ScotlandA collection of sights from Marty

St Andrews Cathedral ruins 1

Facts - The weather is usually windy and dark with rain (”Dreich” - dree-kh) - The cities streets are built on top of old streets, some still exist underneath in catacombs. - Ranked 2nd in the world for quality of life

Capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 local been a centre of education, particularly in the government council areas. Located in Lothian fields of medicine, Scots law, literature, the on the 's southern shore, it is sciences and engineering. The University of Scotland's second most populous city and the Edinburgh, founded in 1582 and now one of seventh most populous in the United Kingdom. four in the city, was placed 17th in the QS The 2016 official population estimates are World University Rankings in 2013 and 2014. 464,990 for the city of Edinburgh, 507,170 for The city is also famous for the Edinburgh the local authority area, and 1,339,380 for the International Festival and the Fringe, the latter city region as of 2014 (Edinburgh lies at the being the world's largest annual international heart of the proposed Edinburgh and South arts festival. The city's historical and cultural East Scotland city region). attractions have made it the United Kingdom's second most popular tourist destination after Recognised as the capital of Scotland since at London, attracting over one million overseas least the 15th century, Edinburgh is home to visitors each year. the Scottish Parliament and the seat of the monarchy in Scotland. The city is also the Historic sites in Edinburgh include Edinburgh annual venue of the General Assembly of the Castle, , the churches of St. Church of Scotland and home to national Giles, Greyfriars and the Canongate, and the institutions such as the National Museum of extensive Georgian New Town, built in the 18th Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and century. Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town the Scottish National Gallery. It is the largest together are listed as a UNESCO World financial centre in the UK after London. Heritage Site, which has been managed by Edinburgh World Heritage since 1999. Historically part of , the city has long 2

Edinburgh, Balmoral Hotel and Castle 3 What to see in Edinburgh

Travel: Uber is available in the city. Lothian buses are regular at lots of bus stops, have coins to pay. operate through the city centre. Black cabs are available on most streets and can be hailed. Bus tours are also available and generally take passengers on board at Waverley Station.

Edinburgh Castle The castle is built a top an extinct volcano which is why it has such prominence over the city. It has been used as a fortress for many battles through medieval times and is now one of the most important attractions for Scotland. The ‘’ leads to the esplanade of the castle. Travel: Accessible from Royal Mile in the city centre Tickets: www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

National Museum of Scotland Situated on Chambers street, it is a short walk from the Royal Mile. There are many different types of exhibits, both interactive and educational. Lots of archaeological exhibits about Scotland and from around the world. www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/ Travel: Short walk from Royal Mile or short Black cab trip Tickets: Free admission and open everyday from 10-5

St Giles Cathedral Situated on the Royal Mile, this is one of the many cathedrals/abbeys around Scotland that showcases deep Scottish heritage. There are many rooms and artefacts that highlight how the monarch and royalty used to work here. www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/visit Travel: Accessible from Royal Mile in the city centre Tickets: Free admission and open everyday

Greyfriars Bobby An old Scots tale about a dog who guarded his masters graveside for 14 years. The statue sits out front of the Kirkyard/graveyard where the master is buried. Visitors tend to rub the nose of the statue for good luck.

Travel: Short walk from Royal Mile on George IV Bridge 4

Lothian buses have an app that lets you find the relevant buses and bus stops to use. Black cabs can also be found using the ‘Lyft’ app.

Usquabae Whisky Bar (oosk-a-bay) If you really want to try some of the best Scotch whisky, this whisky bar is relatively new, a favourite of mine, has the best selection and an amazing interior to go with it. They serve great Scottish food alongside. Kids can eat in until 6pm. Travel: At the west end of on Hope street. Website: www.usquabae.co.uk

Arthur’s Seat Overlooking the whole city on a mound higher up than even the castle, Arthur’s seat is a hill that is easily accessed and walked. Once at the top you gain a great view of Edinburgh, and Fife across the water. Usually a must do for anyone visiting. Around 2 hours for a return walk. Travel: 20 minute walk from the city centre to Holyrood Park. Short Black cab trip

Glenkinchie Distillery If you are interested in Whisky and the distillation process, the distilleries around Scotland are a big attraction. The closest one to Edinburgh is Glenkinchie. They have a shuttle bus tour from the city centre. Call to book bus and tour: 01875 342 012 Travel: Shuttle bus from Waterloo Place Tickets: £22 adult, £16 children. Everyday 10-4

Rosslyn Chapel As seen in the ‘Da Vinci Code’ movie, the chapel is another integral part of Scottish culture back to medieval times. Lothian buses run from the city centre to Rosslyn with the number 37 from Princes Street. A black cab would cost £50 return. Tickets are £9 for an adult. Travel: 45-60 mins on a bus or black cab Website: www.rosslynchapel.com 5

Facts - The ancient capital of Scotland Dunfermline- Birthplace of Andrew Carnegie - Burial place of King Robert the Bruce

A town and former Royal Burgh, and parish, in There have been various interpretations of the Fife, Scotland, on high ground 3 miles (5 km) name, "Dunfermline". The first element, "dun" from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. translated from Gaelic, has been accepted as The 2011 census recorded the town's a (fortified) hill, and is assumed to be referring population at 49,706, however figures released to the rocky outcrop at the site of Malcolm in 2012 estimate Dunfermline's population as Canmore's tower in Pittencrieff Glen (now 50,380, making it the largest locality in Fife and Pittencrieff Park). The second element, "the the tenth largest in Scotland. ferm" may have been an alternative name for the Tower Burn according to a medieval record The earliest known settlements in the area published in 1455 and that, together with the around Dunfermline probably date as far back Lyne Burn to the south, suggest the site of a as the Neolithic period. The area was not fortification between these two watercourses. regionally significant until at least the Bronze Age. The town was first recorded in the 11th Getting to the town from Edinburgh is quite century, with the marriage of Malcolm III, King easy either by train or bus. The X55 bus from of Scotland, and Saint Margaret at the church Edinburgh station leaves regularly and costs in Dunfermline. As his Queen consort, £10 return. While the train costs around £6 Margaret established a new church dedicated return. From the bus station in Dunfermline, it is to the Holy Trinity, which evolved into an Abbey just a short 10 minute walk to the abbey which under their son, David I in 1128. Following the is easily seen and the Glen has an entrance at burial of Alexander I in 1160, the abbey the abbey. The train station would be easy to graveyard confirmed its status as the burial get a taxi from for around £5, and taxis are place of Scotland's kings and queens up to always available there. and including Robert The Bruce in 1329. 6

Dunfermline Abbey 7 What to see in Dunfermline

Travel: Taxis are available at the train station and one company’s phone number is 01383 623999. Trains run between Edinburgh and Dunfermline regularly. Stagecoach X55 buses also run regularly.

Dunfermline Abbey The abbey is the jewel of Dunfermline, a landmark that sits atop the town, which itself is a hill, can be seen as soon as you enter. King Robert the Bruce once held this palace and William Wallace also seeked refuge here.

Travel: Bus or train from Edinburgh Tickets: Free admission. Monday to Saturday, 10-4.30

The Glen A major expanse of parkland which holds many species of tree, a botanical garden, grey squirrels and great views of the River Forth. The Glen was gifted to the community by Andrew Carnegie who purchased it in the late 1800’s for a few thousand pounds. Travel: Short walk from the town centre

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum Andrew Carnegie’s original home became a museum to showcase how his family worked, lived and how he became such a success. It’s a great place to learn everything about one of the original entrepreneurs of the world who was pivotal in the delivery of public libraries. Travel: Short walk from the town centre Tickets: Free admission. Monday to Saturday 10-5

Carnegie Library The first library that Andrew Carnegie ever gave to the public. It has just been through a major redevelopment worth millions and has become a major new landmark for the town. It is now also a museum that tells the story of the town through the ages. Great place to eat and learn. Travel: Short walk from the town centre 8

Carnegie Library and Dunfermline Abbey 9

Facts - The cultural capital of Scotland Glasgow- The city where most of our acting, singing and creative talent originates

The largest city in Scotland, and third largest in most notably in the shipbuilding and marine the United Kingdom. Historically part of engineering industry, which produced many Lanarkshire, it is now one of the 32 council innovative and famous vessels. Glasgow was areas of Scotland. It is situated on the River the "Second City of the British Empire" for Clyde in the country's West Central Lowlands. much of the Victorian era and Edwardian Inhabitants of the city are referred to as period, although many cities argue the title was Glaswegians. theirs.

Glasgow grew from a small rural settlement on In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the River Clyde to become the largest seaport Glasgow grew in population, reaching a peak in Britain. Expanding from the medieval of 1,127,825 in 1938. Comprehensive urban bishopric and royal burgh, and the later renewal projects in the 1960s, resulting in establishment of the University of Glasgow in large-scale relocation of people to new towns the 15th century, it became a major centre of and peripheral suburbs, followed by the Scottish Enlightenment in the 18th century. successive boundary changes, reduced the From the 18th century the city also grew as population of the City of Glasgow council area one of Great Britain's main hubs of transatlantic to 599,650 with 1,209,143 people living in the trade with North America and the West Indies. Greater Glasgow urban area. The entire region surrounding the conurbation covers about 2.3 With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the million people, 41% of Scotland's population. population and economy of Glasgow and the At the 2011 census, Glasgow had a surrounding region expanded rapidly to population density of 8,790/sq mi become one of the world's pre-eminent (3,390/km2), the highest of any Scottish city. centres of chemicals, textiles and engineering; 10

Clyde River Bank 11 What to see in Glasgow

Uber is available in the city. First buses are regular at lots of bus stops, have coins to pay. Black cabs are available on most streets and can be hailed. Bus tours are also available and generally take passengers on board at George Square. There is a Subway in the city with Central station in the very middle of the city.

Riverside Museum Opened in 2011, the spectacular Riverside Museum sits on the River Clyde and is home to the Glasgow Museum of Transport. It is full of fascinating objects and vehicles which tell the story of Scotland’s past and present.

Travel: A short subway ride to Partick station from Central Tickets: Free admission. Open everyday 11-5

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum Set next to a classic Victorian park by the River Kelvin in Glasgow’s west end, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses a staggering 8,000 objects in over 22 beautiful galleries.

Travel: Short subway ride to Kelvinhall station from Central Tickets: Free admission and open everyday from 11-5

The People’s Palace In the late 1800’s, the East End of Glasgow was one of the most unhealthy and overcrowded parts of the city, and the People's Palace was intended to provide a cultural centre for the people. Once you travel to St Enoch station, it’s a 15 minute walk. Travel: Subway ride to St Enoch station from Central Tickets: Free admission. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11-5

The Clyde Bank One of the great sights of Glasgow is the bank of the Clyde river. A few landmark buildings have been erected that showcase very different architectural designs. One of the largest cranes ever used for ship building is also still in place. Travel: Short subway ride to Exhibition centre station from Central 12

Glasgow, Gallery of Modern Art 13

Facts - The home of golf Fife- One of few ‘Kingdoms’ still remaining in the UK by name - Some of the best countryside in Scotland, right in the heart of Fife

A council area and historic county of Scotland. Fife is Scotland's third largest local authority It is situated between the Firth of Tay and the area by population. It has a resident population Firth of Forth, with inland boundaries to Perth of just under 367,000, over a third of whom and Kinross and Clackmannanshire. By live in the three principal towns of Dunfermline, custom it is widely held to have been one of Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes. the major Pictish kingdoms, known as Fib, and is still commonly known as the Kingdom of Fife The historic town of St Andrews is located on within Scotland. the northeast coast of Fife. It is well known for the University of St Andrews, one of the most It is a lieutenancy area, and was a county of ancient universities in the world and is Scotland until 1975. It was very occasionally renowned as the home of golf. known by the anglicisation Fifeshire in old documents and maps compiled by English cartographers and authors. A person from Fife is known as a Fifer.

Fife was a local government region divided into three districts: Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and North-East Fife. Since 1996 the functions of the district councils have been exercised by the unitary Fife Council. 14

Forth Rail Bridge 15 What to see in Fife

Travel: Rental car is the best way to travel around Fife as it is so vast and open. Short drive over the from Edinburgh though. Stagecoach run buses from Edinburgh to various points in Fife. There are also trains available to some towns and villages.

Anstruther Fish Bar This fish and chip shop is world renowned and regularly has weekend queues out the door. Sitting right on one of Fife’s classic village harbours, they are able to source their fish every morning, fresh. Tom Hanks has even made the trip to try it. Travel: As a remote village, it’s best to hire a car. About 1 and a half hour drive from Edinburgh.

The Scottish Deer Centre The grand estate hosts 12 species of deer and a catalogue of Scottish wild animals that are now rarely seen in the countryside. From Wolves, to Lynx’, to the Scottish Wildcat and even a brown bear, it’s an interesting day out. Open 10-5.30 everyday. Travel: A rental car is best, it’s in the very middle of Fife Tickets: Adults cost £8.50 and there are family tickets

St Andrews St Andrews is a world renowned town in Fife which plays host to St Andrews golf course and St Andrews University. Both attract people from around the world. A very quient and antique style town, there’s a lot of history and a good selection of shops to look at, especially for Scottish items. Travel: A rental car is best, especially if travelling to other points in Fife

Knockhill Racing Knockhill racing is a premier circuit not far from Dunfermline and it plays host to several car shows, races and motorbike events throughout the year. They do have a variety of driving experiences too, several different types of cars. The circuit is set in the countryside high up on a hill. Travel: Another remote venue so a rental car is best Website: www.knockhill.com 16

Village houses in Crail Enjoy your trip If you want to know where’s good to eat or drink in Edinburgh, let me know.

Marty