east of the country, Edinburgh owes its rugged setting to many Medieval and Georgian style architecture and is often considered one of the most picturesque cities in Europe.

Edinburgh replaced Scone as the capital of Scotland in 1437 and altogether has around 4,500 listed buildings in the city. A census taken in 2001 noted the population as 448,625. It’s one of Europe’s major tourist attractions bringing nearly 1 million visitors a year and is the second most visited destinations in the UK after the city of London.

Due to the city’s vast amount of historic buildings and monuments, Edinburgh is often given the nick name ‘Athens of the North’.

There are many attractions for tourists in Edinburgh and it is notably famous for its festivals. The most well known of these is the Edinburgh Festival, which is a collection of both official and independent festivals that are held every year over a space of four weeks in August. The most popular events in the Edinburgh festival include the Edinburgh Fringe which is the largest performing arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Comedy Festival which is the largest comedy festival in the world, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. At the time of these festivals the cities are usually full with tourists and any accommodation should be booked way in advanced. However, finding a hotel or Bed and Breakfast in the city shouldn’t be too hard.
Other notable tourist attractions in the city are Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo and some of the many museums including the Museum of Scotland and the Royal Museum.

Getting around in the city is very easy with so much public transport available. Many residents of the city choose to use the public transport available for every day life including the many busses, trains, trams and taxis on offer. Cycling is also big in the city but due to the city’s landscape it can sometimes seem like a mountain bike ride.

By: Dan Collins

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

With so many great attractions to visit in Edinburgh I recommend booking into a B&B . Bed and Breakfasts can be booked easily online but even if you just turn up you won’t be stuck to find some B&B’s