Scotland4me.net
'Out
and About'
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| 'Out
and About' |
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| 'City
of Edinburgh'
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Edinburgh city centre - Princes Street. Building started in 1767 using plans designed by a young architect called James Craig who won the competition nine years previously when was only 22 year old. Construction of Princes Street began at the East end and reached Hanover Street by 1805. Originally the street was to be filled with fine residences but this idea was overtaken by commercial interests and although tradesmen's booths were demolished as they spoiled the view, Princes Street increasingly became more commercial becoming Edinburgh's main shopping Street. Today, Princes Street is a thriving shopping area and a place to find many large department stores such as Marks & Spencers, British Home Stores, House of Fraser and Debenhams. | ||
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Princes St Gardens- For centuries the Nor Loch acted as a Northern defence for Edinburgh Castle and was once a picturesque lake but over the years became an open stinking sewer. The Gardens were created in the 1820s following the long draining of the Loch and the creation of the Edinburgh New Town. In the 1840s the railway was built and Waverley Station opened in its present form in 1854. The gardens run along the south side of Princes Street. The Gardens are a popular meeting place in Edinburgh, and play host to regular concerts at the Ross Bandstand and in particularly the city's Hogmanay celebrations. | ||
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Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills right in the centre of the city. It is unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline. The acropolis is in fact an unfinished monument, it was originally called the "National Monument". Building of this relic began in 1822 then funds ran out. The Edinburgh architect William Playfair only saw a facade of his building completed. It was dubbed "Edinburgh's shame", but it is now a popular landmark and a lot of fun climbing up and down its giant steps. Plans to complete the building never really get much support. The top of Calton hill is a quiet place to be on any day with its grassy slopes and panoramic views of the city. | ||
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Ocean Terminal
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Holds the key to a whole new shopping experience with over seventy stores
waiting for you under the one roof. Packed full of big brand names and
unique hidden treasures, you will also find
the best in leisure that Edinburgh has to offer with various theme bars,
restaurants serving a selection of different dishes, cinema, spa
and the Royal Yacht Britannia. All of this and ample free parking set in
a stunning waterfront location with views across the River Forth to the
Fife coast will keep you occupied for hours.
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Silverknowes - Until the late nineteenth century the area of farmland to the north of Davidson's Mains was known as "Randalistoun" or "Randerstoune". Early development involved the Caledonian Railway who contstructed a railway line to Barnton via Davidson's Mains. The former route lies to the south of the estate and is now used as a cycle path. To the west of Silverknowes lies the historic Lauriston Castle and estate. Open farmland lies between the northern fringes of the western half and the Firth of Forth promenade. It is possible to access the 18th century Cramond Village using this promenade. To the east side of Silverknowes Road you will find the Silverknowes Golf Club and course which is operated by Edinburgh Leisure. The golf course stretches to the beach. There is also a camp site and a Hotel along the beach road. | ||
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Arthur's Seat is the main peak of a group of hills which forms most of Holyrood Park a wild piece of highland landscape in the centre of the city of Edinburgh, about a mile to the east of the Castle. The hill rises above the city to a height of 251 m (820 ft) and provides excellent panoramic views of the city. Though it can be climbed from almost any direction the easiest and simplest route is from the East, where a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch. | ||
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