| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
Given the contrasting reputations of Edinburgh and Glasgow, any traveler who hasn't examined a map of Scotland might be forgiven for thinking that they are separated by hundreds of miles. In fact, Scotland's two primary cities are only about 72km (45 miles) apart, but almost everyone who visits them will be struck by their differences. And although there is a good deal of competition (and some envy, too) between the two cities -- like The Beatles' Lennon and McCartney -- they are strongest as a pair, each bringing value to the partnership. Both cities contribute mightily -- and equally -- to the cultural vibrancy of the nation. With this in mind, the country would do well to improve the public transportation links between the two cities, especially in the wee small hours. To the east, the capital, Edinburgh, has an almost fairy-tale setting, with its imposing castle high on one hill. Built on ancient volcanoes and first established because of its secure and defensible position, it has become a crossroads. Practically everyone who comes to Scotland today spends some time in Edinburgh. And its midsummer international Festival is one of the biggest in the world. Edinburgh is the second most popular tourist destination in Great Britain following London, and it's not hard to see why. Compact and tidy, it is more of a big town than a small city. In the west, Glasgow, on the other hand, is not a place that anyone might call precious. In comparison to Edinburgh, G
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| History (Source: WCities) | Top | The huge rock upon which Edinburgh Castle now stands is a natural stronghold, and warring Celtic tribes would use it as such during the first centuries of the first millennium. King Edwin of Northumbria is thought to have built the castle here in the 7th century and the settlement's name was anglicised to Edinburgh. In 1018 King Malcolm II defeated the Northumbrians and Edinburgh Castle became Scottish. Essentially the town took its starting point from the Edinburgh Castle , and developed down the slope of Castle Rock. In 1128 an abbey was founded at Holyrood, at the foot of the rock, and what's now called the "Canongate" took its name from the presence of its canons who founded a separate burgh there. Since the 9th century there has been a church on the site where St Giles' Cathedral now stands, but little is known about it until the building founded by Alexander I in 1120. The developing route — from the Edinburgh Castle , along Lawn Market & High Street (past St Giles' Cathedral ), to Canongate became known as the "Royal Mile". A brief spell under the English and some ferocious power struggles marked the 14th and 15th centuries. During this time, Edinburgh received a royal charter from Robert the Bruce and in 1498 Holyroodhouse Palace was built at the site of the Abbey. At this time Edinburgh was beginning to benefit from the trade and export of wool. Meanwhile, the "Old Town" was developing — creating the Grassmarket and Cowgate. A
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| How To Get There (Source: Frommers) | Top | Carriers that fly directly to Edinburgh and Glasgow from the U.S. have changed over the past few years. For example, in 2006, American Airlines unexpectedly announced it would terminate its summer service from Chicago to Glasgow. Most long-haul flights arrive and depart from Glasgow's airport. But London accepts flights from all corners of the globe, of course. Internally, British Airways (tel. 800/247-9297 , or 0870/850-9850 in the U.K.; www.ba.com) offers frequent nonstop flights daily from London's Heathrow Airport to both Edinburgh and Glasgow. BMI (formerly British Midland; tel. 0870/607-0555; www.flybmi.com) also flies from Heathrow to both Edinburgh and Glasgow. It is a member of the international "Star Alliance" which includes carriers such as Air Canada, Air New Zealand, United, and US Airways. Ryanair (tel. 0871/246-0000; www.ryanair.com) is a budget airline that flies from Stansted outside London to Prestwick south of Glasgow. By Car If you're driving north to Scotland from England, it's fastest to take the M1 motorway north from London. You can reach M1 by driving to the ring road from any point in the British capital. Southeast of Leeds, you'll need to connect with A1 (not a motorway), which you take north to Scotch Corner. Here M1 resumes, ending south of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Then you can take A696 , which becomes A68 , for its final run north into Edinburgh. If you're in the west of England, go north along M5 , which
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| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | The Edinburgh Festival is, without doubt, the highlight of the capital's entertainment calendar. This summer extravaganza centers on two festivals that run concurrently — The Edinburgh International Festival and The Fringe Festival , both of which focus on the performing arts. The former invites touring professionals from all over the world, whilst the latter welcomes new talent and crowds of students and wannabees. Up-and-coming comics frequent The Pleasance, whose outdoor bar is open late into the night, and the Gilded Balloon. The comedy is one of the best things at the Festival and a must on the stand-up circuit — you are very likely to see acts that will later appear on TV. Amateur theatrical and dance productions are often of a very high standard, although one of the joys of the Fringe is being the only member of the audience at an obscure, incomprehensible play. Edinburgh goes crazy during the Festival; it's packed with street-performers, tourists, talent scouts and hangers-on. As there are so many productions on, you are never short of entertainment. If you are at all interested in the performing arts, the Edinburgh Festival should not be left off your summer schedule. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo also takes place in the summer — during the month of August. The Tattoo is one of the world's finest military displays, attended by over 200,000 people. It's a splendid mix of pomp, pageantry, music, ceremony, entertainment and drama — all set again
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