The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh Leaflet

Where can I find out more? Further Information The Old and For more information about the management, EDINBURGH WORLD HERITAGE conservation and promotion of the World Heritage 5 Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate, New Towns Site, including the Management Plan and grant Edinburgh EH8 8DD information, look at the websites for Edinburgh World Tel: +44 (0)131 220 7720 Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland and the City Email: [email protected] of Edinburgh of Edinburgh Council. www.ewht.org.uk HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND Heritage trails, podcasts, photo galleries, videos, Longmore House, a free iPhone app and resources for teachers are all Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH available on the Edinburgh World Heritage website. Tel: +44 (0)131 668 8600 Email: [email protected] www.historicenvironment.scot World Heritage Site

CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BG Tel: +44 (0)131 529 3510 Email: [email protected] www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

MUSEUM OF EDINBURGH 146 Canongate Edinburgh EH8 8DD Tel: +44 (0)131 529 4143 www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF SCOTLAND Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF Tel: +44 (0)300 123 6789 Email: [email protected] www.nms.ac.uk

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF The Assembly Rooms © EWH St Bernard’s Well © EWH Tel: +44 (0)844 493 2100 Email: [email protected] www.nts.org.uk

Produced by Historic Environment Scotland Images © Crown Copyright HES unless otherwise specified Front cover: The New Town © EWH, Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument

Charlotte Square © EWH © Historic Environment Scotland - Scottish Charity No. SC045925 Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland What is important about What can I see and do today? for over 500 years, and became particularly the Old and New Towns Visit Calton Hill for panoramic views across the city, of Edinburgh? renowned for its writers, artists, philosophers and stroll through Princes Street Gardens to see the and scientists. It was home to the economist Edinburgh is built on an extraordinary landscape of magnificent Castle Rock. Adam Smith, the philosopher David Hume, hills and valleys, formed millions of years ago by volcanoes and ice sheets. Together these factors have Visit Gladstone’s Land in the Old Town to see a and the authors Sir Walter Scott and Robert created a truly distinctive skyline and stunning views merchant’s apartment from the 1600s, and Louis Stevenson. which are recognised around the world. contrast with the grandeur of the Georgian House in Charlotte Square. The Old and the New Towns of Edinburgh together The unique character of the city comes from the comprise one of the most beautiful cityscapes in contrast between the Old Town and the New Town, Visit the Museum of Edinburgh, the Writers’ Museum the world, inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage with each area containing many significant historic and the National Museum of Scotland to discover more Site in 1995. The inscription recognised the striking buildings. Over 75% of all the buildings within the about the city’s fascinating past and famous residents. contrast and quality in architecture between the World Heritage Site are listed for their architectural medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. or historical importance.

Today, the World Heritage Site Management Plan The medieval Old Town has retained its distinctive provides the framework for the conservation and pattern of narrow passageways, known as closes enhancement of the site. Crucially, it is not just and wynds. The New Town about preservation. It is about wasfirst designed in 1767, facilitating change to ensure and is the largest and best that Edinburgh is a thriving, preserved example of dynamic, economically Georgian town planning successful city. in the UK.