Edinburgh

The origin of the name ‘Edinburgh’ may be uncertain, but whether it is a corruption of Edwin’s Burgh or from the Gaelic ‘din Eidyn’ (meaning ‘Eidyn’s Hill Fort’), what is clear is that these days the Scottish capital is a city on an inexorable rise. The ‘Festival City’ buzzes with life year round, whether it be the fireworks and stranger hugging frenzy of the world famous New Year ‘Hogmanay’ street party or the flurry of arts extravaganzas that burst through the cobbled streets of the old and new towns during the ‘Edinburgh Festival’ in August. Backing up this confident bohemian face is one of Europe’s most well-established and dynamic financial centers. Edinburgh is one of the longest continuously inhabited places in northern Europe, and its current renaissance can be traced back as recently as 1999, when the Scottish parliament convened for the first time in 300 years in the city. Throw in the worldwide exposure of the MTV Awards in 2003 and the recognition of UNESCO World Heritage listed Edinburgh as the first UNESCO World City Of Literature in 2005 and it is clear this is indeed a city on the move.

It is easy to see what attracts visitors to Edinburgh with one of Europe’s most charming old cores complementing a ‘New Town’, much of which itself dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. To the south rise the Pentland Hills and in the north the city is flanked by the Firth of Forth and its sprinkling of uninhabited islands, all coming together to create a fittingly dramatic natural amphitheater.

The city has over the last decade or so really established itself as a leading international center for business, finance and education. After London, it is the most important financial center in Britain with the opening in 2005 of the impressive new Royal Bank of Scotland HQ in the west of city, a potent symbol of ‘New Edinburgh’. The city also has four universities. The oldest, the University of Edinburgh, was established in 1583. Although it has traditionally had a more conservative image than other Scottish cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh is still a wildly exciting, forward-looking capital, full of art, culture, history and beauty. It has manifold art galleries and museums, five major performing-arts theaters and a year-round calendar of international festivals.

The busiest season for tourists in Edinburgh is summer (between July and September) and particularly in August, for the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival, when the city is abuzz with cultural activity. There are also the lively Fringe Festival, Military Tattoo and the Book, Film and Jazz Festivals, which run concurrently with the main event. No matter how busy Edinburgh gets, it is still a remarkably green oasis of parkland with its own botanical garden. Also within the City of Edinburgh’s boundaries are the remarkable Forth rail and road bridges, which preside over South Queensferry, a small borough that offers a perfect escape from the increasing big city buzz of Scotland’s go-ahead capital.

The Gay scene in Edinburgh is very welcoming and quite buzzing.  In particular, it is worth checking out: 

Broughton Street

Edinburgh's best-known gay and gay-friendly street is full of bars, bistros and funky shops. Close to Princes Street and Waverly Station, Broughton Street is a great place to spend some time. Check out the numerous bars and cafes where you'll be made more than welcome.

The Top of Leith Walk

Home to some of the city's most popular gay bars and clubs - this area is pretty lively - and, slightly confusingly, is sub-divided into rows of buildings named Greenside Place and Baxters Place, so a lot of clubs may be closer together than you'd expect.

The Old Town

You'll find several gay and gay-friendly bars scattered around the area near the University- popular pre-club hang-outs like The City Café, Negociants and Iguana, are all in this area.