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Edinburgh is a rugged city that is dominated by Scotland's most popular tourist destination - Edinburgh Castle. No description of the city is complete without several references to the castle perched on a high Craig for the fortunes of the castle reflected the sea-saw fortunes of Edinburgh and Scotland itself. The castle rests on the most easily defended site in the city. The soldier's on sentry duty ranged from Roman soldiers to the present Scottish garrison who occupy the castle. The castle has stood guard over Edinburgh for a thousand years and sits on top of an ancient extinct volcano. Three of the walls are sheet drops down a mountainside while the sole approach is up The Royal Mile - a mile long road lined with quaint shops and eateries. Despite its seemingly impregnable appearance, control of the castle, and by extension, the city changed hands many times between the English and the Scots over the centuries. This occasional domination by the English and the city's proximity to England meant that the city developed strong ties with England that may be reflected in the architecture. Edinburgh's medieval roots are plain to see in the picturesque streets and cobblestone lanes and quaint houses. It's spooky alleys and ancient churches served as a backdrop for the fictional characters of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Edinburgh is a small city and all the major events and buildings are within reasonable walking distance of one another. It has a reputation for fine native food (everything from salmon to haggis) fine foreign cuisine, and apart from its historical attractions, the city's festivals. The highlight of Scotland's event list I the Edinburgh International festival. This arts festival began in 1947 and is one of the world's largest and most well known. At the same time the Fringe Festival grew in its wake and now both festival serve up entertainment for everyone. It seems that every kind of venue from pubs to theatres is roped in as a potential venue. Another cultural highlight is the Military tattoo, this is an exhibition of military prevision, pomp and ceremony and f course bagpipes. The event ends with a sole piper playing on the battlements. The other major event is Hogmanay, a peculiar Scottish way of celebrating New Year. Street parties mark the event, accompanied by singsongs, and bonfires. |