Historic Sites in Appin House

"The unconventional design has long been a topic of much debate and discussion. Some people think it's the best place to house our government, others think it's quite frankly ridiculous and would prefer a more traditional looking government building. The design has won awards in the past, but we don't think we're wide of the mark in saying it's something of a marmite structure, having featured in many lists of this nature in years gone by."

"The best way to learn is practice, so to understand how the decisions for the country are taken, head over to the Scottish parliament for a tour. Not only the history but the architecture of the building will impress you. This modern building, recipient of major architectural awards, with ample natural light through the glass panels, will surely awe you."

"See Spanish architect Enric Miralles’ magnificent (and controversial) Holyrood building, take a tour of the interior, sit in on a debate or look at the artwork on display.Horse Wynd, 0800 092 7500, scottish.parliament.uk. Opening hours vary according to whether Parliament is in session, see website for details."

"Picture perfect and pretty as a postcard, Dean Village first started out as a settlement on the fringes of the city where local millers would live. Once upon a time, eleven mills donned the river, driven by the water’s current. Now, the former mills and millers’ houses make up some of the most prime real estate in Edinburgh."

"Also in New Town, Dean Village is a former millers village built on the banks of the Water of Leith River. You can go there on foot from the city centre in about 15-20 minutes. You will see, it’s a very surprising place, contrasting greatly with the rest of Edinburgh."

"Take a walk through Dean Village. This is a beautiful green oasis on the Water of Leith (just a 5-minute walk from Princes Street)."

"John Knox House is a fascinating mediaeval building constructed in 1470. It is named after the famous Protestant reformer John Knox, although he actually only lived there for a short period in his life. The house was also home to James Mosman, an ardent supporter of Mary Queen of Scots who was one of the "Queen's Men" who seized Edinburgh Castle in a failed attempt to have her reinstated."

"Grassmarket is snuggled in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is bursting with local shops and so much good food. Mary’s Milk Bar is supposed to have incredible gelato (sadly never got to visit while I was in the city), and in the summer there are stalls set up selling even more food and locally made jewelry and art. Nearby is Victoria Street, which is a chocolate box-esque street that looks like stores were literally stacked on top of one another."

"Surrounded by tourist attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum, Greyfriar’s Bobby, Elephant House and being only minutes away from the Royal Mile, this market consists of over 20 stalls offering locally grown and seasonal produce, freshly baked breads, delightful sweets and craftwork made by local craftmakers."

"A great place for unusual finds such as vintage clothes, contemporary jewellery and rare books. Distance from Hotel:500 m6 mins6 mins4 mins"

"If you want to save money when visiting the city’s popular attractions, consider purchasing the Royal Edinburgh Ticket. This is a pre-paid attraction pass which includes FREE entry to royal sites including, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse."

"Onetime haunt of Mary, Queen of Scots, with a long history of gruesome murder, destructive fire, and power-hungry personalities, the…"

"The plans to construct an iconic city hall in Edinburgh were sparked in 1896 by Andrew Usher, renowned whisky distiller, who promised to fund the project. In 1914, Usher Hall was built by architects Stockdale Harrison and Howard H Thomson, a magnificent and classical beaux-arts-style concert hall which stood in defiance against the Victorian Gothic architecture so commonly found within the city of Edinburgh. Situated on Lothian Road in the west of the capital, Usher Hall is instantly recognizable with its curved walls, geometric precision and intriguing exterior design, featuring famous Scots such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns."

"Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s premier concert venue and a must-visit for fans of entertainment and culture. The hall was built in 1914 and features beautiful architecture, including a curved exterior decorated with panels of famous figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Mozart. The hall has historically been used for a variety of events, including concerts, political events, and sporting events."

"Linlithgow Palace: Used as a royal residence throughout the ages, Linlithgow Palace is located in a town of the same name and was one of the most important seats of the monarchy during the 15th and 16th-centuries. In fact, it was even the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots!"

"Other things to do in Dunkeld include walking along the river to see the Thomas Telford Bridge, checking out the shops along Atholl Street (and the Atholl Memorial Fountain), checking out the colorful exteriors of the “Little Houses” of Dunkeld which include twenty 18th century private houses restored by the National Trust of Scotland, and stopping at the National Trust owned Ell Shop, which is a restored weaver’s shop. If you have more time, there are a number of lovely woodland walks around Dunkeld including taking a trail through the Hermitage."

"A post shared by Mary Alexiou (@marilein_alexiou) on Aug 30, 2017 at 11:19am PDT. Small and cosy, Wildfire is a family-run steak and seafood bistro that offers a superb menu of food and drink coupled with a quality of service that makes every customer feel special. With exquisitely prepared, top-quality Aberdeen Angus beef and locally-sourced produce where possible, Wildfire is the perfect place to spend some quality time with a friend, partner or family member."

"This is a welcoming, family-run restaurant in the center of the city. Rose Street is a popular destination for pub crawls, but if you need something to eat after a drinking session, or you've been shopping on nearby Princes Street, then you'll find great steak and seafood here. The best Aberdeen Angus steak, Scottish lamb, West coast mussels, fresh fish, and delicious local cheeses can all be found on the menu."

"It's by the sea – Newhaven Harbour is across the street – the interior looks like a well-appointed surf shack and it has ceviche, chowder, lobster, mussels and oysters on the menu. Meanwhile the specials board could bring scallops with black pudding, sea bream with potatoes, samphire and potted shrimp, and other simple, fresh dishes. Given the owners are Thai – and the premises used to house a Thai restaurant – there may be even be some Asian-inflected options at times."

"Village Hotel Edinburgh is located just 8 miles and 15 minutes drive time from Edinburgh Airport. It is just 2 miles from Edinburgh city centre and Haymarket railway and 3 miles from Edinburgh Waverley train station. Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle - Royal Yacht Britannia and Princes Street - a shopaholics dream location."

"If you are a fan of Elemis spa treatments, PURE Spa is the one for you!. The contemporary design of the spa is sophisticated and relaxing, with a brilliant relaxation room where you can completely unwind after your treatment and enjoy some complimentary fruit juice. Here in Edinburgh, we are lucky to have 3 amazing locations where you can experience a PURE Spa; Lothian Road, Rose Street & Newhaven."

"Edinburgh's 18th-century City Chambers were built over the sealed-off remains of Mary King's Close, and the lower levels of this medieval Old Town alley have survived almost unchanged amid the foundations for 250 years. Now open to the public, this spooky, subterranean labyrinth gives a fascinating insight into the everyday life of 17th-century Edinburgh. Costumed characters lead tours through a 16th-century town house and the plague-stricken home of a 17th-century gravedigger. Advance booking recommended."

"A few recommendations (although there are many more), are Stirling, Doune Castle, and the Kelpies. The city of Stirling and nearby has a lot of great attractions, including Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. Doune Castle is a medieval castle made famous as the primary filming location for the cult film Monty Python and the Holy Grail and most recently used in Season 1 of the TV series Outlander."

"A day tour of Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle, as well as other highlights including the Trossachs and the Kelpies A full day tour that includes Loch Ness, Glencoe and Whisky tasting. A long day, but a good way to see a lot."